Introduction
When it comes to blockbuster television, few shows have achieved the success and global impact of Game of Thrones. The Game of thrones cast not only captivated millions of viewers with their performances but also saw their salaries skyrocket as the series gained worldwide fame. From humble beginnings to record-breaking paychecks, the story of how much the Game of Thrones Cast earned reveals just how influential the show became. Let’s take a look at the evolution of their salaries and find out who truly earned the most among the legendary ensemble.
Early Seasons: Modest Beginnings
When the first season aired in 2011, the Game of Thrones Cast was made up mostly of relatively unknown actors. While the show had a big budget, its stars weren’t paid like Hollywood A-listers — yet. Reports suggest that during the early seasons, most main actors earned between $100,000 and $150,000 per episode. For many, it was their first major television role, and the focus was on proving themselves rather than cashing huge checks.
The Breakout Success
As Game of Thrones became a cultural phenomenon, everything changed. The Game of Thrones Cast saw their popularity soar, and HBO recognized their essential role in the show’s success. By the time Season 4 arrived, pay raises became inevitable. Actors like Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, Lena Headey, Peter Dinklage, and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau began negotiating higher salaries, reflecting their rising fame and the show’s explosive viewership numbers.
The “Big Five” — The Highest-Paid Stars
By the later seasons, five members of the Game of Thrones Cast became the highest-paid actors on television. These included Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen), Kit Harington (Jon Snow), Lena Headey (Cersei Lannister), Peter Dinklage (Tyrion Lannister), and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Jaime Lannister).
Each of these stars reportedly earned $500,000 per episode starting from Season 7 — a massive increase from their early pay. This rate continued through the show’s final season, with bonuses and back-end deals further boosting their income. Their talent, dedication, and screen presence made them the face of the Game of Thrones Cast, and HBO rewarded them accordingly.
Supporting Cast Salaries
While the “Big Five” dominated the top earnings chart, the rest of the Game of Thrones Cast also saw major pay increases as the series advanced. Sophie Turner (Sansa Stark) and Maisie Williams (Arya Stark) started with smaller salaries but eventually reached around $150,000–$200,000 per episode by the end of the series.
Actors like Gwendoline Christie (Brienne of Tarth), Nathalie Emmanuel (Missandei), and Alfie Allen (Theon Greyjoy) were also well compensated for their growing importance in the story. The salary jump across the Game of Thrones Cast showed just how valuable the ensemble had become, both on and off-screen.
Behind-the-Scenes Negotiations
Negotiations between the Game of Thrones Cast and HBO were often intense. By the middle of the series, cast members began forming “salary tiers” — groups of actors who negotiated together to ensure fair pay. The “A-tier” included the lead five, while others were in “B” and “C” tiers depending on screen time and narrative importance.
These negotiations set new standards for how major streaming and cable networks approach pay equity. The Game of Thrones Cast didn’t just make money — they reshaped the way TV actors are compensated for global success.
Bonuses and Additional Earnings
In addition to per-episode salaries, members of the Game of Thrones Cast benefited from several other income sources. Some received bonuses for viewership milestones, while others secured lucrative contracts for merchandise and promotional campaigns.
Peter Dinklage, for example, reportedly earned performance-based bonuses due to his multiple Emmy wins. Meanwhile, Emilia Clarke and Kit Harington landed endorsement deals with major brands, thanks to their Game of Thrones fame. These additional earnings made the Game of Thrones Cast some of the wealthiest television actors of their generation.
Comparing TV Salaries: How They Ranked Globally
During its final seasons, the Game of Thrones Cast ranked among the highest-paid TV stars in history. Their salaries were comparable to those of the Friends cast in the early 2000s and even surpassed actors in many major Netflix originals. HBO’s investment in the Game of Thrones Cast paid off massively, as the show generated billions in global revenue, merchandise sales, and streaming rights.
Post-Show Earnings and Net Worth Growth
Even after the series ended, the Game of Thrones Cast continued to profit from their association with the show. Many leveraged their fame into blockbuster film roles, new TV series, and brand deals. Emilia Clarke starred in major films like Solo: A Star Wars Story, while Kit Harington joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Eternals.
These post-show opportunities significantly boosted the net worth of the Game of Thrones Cast, with some members now worth tens of millions of dollars. Their financial success is a testament to the long-lasting power of Game of Thrones and the brand built around its cast.
The True Legacy of Their Pay
Beyond the numbers, the salary evolution of the Game of Thrones Cast represents a broader shift in the entertainment industry. It showed how television actors could reach movie-star levels of fame and income. More importantly, it highlighted how a well-written show with the right ensemble can turn unknown faces into international icons.
The success of the Game of Thrones Cast inspired networks to value talent more fairly and acknowledge the impact of collective storytelling.
Conclusion
The Game of Thrones Cast went from earning modest paychecks to becoming some of the highest-paid actors in television history. Their financial journey mirrors the show’s rise from a risky fantasy project to a global entertainment empire. As of 2025, the Game of Thrones Cast continues to enjoy fame, fortune, and respect for their groundbreaking work on one of the most influential series ever made. Their legacy isn’t just about dragons and thrones — it’s about how talent, passion, and persistence can turn a TV show into a cultural and financial phenomenon.
