The Billion-Dollar Shows: The TV Shows That Made the Most Money

Television has produced some massive financial successes over the years. Certain shows have made an impact not only in pop culture but also in the financial world, pulling in billions through syndication, advertising, merchandise, and streaming rights. Let’s break down the top 10 highest-grossing TV shows during their run, ranked from lowest to highest based on their total earnings.

‍10. Stranger Things – $1 Billion+

Though Stranger Things debuted on Netflix in 2016, its financial impact has been nothing short of extraordinary. Despite being relatively new to the TV world, this supernatural thriller became a cultural phenomenon almost overnight. Much of its success stems from the fact that it helped Netflix keep millions of subscribers engaged, ensuring a steady revenue flow from its subscription model. But the money-making didn’t stop there. Stranger Things branched out into massive merchandising deals, partnering with brands like Lego, Nike, and even Hasbro. The show’s retro 80s vibe has also sparked collaborations with retailers, making everything from themed apparel to board games. Stranger Things has even expanded into theme parks, like the Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights, where fans can walk through immersive mazes designed around the show’s eerie world. With more seasons in development, the $1 billion figure is likely just the beginning​.

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9. The Walking Dead – $1 Billion+

When The Walking Dead premiered on AMC in 2010, no one could have predicted how it would take over television. At its peak, the zombie apocalypse series drew in over 17 million viewers per episode, making it one of the highest-rated cable shows of all time. From a financial perspective, it was a goldmine for AMC, raking in around $11 million per episode in ad revenue during its prime. The show's earnings didn’t stop with advertising. The Walking Dead became a merchandising machine, spawning action figures, graphic novels, video games, and even themed attractions at amusement parks. While its viewership has dipped in recent seasons, the show still commands a strong fanbase and continues to bring in revenue through syndication and streaming deals​. Even years after its debut, The Walking Dead has amassed over $1 billion in total earnings, solidifying its place in the TV earnings hall of fame.

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8. Grey’s Anatomy – $2 Billion+

Few shows can match the longevity and financial success of Grey’s Anatomy. Since its debut in 2005, this medical drama has consistently been one of ABC’s top-rated programs. Its ability to continuously draw in viewers has kept advertisers paying premium rates for commercial slots, but the real financial success of Grey’s Anatomy comes from its syndication and streaming deals. Streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu paid hefty sums for the rights to air past seasons of the show, ensuring its visibility even to newer generations. Fans also flock to purchase DVDs, Blu-rays, and even Grey’s Anatomy-themed merchandise, such as medical gear and clothing. Shonda Rhimes’ creation has also been a springboard for spin-offs like Private Practice and Station 19, adding even more to the franchise's bottom line. Over its nearly two-decade run, Grey’s Anatomy has generated more than $2 billion, making it one of the most profitable TV shows ever​.

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7. Game of Thrones – $2.28 Billion

Game of Thrones wasn’t just a TV show; it was a cultural phenomenon. Premiering in 2011, the fantasy epic helped HBO redefine premium television by blending intricate storytelling with blockbuster-level production. The show was a significant driver of subscriptions for HBO, with millions of viewers signing up specifically to catch the latest episodes. In addition to its subscriber fees, Game of Thrones raked in billions through DVD and Blu-ray sales, particularly with its special and collector’s editions, which became highly coveted among fans. The show’s merchandise empire was equally impressive, spanning everything from action figures to board games and even high-end jewelry. The final season, despite its divisive ending, drew over 19 million viewers for the series finale, proving just how much of a financial powerhouse Game of Thrones had become. Over its eight-season run, the show brought in more than $2.28 billion for HBO​.

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6. NCIS Franchise – $4 Billion+

NCIS is one of those shows that may fly under the radar for some, but its financial success is impossible to ignore. Since its debut in 2003, NCIS has expanded into one of the most reliable franchises in television history. The original series, along with spin-offs like NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: New Orleans, has become a fixture in syndication. Re-runs of the show air frequently on cable networks, bringing in millions each year through syndication deals. The show's global appeal is another key factor in its financial success, with episodes airing in multiple countries and languages. Even though it’s a procedural drama, NCIS has managed to build a loyal fanbase, contributing to its impressive earnings, which have now surpassed $4 billion​.

5. Law & Order Franchise – $4 Billion+

Law & Order is another franchise that has mastered the art of longevity. First premiering in 1990, the original Law & Order series, along with its spin-offs (SVU, Criminal Intent, etc.), has been a cash cow for NBC. Over 1,200 episodes across the franchise means there's a constant demand for syndication deals. Channels around the world pay hefty sums to air re-runs, ensuring a steady flow of income even years after the original episodes aired. The show also thrives on its international presence, with Law & Order being adapted for different countries, further broadening its revenue streams. With over $4 billion in earnings, this franchise proves that a good police procedural never goes out of style​.

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4. Seinfeld – $4.56 Billion

Seinfeld is often referred to as the "show about nothing," but when it comes to money, it’s a show about everything. Initially airing from 1989 to 1998, the sitcom became a cultural juggernaut, and its financial success has only grown since its finale. Seinfeld continues to dominate syndication, earning around $4 billion just from reruns. Streaming deals have only added to the show’s fortune—Hulu paid $180 million for the streaming rights, and in 2021, Netflix secured the global rights for a whopping $500 million. Jerry Seinfeld and co-creator Larry David have made hundreds of millions from the show’s ongoing success, and it remains one of the most lucrative sitcoms in history​.

3. The Big Bang Theory – $4.57 Billion

The Big Bang Theory was a ratings juggernaut during its 12-season run on CBS, and its financial success is equally impressive. By the time the show wrapped up in 2019, it had earned more than $4.57 billion. Much of this came from syndication deals with networks like TBS, which paid around $1 billion to air re-runs. The cast, which included top earners like Jim Parsons and Kaley Cuoco, were each pulling in $1 million per episode toward the end of the show’s run. High ad rates, combined with streaming and merchandising deals, pushed The Big Bang Theory to become one of the most profitable TV shows of all time​.

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2. Friends – $4.8 Billion+

It’s hard to think of a show more universally beloved than Friends. Since its finale in 2004, Friends has consistently pulled in huge numbers through syndication. Warner Bros. reportedly makes around $1 billion annually from reruns alone, as the show remains a staple on cable channels worldwide. In the streaming era, Friends became one of Netflix’s most-watched shows, and in 2020, HBO Max acquired the rights for a reported $425 million. With a huge fanbase that spans generations, the show has continued to make money long after its original run, raking in a total of over $4.8 billion.

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1. The Simpsons – $14 Billion+

No show comes close to the financial dominance of The Simpsons. As the longest-running American sitcom and animated series, The Simpsons has generated a staggering $14 billion in revenue since its 1989 debut. Much of that comes from syndication deals, with the show airing in over 100 countries worldwide. Merchandising is another massive revenue stream, with billions coming from toys, apparel, video games, and even a theme park attraction at Universal Studios. The show’s streaming rights also proved lucrative when Disney acquired Fox, making The Simpsons a key part of the Disney+ catalog. With new episodes still being produced, The Simpsons remains a financial juggernaut, and its influence is only growing​.

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These TV shows didn’t just entertain millions—they became financial giants, pulling in billions through clever licensing deals, massive syndication rights, and continuous merchandising. Their impact on pop culture and the business of television is undeniable, proving that great TV can be as profitable as it is influential.