William Petersen's role as Gil Grissom on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation earns him the largest paycheck per episode.

As reported in the July 23 issue of TV Guide, on a list of the highest paid actors in network primetime shows in the United States, Petersen easily takes the top spot. It is reported that he earns $500,000 per episode of CSI. Based on that number, Petersen currently earns an estimated $12 million dollars for a single season of the hit CBS drama. CSI is such a profitable series that it's no wonder the network can afford to pay out such a high salary. Playing the lead character gives Petersen a large income, but there are other benefits as well. Petersen was able to request time off during the show's seventh season to return to the theater for a short time.

Although Petersen had the highest salary on the list, the runners-up still make an impressive amount of money per episode. The second-highest salary was $350,000 per episode, and there were three actors who earned this amount: Two and a Half Men star Charlie Sheen, as well as Mariska Hargitay and Chris Meloni from Law and Order: SVU. Hugh Laurie (House) pulls in $300,000 per episode, while Julia Louis-Dreyfus makes $225,000 for her role on The New Adventures of Old Christine. Rounding out the top five salaries for primetime network television actors were Ellen Pompeo (Grey's Anatomy) and Eva Longoria (Desperate Housewives), both of whom made $200,000 per episode of their respective shows.

The list was not limited to primetime stars. On an overall list of the highest salaries, even Petersen's estimated $12 million per season does not come close to winning the top spot. That honor goes to Oprah Winfrey, who reportedly makes $260 million dollars per year. American Idol's Simon Cowell came in second with $45 million, followed by Judge Sheindlin (Judge Judy) with $30 million. Sheindlin is the top-earning daytime star with Bob Barker coming in second at $10 million per year. CBS Evening News anchor Katie Couric is the highest paid news anchor with an annual salary of $15 million.

The full list can be read on Yahoo TV.

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