While we’ve heard quite a bit about the different series Apple has planned for its original content efforts, details on those shows have been sparse. The Hollywood Reporter claims today, however, that Apple is shelling out upward of $1.25 million per episode to both Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon for their upcoming show…
As reported a few months back, Apple has ordered 20 episodes of a new show from Aniston and Witherspoon that will offer an “inside look at the lives of the people who help America wake up early in the morning.”
Today’s report says Apple is paying Aniston and Witherspoon each $1.25 million per episode of the show, for a total of $25 million each for the 20 episode initial order. Furthermore, the report offers color on how Apple’s monstrous salary payout to Aniston and Witherspoon also affected the HBO series Big Little Lies.
The HBO show stars Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman, and was originally ordered as a one season affair. Due to its breakout success, however, HBO decided to renew it for a second season and was forced to ink entirely new contracts with actors. Those deals saw massive raises for both Kidman and Witherspoon.
The Hollywood Reporter writes:
It’s no secret that Apple has an absolute wealth of cash available to pay stars such high salaries, though some will argue that this isn’t how Apple should be spending that money. Either way you look at it, though, it’s clear Apple is already influencing the TV industry, despite its efforts still being in the early stages of development.
Sources say the duo is getting in the $1 million-an-episode ballpark for season two, as well as points off the show’s backend and EP fees.
