It’s mind-boggling to consider how far television has progressed and evolved. The days of classic TV shows are long gone. Productions that cost episodes more than $100 million every season are becoming the norm. These TV Shows have cinematic techniques and unique sets that equal those seen in Hollywood films. Check out how much it costs to stream some of the most costly episodes on television:
1. The Big Bang Theory – $9 Million Per Episode
The CBS comedy was met with mixed reviews, with many critiquing its dimwittedness during the first seasons. However, it surged through the ranks, earning four Emmys and a Golden Globe. It drew more than 18 million viewers every episode by the sixth season. The show’s twelfth season ended with the lead performers earning an average of one million dollars every episode. By the end, The Big Bang Theory had a nine million dollar per-episode production budget, with 24 episodes every season.
2. Westworld – $8 Million Per Episode
The premiere of Westworld was a little rough. During the early stages of production, Jonathan Nolan’s highly anticipated series underwent some revamping and a shutdown. However, the pilot proved to be quite valuable, since it has gone on to become one of HBO’s most popular shows. The multi-genre series boasts a vast cast and an even broader canvas on which to explore its storylines. The first season of the show was produced for a total of $100 million. This suggests that each episode cost between $8 and $10 million each episode, including a $25 million pilot episode. These figures have only grown as the show has progressed.
3. Stranger Things – $8 Million Per Episode
Due to the show’s enormous popularity, Netflix had to flip its pocket inside out to keep it operating. Season one cost $6 million each episode, or $48 million for an eight-episode first season. Season two cost $72 million, or $8 million per episode, for a nine-episode season. Sponsors also have been extremely helpful to the show. Over 100 companies appeared in the eight episodes of season three, according to Concave Brand Tracking. It is estimated that product placement over the season was worth more than $15 million in advertising value.
4. The Crown – $13 Million Per Episode
When Netflix’s enactment of the royal family heritage is concluded, it is expected to be one of the most expensive TV Shows ever. Aside from the $35,000 spent on a duplicate of the queen’s bridal gown in the first episode, total production expenditures per episode are $13 million. The program is expected to run up till the sixth season. The 60-episode series is expected to cost $780 million in total, or more if the budget is increased.
5. Game of Thrones – $15 Million Per Episode
Game of Thrones is unrivaled in terms of magnitude for TV Shows. The program had a $70 million budget for its first season when it debuted in 2010. In retrospect, that was a bargain. For seasons six and seven, episodes were upped to $10 million apiece, and subsequently to $15 million for the final season. Despite a previous season that was criticized by fans for its lack of quality, early indications indicate that HBO kept a large portion of its earnings from new customers in the first billing cycle after “Game of Thrones” ended.
