Speculating on TV characters' salaries for the hell of it

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Colin Mon, Jun 11, 2007 at 10:23 AM EST

For the Friends rent control issue, I believe that in an earlier episode Monica explained that the landlord did not know that the grandmother didn't still live there...I could be wrong though

Ann Sun, Jun 3, 2007 at 05:44 PM EST

The rent control thing doesn't do it for me on NYC apartments. The control has to do with how much the landlord can raise the rent while a single tenant lives there. When a new tenant moves in, the landlord can make an obscenely large rent increase for the first year. It's not like they would be paying the $50 rent that the tenant in that apartment paid when it was made rent controlled in 1946. So the people on Friends still ould never afford those apartments.
And Snsetblaze, Watchers do get paid (Buffy demands that Giles gets rehired by the Council and paid his back pay), but I never understood why the Slayers don't get paid by the Council. Since they clearly can't hold down another job (witness Buffy's failed attempts at employment), they should recognize that there has to be some money coming in.

steve Sat, Jun 2, 2007 at 10:20 PM EST

I make $88 a year in NYC and, while I can make ends meet, I'm def not living the lifestyle of Friends, or SATC, or any of these other NYC shows.

Ed Sat, Jun 2, 2007 at 11:37 AM EST

Devon, I did mention Susay Mayer and her nonexistant book deals. I also tore apart gabby.

Bill in FLA Sat, Jun 2, 2007 at 11:02 AM EST

The only one's on TV living within their means were Fred and Lamont Sanford on Sanford and Son.

Dave Sat, Jun 2, 2007 at 09:57 AM EST

is mode magazine hiring? i'm an executive assistant in a publishing company in nyc and i certainly don't make that money! now i'd like to know what AMANDA makes vs. betty...

B Sat, Jun 2, 2007 at 04:20 AM EST

To Snsetblaze:
If you go off the line from "Checkpoint", Watchers do get paid. Buffy says something along the lines of "Giles will be reinstated as my Watcher, to be paid retroactively from the month he was fired".
...I can't believe I remembered that.

Sat, Jun 2, 2007 at 12:50 AM EST

The "King of Queens" reflected a fairly accurate lifestyle of a "UPS"(even though the show called it IPS) driver & secretary (later realtor).

Peggy Sat, Jun 2, 2007 at 12:45 AM EST

To Kevo: I always thought Chandler's wealth (paying for he & Monica's elaborate wedding, one example) was because his Mother was a best selling romance novel author.

Snsetblaze Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 10:26 PM EST

To aa - Buffy's mom had an insurance policy that basically ended up paying her medical bills. Giles "loaned" her money. Giles seemes to have saved up a ton of money because he was able to take time off after the school exploded, buy the magic shop and give Buffy money. While he did have his school librarian salary, it was never clear if watchers were paid. They would have had to be in order to afford all the equipment (texts, weapons, etc.) that they used.

Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 03:46 PM EST

How about every non-indy show and movie that's ever existed?

Anna Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 03:27 PM EST

I always thought Friends was really bad for this. There was just no way that any of the characters could have lived like they did on that salary in New York.

Devin Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 03:21 PM EST

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Susan Mayer from "Desperate Housewives." Has she even published any books this season? Sure we saw her have a book signing, but seriously I can't remember any scenes of Susan actually sitting down and writing anything at all. Somehow, she's still got a pretty nice house regardless.

Brainiac Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 03:05 PM EST

To Amber - Very true. That's why I don't find it so startling to see characters living beyond their means. TV isn't meant to be realistic (not necessarily, anyway). For some shows, it works to see the struggles, but for others, it's more fun to see characters living in nice houses and wearing nice clothes. Same as the work situation you mentioned.

To Fatima - Veronica Mars is probably the prime example of homework's disappearing act. They could have at least shown her at her desk for a 30-second shot. I'm not suggesting a show called "homework hour" but at least acknowledge the fact that they have it and if they don't do it, they will get a 0. If a show is going to revolve around school, I think it's worth at least acknowleding the fact that there's an academic aspect to it.

aa Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 02:22 PM EST

sydney and jack didn't work for the government initially and syd had a roommate for a while. i'd imagine her lifestyle is in line with her cover of international finance. as far as jack goes all of his side deals and covert assignments would explain his bunker full of money. much as i loved buffy i could never understand how she kept the house after her mother died. joyce must have had mortgage insurance.

Fatima Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 01:08 PM EST

In response to Braniac...

As much as I loved it in its first two seasons, I was always amazed at the homework thing on Veronica Mars. She was busy every night doing PI stuff, but then at the end of the second season, all of a sudden she was in competition as the NUMBER 1 student GPA at Neptune High which was in a very rich neighborhood where there are sure to be lots of well-read rich people. She had time to do homework when? Let alone be the best in the entire school.

In terms of money, Roseanne ruled all, as did Simpsons at the beginning. I loved the episode of Roseanne where Dan's bike shop failed and they missed their electric bill. Right as the lights went out, Roseanne goes, "Well, middle class was fun!" Show me that on any other show.

Lori Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 01:05 PM EST

Oops - forget to mention that Dave and Deena are on "What About Brian" (my guilty pleasure).

Lori Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 01:04 PM EST

I could never figure out how Dave and Deena could afford that adorable house with a yard right on the ocean in LA. He's a failed software inventor, and she's a stay-at-home mom of 3 kids!

purplegirl247 Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 12:56 PM EST

You don't have to be a TA first to become a prof. Either just have an MA to teach community college/gen ed classes or a PhD to teach more upper level classes. I can't remember if Ross taught gen ed or higher education. Anyway, sometimes they hire profs based on their expertise, not their teaching ability, which is why you end up with brilliant people who make crappy profs!

donner Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 12:37 PM EST

I always wondered how Lorelei could afford a huge house (see the outside shots of it, with all its lights on inside , yet the inside looks small and cozy) on her salary as an Inn manager in a small town..granted, Connecticut is a high-salary state, but something tells me she would live in a smaller place...

Nix Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 12:20 PM EST

Parents & family fortunes. On Friends, Rachel's parents was filthy rich. The Geller parents were well-off, enough for Jack Geller (Elliott Gould) to buy a Porsche for his mid-life crisis (and later give it to Monica to make up for their favoritism of Ross.) On the OC, Kirsten was a capable businesswoman. No doubt she has extensive personal savings and investments during her time with the Newport Group that were kept separate after it got into trouble. Sandy took over as Chairman/CEO in Season 3. They certainly weren't depending on a Julie Cooper scheme (and neither was she; a season of the trailer park threw her to her old standy, rich old men.) Now I always thought, how can Phoebe exist as masseuse? Then I recalled how much I pay mine, so I guess it's possible.

Amber Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 12:13 PM EST

Ummm Brainiac. That's why it's TV and not just watching normal people in their everyday lives. How boring would it be to watch kids do homework or see people at work. That's why they are sitcoms, some situations are funny at work but not every episode.

mikey Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 12:10 PM EST

What about everybody on The Dukes of Hazzard? I'll grant that the cost of living in the HC wasn't exactly high, but.... When you consider how much of the county police budget went to buying/repairing police cars, how much could have been left to pay salaries for Roscoe and Enos? None of Boss Hogg's get-rich schemes ever worked, but he still seemed to have plenty of cash on hand to keep his fat little self fed. And once they stopped running moonshine, what exactly did Bo and Luke do to keep gas in the General? Doing chores for Uncle Jesse (version 1.0) couldn't have paid all that well. At least they weren't spending on clothes, since they wore the exact same thing every day. The richest character should have been Cooter -- the only mechanic in a town where all they did was wreck cars.

Brainiac Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 11:43 AM EST

Another thing......

I think what's more unrealistic is the fact that characters with full-time jobs are never working. On Friends, they are always in that coffee shop. I don't recall ever seeing Ross prepare for his lectures or grade papers (unless his TA does that). As a soap actor, Joey would have to work very long hours and work more on learning his lines. On Gilmore Girls, I would think Lorelei would have to put in a lot more hours running her own Inn. On The Simpsons, Homer's never at work, but the show's meant to be sort of absurd like that. The list goes on and on.

Finally, high school students never do schoolwork! A couple of episodes a season they're shown cramming for finals, or working on some project that would be interesting for TV viewers, but that's it. They're basically free every afternoon and weekend. That's not realistic - don't they have daily assignments and tests pretty much every week? University students can get away with that, but not high school.

sarah Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 11:41 AM EST

How much does Dr. House make?

Brainiac Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 11:35 AM EST

I've always wondered why there are so many characters who appear to live far beyond their means. I've always chalked it up to the fact that TV is not usually meant to be realistic.

What is the deal with rent-controlled appartments in Manhattan? That doesn't sound like it would be good for the city's economy. I would think that would deter a lot of potential purchasers of the units. Do the controls apply to entire buildings, or individual units? When were these controls put in place? It must have been a long time ago......

Speaking of Friends, what was Racheal's job at Ralph Lauren, exactly? I never followed the show too closely, so I'm just curious to see if she would be making a good living. Ross's salary is not too unrealistic, considering he had a PhD, but I think what was more unrealistic was being able to become a Prof. so easily. One would normally have to be a TA first. Did he work as a TA as a student?

Sarah Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 11:32 AM EST

Carrie Bradshaw made a few comments about her credit cards being maxed out, so that's how she suvived I'm guessing. And they also turned her columns into a book.

Sarah Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 11:32 AM EST

Carrie Bradshow made a few comments about her credit cards being maxed out, so that's how she suvived I'm guessing. And they also turned her columns into a book.

evie Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 11:29 AM EST

I hate to bash on Weeds, because I love it, but I don't get how Nancy can still afford to live in a gated community while supporting two kids, a brother-in-law, and a live-in housekeeper. Pot dealers really don't make that much!

synthetic fluff Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 11:29 AM EST

That's what I miss about Chicago, the way Chicagoans totally reject the shallow yuppie social climber scenester bullsh!t of New York and LA. You've got to have brains to be cool in Chicago.

Chicago Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 11:07 AM EST

I worked PT at Starbucks in Chicago, and I could still afford my own studio apartment and at least 4 nights out per week. Mind you, I didn't save anything, and I could never understand where people were getting the money to buy frappacinos and leave $5 tips every morning.

GT Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 11:02 AM EST

GOB as far as Sydney goes, I am sure there are lots of opportunities to grab a bit of extra cash for herself in her line of work, especially as a double agent (2 paychecks). I know she was always portrayed as the perfect moral person, but as I mentioned below here dad had a storage unit full of cash.

Lauren Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 10:57 AM EST

I live in Chicago. My roommate is a waiter, and I'm a temp, and we do okay. If you look in the right neighborhoods in Chicago (and yes, they're nice and safe), you can find decent apartments at a good price.

In fact, most of my friends in Chicago (actors, musicians, nonprofit workers) don't make much but manage to have a good time.

That said, we don't buy Manolos like Carrie.

Kim Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 10:51 AM EST

As for the various Manhattan-ites, they did mention frequently on Friends and SATC that Monica's and Carrie's apartments were rent-controlled (meaning they paid almost nothing). That doesn't explain Carrie's clothes, shoes, and taxi habit. I thought they were pretty fair with Miranda -- she had her own place on a lawyer's salary, but it was still small-ish.

As far as receptionist salaries, I've had a few jobs in NYC making under 20 grand. Ridiculous, but that's how it is.

GOB Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 10:44 AM EST

What would Sidney Bristow from Alias make per year? She had a very cool house and always wore perfect clothes. (and do you think she'd have to to shop for/buy her own spy-girl disguises?) Would a black-ops CIA type really make a good living? It's a government job, which I would guess wouldn't pay that well. Maybe she had a trust fund from her internatioal-woman-of-mystery mother.

Melissa Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 10:40 AM EST

Granted, Jack Bauer does work hard for CTU - but when was the last season that he was actually employed by them?! My husband and I were actually laughing about that one a few weeks ago. He thinks that Jack must be working a second job, I mean - come on, CTU only has one busy day per year, anyway.

To boot Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 10:30 AM EST

Calculate is right. For people who make low wages, it is very hard to increase their salary. The worst part is that someone who earns 20K a year spends most of it on their rent and their car, which they need to get to work. They end up with bad credit and then can't find a better job because employers have started checking the credit of their applicants. It's disgusting really.

Sarah Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 10:27 AM EST

Let's just get one thing straight- Joey was not their uncle!

confidential Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 10:13 AM EST

In terms of Friends, Monica's grandmother gave her the apartment when she died. And lets not forget that head chefs in top NYC restaurant's make a good salary.

lucy181 Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 10:05 AM EST

I'm a receptionist as well, I make about 29,000 a year before taxes....so in reality about 22-23 in actuality. My guess is maybe Pam has a slightly lower income than 23 per year and it seems fairly realistic to me how she lives. Her clothes, her hair, and her description of her apt sounds like receptionist living to me. I have to say I do love fantasy though...coveting clothes on t.v. is kind of a pasttime of mine. But it depends on the program. Gilmore Girls is far more fantasy life so I can accept the clothes there, along with Sex and the city. If the office started doing that though...I'd get annoyed quickly.

Kath Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 10:04 AM EST

Edna's Edibles, Mrs. Garrett's gourmet food store and catering on Facts of Life. I mean, come on!

Floridaboy8703 Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 10:03 AM EST

Hmm... Fictional charcaters...

If anyone watches girlfriends on the CW. I never understood how Lynn was able to keep up fashion wise with the other 3 characters who all had jobs. She had 5 degree's and was full of ideas. But she always managed to keep amazing hair and wardrobe on almost no budget.

And on a sidenote. Who fixes all the stuff that clark destroys each week on small ville?

pk Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 09:56 AM EST

Ghost Whisperer - I mean come on..and antique shop?!? That place isn't bringing in enough to keep J. Love Hewitt in hairspray much less house payments, car payments, an EMT hubby who makes nothing and a full-time employee with a kid...Of course, the money situation is only one of many unbelievable aspects of that show now that I think about it.

Calculate Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 09:53 AM EST

Consider... a person lives in a city with a weak economy (Scranton for instance), takes a reception job during the recession of 2001. They pay her $8.50 per hour and it's 35 hours a week (9-5, unpaid lunch hour). That's a yearly income of just $15,470. If she stayed at the job and recieved a 4% "merit increase" every year for the last 6 years, she's still only making $19,182.80

Judy Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 09:37 AM EST

FRIENDS was always the most ridiculous to me. Those gigantic apartments in the West Village would cost millions to buy, probably at least $6000 a month to rent. And Rachel was a waitress/personal shopper. I live and work in Manhattan in a secure marketing job and can barely afford my tiny studio apartment in a much less trendy neighborhood!

Kevo Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 09:37 AM EST

Once thing I never got about Friends was that out of all of them, Chandler was the most financial stable yet lived in the smallest apartment (with a roomate). In response to the Simpsons' comment on the bottom of the page, I remember episodes where the characters had to go without basic neccesities to get surgery for their dog or when "moeny was too tight for steak". Now it seems like money is no issue whatsoever with Homer randomly buying an RV or an ice cream truck and the family flying all over the world to China and Rio. Oh well, its still pretty funny.

JS Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 09:36 AM EST

Wait a second, where are you people all receptionists that you're making less than $23,000? I'm one too, but I make $27,000 a year (and I thought THAT was low!). I think $23,000 in Scranton sounds just about right.

Mary Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 09:35 AM EST

How about every character on a soap opera ever? They never work but they all get married like ten times and have the most elaborate weddings all while going on many vacations or dangerous trips at any fleeting moment.

Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 09:30 AM EST

People who have money assume it is easy for everyone to get money. Sadly, this is not the case. Some people simply do not have that aggressive gene that gets them into higher paying jobs. And thank god for them. Aggressive people are so annoying.

Ames Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 09:25 AM EST

This has bugged me for years. When characters complain about money troubles while wearing a new $500 outfit. The most realistic show I think was Roseanne. That Afghan on the couch was the perfect touch.

Brian Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 09:25 AM EST

I live in Scranton and $23k for a receptionist here is probably a little generous. I know people that do similar jobs for $8-10/hr. Of course I also just built a brand new house for $210k including land so it's not as bad as it sounds.

Oh, and in response to the comment on Jack Bauer: he's a gov't worker. He's making about $120k/year prior to any bonuses (and I hope he gets bonuses) until he leaves CTU (which, of course, doesn't exist.

Kath Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 09:22 AM EST

-Everyone on 90210 the college years. How did Kelly and Donna afford to live in the beach house working in a crisis centre? And Donna's boutique? Rich parents I guess. And how much money could the Peach Pit After Dark bring in for Val and David? Oh wait...David was a music producer...right...

Righto Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 09:21 AM EST

Who are these people who get paid so much and how do I become one? I feel like the whole world is making more money than I am. I can barely afford my monthly public transit pass, and who is public transit for if not for poor people?

confidential Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 09:21 AM EST

To Ashley.. Sean from Falicity got the apt from family and lived off the rent he made from the roommates.

Ed Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 09:18 AM EST

For all of you who are boo-hooing Carrie Bradshaw, remember, she lived in a rent controlled apartment in Manhatten. Remember season 4 when Aiden bought her apt and she had to rebuy it from him? She told her real estate agent -Deelia- that she paid something around the figure of $750. a month.
Now those in Manhatten would no better than I if that is true.

Then she got the "advance from France" from her book so she was able to pay off some of the debt she owed Charolette.

One of the shows today which makes me wonder is Susan Mayer on Desperate Housewives - she never works! granted she probably got the house from the divorce but writing books pays only when you actually write something.
Gabby hasn't done a thing either. Now that her and Carlos are seperated, she would have to work in order to maintain her lifestyle. If Carlos is that rich, why is he renting right now?!

Ashley Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 09:12 AM EST

To the person that made the comment about "Friends" if you had watched the series Finale, Chandler said that because of Rent Control, the apt was "a friggin steal". And I'm a receptionist for a huge insurance company and the projected income for Pam is more than I make in a year. Granted I live/work in Indianapolis but still, it's not much!

Vicky Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 09:08 AM EST

list* live

Vicky Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 09:08 AM EST

The guys at Boston Legal should move to Chicago. I work at a law firm in Chi-town and I know partners make a heck of a lot more than $210,000. And don't forget the lawyer perks! I'm a project assistant and make a lot less. Funny thing is...lawyers tell me they list modestly...hahaha...lying jerks!!

Alexa Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 09:00 AM EST

I have thought about the Pam thing, too. Eh, I agree, I don't even think she would make 23K. One that always sticks out in my mind is Sean on Felicity. From what I know he was an inventor and sometimes into advertising (I think), but he lived in this ultra cool, brick-wall exposed apartment with a cool spiral staircase in NYC. I know he had one or two roomates, but that wouldn't even cut it, even if his Smoothaise had been a hit.

Lauryl Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 08:54 AM EST

Carrie Bradshaw on SATC is the most ridiculous example of a character spending WAY more than she earns.

Sam Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 08:51 AM EST

I haven't worked in 18 months. 23K sounds pretty good to me.

Sam Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 08:51 AM EST

I haven't worked in 18 months. 23K sounds pretty good to me.

grr... Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 08:47 AM EST

Annie. I'm insulted by your ignorance.

I am well-educated, with a Bachelor's degree from a major university, and I work as a receptionist in a big city, but I only make 21K per year. It sucks, and it's hard to survive, but its the most I've ever been paid. I'm just happy to have a job that ain't retail.

Hamburger Royal Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 08:45 AM EST

How about that NCIS boss who, if the NCIS falls into the standard public service salary range would make somewhere between 60-90k as a departmental head and still drove a shiny new Merc SL in the pilot. Thinking of which, what is this thing with all the governmental institutions having ready access to private jets, prototype ne'er-seen-before kit and five-star hotels?

And how did Sandy Cohen keep the McMansion on his public attorney salary after KiKi and JuJu's inherited construction company defaulted (if it didn't - there's the answer to where at least Kirsten's income came from). Maybe he holds the patent on bagel slicers, me thinks.

GT Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 08:36 AM EST

My favorite was always Jack Bristow. The guy basically had a government job but always had awesome suits and a nice apartment. Then in one episode you find out he has a storage locker full of cool stuff including a safe full of cash.

--- Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 08:32 AM EST

Uncle Jesse also hosted a radio show, ran a night club, and was technically an international singer (where he had a lot of fans in Japan).

Ceballos Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 08:22 AM EST

There are lots of characters like the ones mentioned on these boards that seem to live way above their fictional means, but I'm gonna kind of go the other way...

How much do you suppose Jack Bauer makes?? What's the going rate for saving the world 6 times going on 7?! What would he even spend it on?? More messenger bags (Jack pack!)? Maybe that magical cell phone battery that never runs out? Whatever he gets paid, it's not enough.

eh Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 08:20 AM EST

Get real. I earned less as an admin assistant in Chicago.

mark in nyc Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 08:14 AM EST

assomeone who spent his college years in Scranton PA I can tell you 23,000 goes a long way. Pitchers of beer are only eight bucks, and the rent on my four bed room house was only 600 a month.I think a frugal character like Pam is doing alright

Anna Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 08:05 AM EST

Okay Uncle Jesse and Joey worked in advertising, and Danny totally supported them, don't hate.

Dan Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 07:58 AM EST

Melrose still takes the cake. Anybody who's ever worked in advertising knows how ridiculous that business was portrayed.

Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 07:50 AM EST

Obviously none of the characters on "Friends," with the possible exception of Chandler, would make enough to live in their huge, nice apartments and dress as well as they did.

Jess Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 07:11 AM EST

The ultimate example: Sarah Jessica Parker's apartment and lifestyle on Sex and the City. A columnist couldn't make more than $65-75K a year at the New York Star, no matter how big they were. And with 30-40 pairs of $400 shoes, never once taking the subway, and an enormous apartment, that's pretty darn implausible. Oh well... at least she almost found herself homeless.

Brian Z Fri, Jun 1, 2007 at 07:01 AM EST

Matt Groening used to say that the Simpsons worked in part because the family had financial issues and weren't well off, which led to stories of a similar nature.

Halfway through the series that changed, which I think was a bad idea. Still, early seasons had Homer not making a lot of money and everyone fretting over little things.