Game of Thrones Cast Salaries: Who Earned the Most per Episode?
When Game of Thrones exploded into a worldwide phenomenon, it not only made history for its storytelling — it also set new records in television salaries. The Game of Thrones Cast became some of the highest-paid actors in the world, reflecting the show’s unmatched success. In this FreedomX exclusive, we break down how much the Game of Thrones Cast earned per episode, who made the most, and how their paychecks evolved over the years.
The Early Days: Modest Beginnings in Westeros
When the Game of Thrones Cast first signed on in 2010, none of them could have predicted the massive global following the show would attract. Most were relatively unknown at the time, and salaries were modest compared to Hollywood standards.
Season 1–2 Salaries: Many main cast members earned between $100,000 to $150,000 per episode, depending on experience and screen time.
At this stage, HBO was taking a gamble, investing more in production quality than actor salaries. However, as the Game of Thrones Cast began gaining fame and the show’s viewership soared, their paychecks increased dramatically. Learn more about it at: https://freedomx.com/entertainment/cast-on-game-of-thrones/
The Million-Dollar Club: Top Earners of the Game of Thrones Cast
By Seasons 7 and 8, the Game of Thrones Cast had entered a new league of stardom. According to reports, several main actors renegotiated their contracts to earn $1.1 million per episode, making them some of the highest-paid TV actors in history.
Emilia Clarke – Daenerys Targaryen
Emilia Clarke’s journey from a virtually unknown actress to one of the faces of Game of Thrones was remarkable. As Daenerys Targaryen, she commanded not just armies but also top-tier pay. By the final season, Clarke earned around $1.1 million per episode, placing her among the top earners of the Game of Thrones Cast.
Kit Harington – Jon Snow
Kit Harington’s portrayal of Jon Snow made him a global icon. His character became central to the story, and his salary reflected that. By the show’s end, Harington also earned $1.1 million per episode, equal to Clarke. His role as the reluctant hero and eventual King in the North helped solidify his status as one of the most valuable members of the Game of Thrones Cast.
Lena Headey – Cersei Lannister
As the cunning and ruthless Cersei Lannister, Lena Headey brought unmatched power and presence to the series. Her commanding performance made her one of the most memorable villains in television history. Like Clarke and Harington, she joined the million-dollar club in the final seasons, making her one of the highest-paid members of the Game of Thrones Cast.
Peter Dinklage – Tyrion Lannister
Peter Dinklage’s portrayal of Tyrion Lannister was nothing short of brilliant, earning him multiple Emmy Awards and global recognition. His role grew in complexity with each season, and he became one of the most respected members of the Game of Thrones Cast. By the final seasons, Dinklage earned $1.1 million per episode, matching his fellow leads.
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau – Jaime Lannister
The Danish star who brought Jaime Lannister to life was among the Game of Thrones Cast’s most dynamic performers. Coster-Waldau’s nuanced portrayal of redemption and internal conflict won audiences over — and by the end, his paycheck reflected his importance. Like his co-stars, he earned $1.1 million per episode during the show’s final run.
The Second Tier: Key Players with Strong Earnings
While not every member of the Game of Thrones Cast reached the million-dollar mark, many earned significant salaries as the series progressed.
Maisie Williams (Arya Stark) and Sophie Turner (Sansa Stark) reportedly earned between $175,000 and $250,000 per episode by the final seasons. Their growing screen presence and popularity led to impressive pay raises over the years.
Alfie Allen (Theon Greyjoy), Gwendoline Christie (Brienne of Tarth), and Liam Cunningham (Davos Seaworth) also fell into this range, earning recognition and generous pay for their important supporting roles in the Game of Thrones Cast.
Rising Salaries Across the Board
The success of Game of Thrones created an unprecedented pay structure. As global viewership increased and HBO’s profits soared, the network rewarded its stars generously. By Seasons 6–8, the top five actors alone cost HBO over $5.5 million per episode, not counting bonuses or backend royalties.
The Game of Thrones Cast became a benchmark for salary negotiations across the industry. Future hit shows like The Witcher, House of the Dragon, and The Last of Us used similar pay models, all inspired by the structure established by the Game of Thrones Cast.
Bonuses, Royalties, and Beyond
Beyond per-episode pay, many in the Game of Thrones Cast received bonuses and backend deals based on DVD sales, streaming rights, and merchandise revenue. Peter Dinklage and Emilia Clarke were rumored to have earned extra compensation due to their global promotional commitments. These bonuses helped turn them into multimillionaires by the series’ end.
Additionally, Game of Thrones gave its stars leverage for future projects. Emilia Clarke transitioned into blockbuster films and brand partnerships, while Kit Harington joined Marvel’s Eternals. The fame and financial power gained from Game of Thrones continue to influence their careers.
Comparing the Cast’s Pay to Other TV Legends
At its peak, the Game of Thrones Cast joined the ranks of the highest-paid TV actors in history, rivaling the casts of Friends and The Big Bang Theory, both of whom earned around $1 million per episode in their final seasons. However, the Game of Thrones Cast achieved this milestone with a much larger and more international ensemble, setting a new precedent for fantasy television salaries.
The Value of Performance and Popularity
While money was a reward, the true legacy of the Game of Thrones Cast lies in their performances. HBO’s willingness to pay record-breaking salaries reflected the actors’ importance in making the world of Westeros so believable. Every epic battle and emotional scene was powered by their commitment and skill.
Their success also changed how studios view ensemble casts — proving that when every performer shines, the entire story benefits. The Game of Thrones Cast redefined how networks invest in talent, paving the way for future epic storytelling.
Conclusion: The True Worth of the Game of Thrones Cast
The Game of Thrones Cast didn’t just earn money — they earned a place in entertainment history. From modest beginnings to million-dollar episodes, their journey reflects the power of talent, teamwork, and storytelling. Their paychecks were not just compensation but recognition of the cultural impact they created together.
Even years after the finale, the legacy of the Game of Thrones Cast continues to shape how television values its stars. They proved that when an ensemble delivers excellence, the rewards — both artistic and financial — are boundless.