Here's How Much White Lotus Stars Actually Get Paid (You're Not Ready)

But when it comes to the show's actual cast? Turns out, they're not living quite as large as the characters they play.

Jason Isaacs, who joined the cast for season 3, recently confirmed in an interview with Vulture that each main actor is paid $40,000 per episode — which, by HBO standards, is basically pocket change. To compare:

• Sarah Jessica Parker was pulling in $3.2 million per episode by season 4 of Sex and the City
• Zendaya is making $1 million per episode on Euphoria
• The Succession cast earned between $300,000 and $350,000 per episode

So why are White Lotus actors working for what amounts to prestige-TV minimum wage?

Isaacs didn't seem bitter — just brutally honest:

"Generally actors don't talk about pay in public because it's ridiculously disproportionate to what we do — putting on makeup and funny voices — and just upsets the public. But compared to what people normally get paid for big television shows, that's a very low price. But the fact is, we would have paid to be in it. We probably would have given a body part."

And in fairness, it's not like they're exactly suffering. Each season of The White Lotus is filmed at a real luxury resort, and cast members stay on-site — often with spouses and families in tow. Think less "grueling location shoot" and more "fully catered, all-inclusive working vacation." According to producer David Bernad, the vibe on set is like "adult summer camp."

Isaacs described it a little differently to The Guardian:

"It's a kind of crucible, a five-star gilded cage. There's no question that sometimes it is absolutely fabulous, and sometimes it's Lord of the Flies."

So yes, the paychecks might be humble by HBO standards — but what the actors lose in salary, they gain in sunsets, spa access, and the chance to be part of one of the most talked-about shows on TV.

And besides, as Isaacs put it, most of them would've done it for free. Or, in typical actor fashion, for the exposure.