Television is said to have one of the most glamorous jobs. But it is not just hosting actors; it requires so much more. But free-speech advocates in the US warn that late-night shows might be in trouble. This comes after the most famous TV hosts, Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel, were suspended from their own talk shows for alleged comments against the Trump administration.
While Kimmel has made his return, he did not tone down his comments about the situation. His 20-minute monologue and a staged interaction with Robert De Niro did not leave the US President happy, who celebrated his ‘indefinite’ suspension on ABC. But, these controversy kings are also among the highest-paid TV hosts of all time. While Kimmel does not take home a paycheck worth billions, he earns more than Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, and other contemporaries.
Jimmy Kimmel’s annual paycheck
Kimmel has been hosting ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!‘ since 2003 on ABC. Ranking among the top 25, Kimmel’s gig earns him $16 million annually, as per a Forbes report. Despite declining ratings and reduced popularity among MAGA, he remains one of the most supported persons in the industry. Several Hollywood actors and fans spoke up against his ban and condemned Sinclair for the decision.
The combined earnings of the 25 highest-paid TV hosts are estimated at $582 million across the late-night, primetime, news, sports, and lifestyle shows. As per Celebrity Net Worth, Kimmel, himself, is worth $50 million and ranks 23rd on the list.
Who is the highest-paid TV host?
Meet Tom Brady, the seven-time Super Bowl champion, who now tops the Forbes’ list. Footballer turned analyst, Brady earns a staggered $37.5 million a year from his show on Fox. He retired in 2022 and signed a profitable deal and adding a streak of star-power to the NFL, and is also reportedly a stakeholder of the same.
Celebrity chefs Guy Fieri, Bobby Flay, and Gordon Ramsay follow Brady. Ranked second, they earn $33 million. A number of women have also earned their spot on the list. Three hosts, Judy Sheindlin ($30 million), Rachel Maddow, and Robin Roberts (both at $25 million) are among the highest paid women on TV. Both Savannah Guthrie ($24 million) and Kelly Ripa ($22 million), rank among the top fifteen.