7 High-Cost TV Shows That Hit the Jackpot

A massive budget is not always a guarantee of a successful show, as many big-budget TV shows have turned out to be flops over the years. Despite the high cost, some shows have managed to live up to their exorbitant price tags. For example, Citadel and The Rings of Power are recent shows that have struggled to justify their immense costs, with reviews of their first seasons being influenced by their highly publicized budgets.

Big-name actors can significantly increase a show's budget, along with expenses for costumes, locations, and CGI. TV shows have been getting more expensive in general, especially at the top end. The budgets for recent shows would have been unimaginable just a decade ago, highlighting the blurring lines between prestige TV and film. While expensive shows are becoming more common, the success rate shows that money does not always equal success. Only a few shows truly justify their high costs.

Friends (1994-2004)

$10 million per episode

Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, and Matt LeBlanc as Rachel, Phoebe, Ross, and Joey talking in the hallway in Friends - $10 million per episode - Friends (1994-2004)

It's rare for any TV stars to be paid so much, and having six actors earning such an amount of money in one show is unheard of.

During its final seasons, Friends became one of the most costly sitcoms to produce. The show featured six essential stars who successfully bargained for higher salaries, with each cast member eventually earning $1 million per episode. This was an unprecedented amount for TV stars, especially with all six actors making such high salaries on one show. Despite the hefty budget, Friends proved to be worth the investment and continues to be a beloved and popular sitcom.

Rome (2005-2007)

$9 million per episode

Rome HBO - $9 million per episode - Rome (2005-2007)

Band Of Brothers (2001)

Band Of Brothers is a gripping miniseries that follows the true story of Easy Company during World War II. This epic production was a landmark achievement in TV history, with a meticulous attention to detail that brought the harrowing experiences of these soldiers to life. The dedication to authenticity in portraying the era was evident in the uniforms, weapons, and sets used in the series. Despite airing almost two decades ago, Band Of Brothers continues to captivate audiences and remains a timeless classic. A remake with a modern budget could offer a fresh take on this beloved series.

$12.5 million per episode

A group of soldiers in HBO's Band of Brothers - $12.5 million per episode - Band Of Brothers (2001)

HBO's World War II miniseries, Band of Brothers, was a significant moment in the early days of high-quality television. Produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, it brought the grandeur and quality of movies to television screens. The talented cast of Band of Brothers has seen much success in the past two decades. However, the show's large budget was not just due to the cast. The ambitious miniseries required extensive period costumes and props, and was filmed on location across Europe.

The recent World War II drama, Masters of the Air, produced by the same team, is even more costly. The Apple TV+ original came with a price tag of $250 million for nine episodes.

The Crown (2016-2023)

$14.4 million per episode

Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown series finale - $14.4 million per episode - The Crown (2016-2023)

Netflix's The Crown is known for its high budget, especially in its dedication to accurately depicting historical events involving the British royal family. This is made possible by the impressive cast, which features talented actors like Olivia Colman, Imelda Staunton, and Jonathan Pryce. However, the main reason for the show's costly production is its commitment to historical authenticity. To achieve this, lavish costumes and extravagant locations are essential. In some cases, the show even utilizes CGI to replicate real-life settings like Windsor Castle, which would otherwise be impossible to film in. As a result, the show's budget is significantly inflated.

Stranger Things (2016-2025)

$30 million per episode

Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard and Noah Schnapp in Stranger Things season 4 finale - $30 million per episode - Stranger Things (2016-2025)

Stranger Things is known for its period setting and extensive use of CGI, which can significantly raise production costs. The show has become Netflix's most expensive series due to the combination of these factors. With each new season, the budget has seen a substantial increase as the show has become the flagship production for Netflix, leading to higher salaries for the cast. As we anticipate Stranger Things season 5, it is expected to have the largest budget yet. Despite the hefty costs, investing in Stranger Things has proven to be a smart move for Netflix. The challenge now lies in finding a worthy successor to the hit show.

The Mandalorian (2019-)

$15 million per episode

Din Djarin and Grogu arrive on Tatooine in the N-1 starfighter in The Mandalorian season 3 - $15 million per episode - The Mandalorian (2019-)

The Mandalorian doesn't sacrifice any of the scale or sci-fi action of the Star Wars movies just because it's on TV.

Game Of Thrones (2011-2019)

"The Mandalorian" marked the first live-action Star Wars TV show, making it a crucial debut for the franchise. Despite its substantial budget, the show proved to be a worthwhile investment for Disney+. It successfully maintains the grand scale and thrilling sci-fi action synonymous with the Star Wars movies. Within "The Mandalorian," standout episodes often present self-contained stories akin to short films. It is essential to note that not all live-action Star Wars shows have achieved the same level of excellence.

$15 million per episode

Richard Madden as Robb Stark looking stern at the Red Wedding in Game of Thrones - $15 million per episode - Game Of Thrones (2011-2019)

Loki (2021-2023)

Despite its controversial final season, Game of Thrones remains a standout in the world of fantasy TV. Adapted from George R. R. Martin's novels, the show weaves an intricate saga with a multitude of key characters. The elaborate costumes, props, and sets, along with extensive CGI, contributed to its substantial budget. Game of Thrones serves as a prime example of a daring and ambitious television series that spared no expense, particularly in its later seasons, to stay true to its source material.

$25 million per episode

Loki time-slipping in the official trailer - $25 million per episode - Loki (2021-2023)

Marvel's TV shows are known to have a budget of around $25 million per episode. While not all of them have been equally successful, Loki has proven to be worth every penny. The budgets for MCU films are consistently high, so it's no surprise that their TV projects are just as costly. Shows like Loki rely heavily on expensive CGI and well-known actors, both of which come with a hefty price tag. Despite the cost, Loki manages to deliver an entertaining mix of comedy and action while also expanding on the extensive lore of the MCU.

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights the complexities surrounding the relationship between budget and success in the television industry. While a substantial budget can often lead to visually impressive and ambitious projects, it does not guarantee critical or commercial success. The examples provided demonstrate that even shows with exorbitant costs can fall short of expectations, while others with more modest budgets have achieved enduring popularity.

The article emphasizes the importance of investing wisely in key areas such as casting, costumes, locations, and CGI. However, it also cautions against relying solely on a large budget to compensate for weaknesses in storytelling or character development. Ultimately, the success of a television show depends on a combination of factors, including a strong creative team, compelling storylines, and the ability to captivate and engage the audience.