How Much Do Adolescence (Netflix) Actors Get Paid?
Introduction
Netflix’s gripping new drama Adolescence has quickly become one of the most talked-about UK TV series of the year. Starring Stephen Graham, Ashley Walters, and Faye Marsay, the four-part drama follows a family’s nightmare after their 13-year-old son is accused of murder.
With such a high-profile cast, many viewers wonder: how much do the actors in Adolescence get paid?
While exact salaries are not publicly available, we can estimate actor earnings based on industry standards, comparable UK Netflix productions, and past salaries of the cast.
How Much Do UK TV Actors Earn?
Salaries for actors in British television dramas vary depending on experience, role prominence, and the production budget.
Lead actors in UK dramas typically earn between £15,000 – £50,000 per episode.
Supporting actors usually earn £5,000 – £15,000 per episode.
A-list Hollywood actors in British TV can earn £100,000+ per episode, especially in major Netflix productions like The Crown.
Since Adolescence is a Netflix original with an acclaimed cast, its lead actors likely earn above-average salaries compared to standard UK TV rates.
Estimated Salaries of Adolescence Cast Members
| Actor | Character | Estimated Earnings Per Episode | Notable TV & Theatre Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stephen Graham | Eddie Miller | £30,000 – £50,000 | Line of Duty, This Is England, Macbeth (Almeida Theatre) |
| Ashley Walters | Bascombe | £20,000 – £35,000 | Top Boy, Bulletproof |
| Faye Marsay | DS Misha Frank | £15,000 – £25,000 | Game of Thrones, Black Mirror, Medea (National Theatre) |
| Owen Cooper | Jamie Miller | £5,000 – £10,000 | Emerging talent in British TV & theatre |
These salary estimates are based on comparable UK productions and the actors' industry standing.
How Does Adolescence Compare to Other UK Netflix Shows?
Netflix has invested heavily in British original content, with some productions paying top-tier salaries. How does Adolescence compare to other Netflix UK hits?
| Production | Lead Actor | Estimated Earnings Per Episode |
|---|---|---|
| The Crown | Olivia Colman | £350,000 |
| Sex Education | Asa Butterfield | £50,000 |
| Top Boy | Ashley Walters | £20,000 – £35,000 |
| Black Mirror | Various | £30,000 – £60,000 |
| Adolescence | Stephen Graham | £30,000 – £50,000 |
While Adolescence doesn’t reach the record-breaking salaries of The Crown, its lead actors are still earning competitive rates for a UK Netflix drama.
Theatre Experience and Its Impact on Salaries
Many Adolescence cast members have strong backgrounds in theatre, which can significantly impact their negotiation power and industry value.
Stephen Graham, while famous for TV and film, has appeared in stage productions like Macbeth at the Almeida Theatre.
Faye Marsay has worked at the National Theatre, performing in Greek tragedies like Medea.
Owen Cooper, a rising star, has roots in British theatre, which may have helped land him this major Netflix role.
Theatre experience is often seen as a marker of strong acting ability, making these performers more valuable to high-profile TV and film projects.
Owen Cooper and Stephen Graham in Adolescence (Netflix)
Why Are UK Netflix Salaries Lower Than US TV Salaries?
Smaller Production Budgets
UK dramas typically have lower budgets than Hollywood productions, meaning actor salaries are lower.
Shorter Seasons
US shows often have 10–20 episodes per season, while UK dramas usually have 4–8 episodes, reducing total earnings per season.
Theatre & TV Balance
Many British actors split their careers between TV and theatre, which can affect long-term salary negotiations.
Despite these differences, Netflix UK salaries are steadily rising, especially as more global audiences demand high-quality British drama.
Could Adolescence Actor Salaries Increase in Future Seasons?
If Adolescence continues to be a success for Netflix, cast salaries are likely to increase significantly.
Higher Viewership = Bigger Budgets → More money for actor salaries.
Renewals for Future Seasons → Leads can negotiate higher per-episode fees.
Awards Recognition → BAFTA nominations could elevate actors' industry value.
Other Netflix series like Top Boy and Sex Education saw major salary increases in later seasons—the same could happen with Adolescence.
Conclusion: How Much Do Adolescence Actors Get Paid?
Stephen Graham likely earns £30,000 – £50,000 per episode, making him one of the highest-paid actors in the show.
Ashley Walters and Faye Marsay likely earn £15,000 – £35,000 per episode, depending on role size and negotiations.
Owen Cooper, a newcomer, likely earns £5,000 – £10,000 per episode, a standard rate for rising stars.
Compared to US Netflix shows, UK salaries are lower, but they are steadily increasing as demand for British drama grows.
For more entertainment salary insights, Netflix series breakdowns, and theatre industry news, follow London Theatre News.
