4. The Big Bang Theory
On The Air For: 12 seasons
Est. Star’s Salary: $1 million/episode (Jim Parsons)*
The Big Bang Theory is a novel sitcom in that it centers around a group of super-smart but socially awkward scientists as they navigate relationships. While it wasn’t a hit right out of the gate, the network gave it a chance and it eventually developed a massive following.
The Big Bang Theory @Variety / Twitter.com
At one time, star Jim Parsons was the highest-paid actor on television, rumored to be earning more than a million dollars per episode. The highly lucrative series went on to have a spin-off focusing on Parsons’ character as a child, aptly named Young Sheldon.