Credit: Michael Simon/startraksphoto
Teresa Giudice revealed she made $25,000 for the first season of the Real Housewives of New Jersey – and she spent it all on a single party. She also claimed that cast members were forced to pay for almost everything at the time.
Meanwhile, her costar and friend Dolores Catania said low pay was one reason she didn’t join the popular show during season 1.
Speaking on Teresa’s “Namaste B$tches” podcast, Dolores hinted at the show’s early financial situation.
“They didn’t offer us much money in the beginning,” shared Dolores, via Showbiz Cheat Sheet. “Like hardly anything. I don’t even remember what it was.”
At this point, Teresa claimed the stars earned $25k for season 1, and she spent it on her housewarming party. According to the ‘OG,’ cast members had to pay for things out of their own pocket.
“When we started, we had to pay for everything,” Teresa explained. “Sometimes you could get things here or there. Like they give you a discount, or if they do it pro bono, then you advertise them or something like that. But nothing’s for free.”
Nowadays, an average ‘Housewife’ earns $500k for each season, according to the outlet, though the more established castmates can rake in over a million. Their pay level reportedly depends on the amount of seasons they’ve filmed, how popular they are, and in which city they live.
Per ScreenRant, Teresa now earns $1.1 million every season, while her sister-in-law and costar Melissa Gorga takes in $750,000.
The Real Housewives of New Jersey airs Tuesday nights at 9 p.m. EST on Bravo.