What the 'Housewives of New Jersey' Really Earn

By Rob Shuter Posted Jun 8th 2010 01:59AM

With the news that 'Real Housewives of New Jersey' star Teresa Giudice is $11 million -- yes, eleven -- in debt, many are wondering: She's a celebrity on TV, how could she not be rolling in money? Well, it turns out that while they make enough per episode to maintain a great tan, it's really nothing to retire on. Naughty But Nice has the exact amount Teresa, Dina and the rest of the crew pocket each time their table-flipping antics are captured in an episode.

Big Hair, Small Paychecks for NJ 'Housewives'

The shocking news that 'Real Housewives of New Jersey' star Teresa Giudice is over $11 million in debt has brought to light how little Bravo pays the show's stars.

"The 'Real Housewives of New Jersey' all earn $3,333 per episode and have all signed a three-year contract," a former 'Housewife' tells me. "And no matter how successful the show continues to be, none of the ladies will get a pay raise until it comes time to renegotiate their contracts."

According to papers filed in Newark Federal Court, the free-spending Guidice's claim to only make $79,000 a year between the two of them, but are unable to handle the foreclosures and hefty credit card bills.

The court document lists their money woes in detail:

► The bank has moved to foreclose on their $1.8 million home in Towaco, NJ.
► Banks have taken their Jersey Shore house along with another home in Lincoln Park, NJ.
► Teresa owes $12,000 to a fertility clinic.
► They've defaulted on payments for their Escalade.
► Joe personally owes $5 million to former partners of real estate deals.

However, if any of the Jersey ladies have visions of pulling in the $2 million that Charlie Sheen earns as TV's highest paid actor, they can think again. The stars of 'Real Housewives of New York' all got a huge raise recently, going from $3,000 an episode to $10,000, when they all resigned their contracts. Still, looking to flex some network muscle, Bravo made it very clear that they could all be replaced.

"As far as Bravo is concerned, the star is the show itself -- not the cast," a TV executive tells me. "The 'Housewives of Orange County' have all been replaced, and it didn't make any difference to the show's ratings. You will see two new housewives have been added to the cast of 'Housewives of New York' already -- just in case a few of the women get too greedy."

Bethenny, are your ears burning?

Paula Abdul -- Broadway Bound?

That's right, only Naughty But Nice can reveal that Paula Abdul will be hitting the stage this Sunday to present the Tony Award for best choreography.

"Paula would love to star in a Broadway musical," Tony insiders tell me. "She has been looking for the right part for some time, but hasn't found it yet. Paula would also love to choreograph for the stage and it's something she hopes to be doing very soon."

Tune in Sunday not only to see who wins but to see Lea Michele and Matthew Morrison from 'Glee,' who I can confirm will be performing along with Green Day, whose hit show, 'American Idiot,' is up for Best Musical.

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Tags: real housewives of new jersey, Teresa Giudice

Comments

(30)

Monday 07 June

By KP

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I think they pay the Jersey Shore cast more... HaHaHa

By thomas

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There worth what they can get.

By Thomas

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I'm a contractor who had a mill dollar bussiness plus and it all came crashing down. When the banks stopped making loans I was cooked. No jobs and I was done in 2 years. Starting over is a blast

By BOO

The housewives of New Jersey don't deserve the 3 grand a show. The show is BORING! I quit watching it when the the little girl gia referred to herself in the third party... That family has a major problem. Momma brags about spending all this money, when its plastic.. Shame we are suffering in this economy and she is living the life and I bet you we will end up paying for it.. FORGET ABOUT IT

Tuesday 08 June

By Marisa

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Press rewind on your DVR. She usually pays in cash. Remember the over one hundred (or was it 2) thousand she whipped out in cash, to pay for one room of furniture?

Friday 16 July

By Russell

Hey Boo,fa ged da boudit..

By greg8b

what a joke bravo should be ashamed as well as the housewives for being stupid to work for that amount

By Boston

BRAVO is the new "BERNIE MADOFF"!

By Kate

I don't understand how the Housewives are "stupid to work for that amount". They make alot more than many other hard-working people, and for doing nothing but living their lives. Theresa said on the show she stopped working after having her first child. She should be THANKFUL to earn that much, because if she wasn't on the show she'd be making absolutely nothing.

By adam

So you think the execs should keep all the money made from the show and not give any back to the stars? Do you honestly think the paltry sum that they make per episode is anywhere near the profits that the show pulls in? Way to stick up for the little guys.

By Kirk

To adam: I certainly don't think that these trashy women deserve any more than the 3,300 an episode. I wish someone would pay ME that much to follow me around with a camera. They spend like they have all the money in the world anyway. These people are adults who are paid to act childish in front of the whole world. They should be ashamed of themselves, just like I am ashamed of myself everytime I find myself watching this trash.

By sue

Why live beyond your means.

By nitelady

I wouldn't watch the show without Teresa.Bravo SHOULD be ashamed of themselves for taking advantage of these women!I do hope Teresa gets a hefty paycheck every time they use the famous throwing the table scene to promote the show.That scene alone has probably earned Bravo millions.

By SexyRebel

First of all...NO ONE even knew the the Housewives of Orange County were replaced..so now your ratings will go down Bravo..and as for the New York Housewives..why is Kelly and Luann still on the show..they are ruining the show..and as for the Housewives in New Jersey...Danielle seriously NEEDS to go..she has ruined that show..SO SICK of females that always want a bunch of Drama all the time in their lives..wake up people..think about YOUR KIDS first before you OPEN your mouth..I DON'T like Kelly,Luann,Danielle..I've about had it with all of the Housewives...GROW UP already... Danielle is TRASH in my book and alot of other people's book...I guess bravo will be losing ratings now since we know this information..I will stop watching all the shows I like on Bravo...The shows are what make Bravo soo rich...as of tonight I will no longer watch and shows on Bravo...most are stupid anyways and now under paid people that are sharing their lives with millions of people and not getting what they actually should be making...You really do suck Bravo...keep taking money out of the kids mouths that are on those shows...you don't care as long as your pockets are getting filled up....huh..

They are underpaid, but I wish I got three thousand an episode. I'm just a teacher. In Jersey. With a lovely governor.

By DanielleStinks

I think they should take Danielle's salary and give it to Theresa. Danielle needs therapy not bodyguards. Oh my, tonight she was buying her bodyguard (Danny) a suit. Why on God's earth would she do that?? She's the one who seems to go around threatening everyone, and yet she acts like the victim. I love the Manzos!

By Chandresh

its something should not be an issue.However, the real question should be, how do they earn Bollywood Celebrities on Twitter

By Kari

I remember Theresa's husband refusing to get a vasectomy as they were on their way to the hospital for Theresa to deliver her 4th baby...and bragging about how good he was at "making" girl babies....well, I guess not THAT good if a fertility clinic was involved. Open mouth, insert foot..

Saturday 12 June

By pat

they get more then then they deserve i dont watch these stupid shows anyway they are all phonies all these reality shows are bull

By My footie pajamas are bigfeetpjs

3333 per episode...this is called exploitation!

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