How Much Does the Cast of Blue Bloods Make?
Blue Bloods has been a staple on CBS for over a decade, and with its continued success, the stars of the show are making substantial earnings. Leading the pack is Tom Selleck, who has built an impressive fortune over his long career, but he’s not the only one benefiting from the show’s success. The rest of the cast also enjoys hefty paychecks for bringing the Reagan family to life. Let’s break it all down.
The Success of Blue Bloods – A Financial Powerhouse
Since its premiere in 2010, Blue Bloods quickly became one of CBS’s most-watched crime dramas. The series follows the Reagan family, a multi-generational line of law enforcement officers in New York City. Its compelling storylines, deep character development, and dedicated fanbase have kept it going strong season after season.
But Blue Bloods isn’t just a hit with audiences—it’s a financial powerhouse for CBS. The show generates millions in revenue from advertising, syndication deals, and streaming platforms, translating into substantial paychecks for the cast.
Tom Selleck’s Salary: The Top Earner
As the face of Blue Bloods and the beloved Commissioner Frank Reagan, Tom Selleck earns the highest paycheck on the show. Reports indicate that Selleck makes between $200,000 and $250,000 per episode. This means he’s pulling in an impressive $5 million per season based on an average of 20 episodes per year.
Thanks to his long career in Hollywood and Blue Bloods, Selleck’s net worth is estimated at around $45 million, with the show playing a significant role in his financial success.
The Rest of the Blue Bloods Cast and Their Salaries
While Selleck is the highest earner, the rest of the main cast also enjoys impressive salaries. Here’s a breakdown of what the other stars reportedly make per episode:
- Donnie Wahlberg (Danny Reagan): $150,000 per episode, which brings in about $3 million per season. Wahlberg, also known for his music career with New Kids on the Block, adds to his wealth with acting roles and other ventures.
- Bridget Moynahan (Erin Reagan): $100,000 – $150,000 per episode, meaning she earns around $2 – $3 million per season.
- Will Estes (Jamie Reagan): $70,000 – $100,000 per episode, which equals about $1.5 – $2 million per season.
- Vanessa Ray (Eddie Janko-Reagan): $50,000 – $70,000 per episode, adding up to roughly $1 million per season.
How the Cast Makes Even More Money
Aside from their regular salaries, the Blue Bloods cast members have additional income streams that further boost their fortunes:
- Syndication and Streaming Deals: CBS benefits from reruns of Blue Bloods, and the actors receive residuals when episodes are aired on syndication or streaming platforms.
- Endorsements & Side Projects: Many of the stars, including Wahlberg, have endorsement deals and side projects that generate additional revenue. Wahlberg, for example, co-owns the popular Wahlburgers chain, which adds to his income.
- Contract Renegotiations: As the series became more successful, the actors were able to renegotiate their contracts, increasing their salaries for the later seasons.
How Blue Bloods Compares to Other CBS Dramas
Blue Bloods is certainly among the top-paid shows on CBS, although other long-running crime dramas like NCIS and FBI also feature well-compensated casts. For comparison:
- Mark Harmon (former NCIS star) reportedly earned $525,000 per episode before leaving the show.
- LL Cool J and Chris O’Donnell from NCIS: Los Angeles earned between $150,000 – $350,000 per episode.
While Tom Selleck’s salary isn’t as high as Mark Harmon’s, his consistent role on Blue Bloods has made him one of the top-paid actors on network TV.
Is Blue Bloods Ending Soon?
Though fans have speculated that Blue Bloods might end soon, CBS has not officially announced an end date. If the show does wrap up, the cast will still receive income from reruns and syndication deals, though their per-episode salaries will cease.
Given their lucrative earnings from the show, the stars of Blue Bloods are financially secure regardless of the show’s future.
Final Thoughts: Blue Bloods Cast Is Cashing In
It’s clear that being part of Blue Bloods is a very lucrative gig. Tom Selleck and his co-stars have earned millions from the hit series, proving that playing a Reagan brings serious financial rewards. As long as Blue Bloods stays on the air, its cast will continue to reap the benefits of one of television’s most successful shows.
FAQs
- How much does Tom Selleck make per episode of Blue Bloods?
Tom Selleck earns $200,000 – $250,000 per episode, translating to around $5 million per season. - Who is the second-highest-paid actor on Blue Bloods?
Donnie Wahlberg, who plays Danny Reagan, is the second-highest-paid cast member, earning about $150,000 per episode. - Does the Blue Bloods cast get paid for reruns?
Yes! The actors earn residuals from reruns and syndication deals, which continue to bring in revenue after the episodes first air. - Is Blue Bloods one of the highest-paid shows on CBS?
Yes, while it doesn’t surpass NCIS in salaries, Blue Bloods remains one of the top-earning shows on the network. - Will Blue Bloods continue for more seasons?
While there’s no official confirmation, there’s speculation that the show may be nearing its end in the near future.