Last Updated on June 5, 2023 by Dexter Roona
Today we delve into the 10 Most Expensive TV Shows to Stream Now and give you the big budget 10 shows that you should be streaming.
Lights, camera, and a jaw-dropping budget!
In today’s digital era, where streaming platforms have revolutionized the way we consume entertainment, it’s not uncommon to witness TV shows with astronomical production costs. From stunning visual effects to A-list actors, these shows spare no expense in delivering an immersive and captivating experience to their audiences.
Join us as we embark on a journey into the world of opulence and unveil the 10 most expensive TV shows that you should be streaming right now.
From epic fantasy realms to gripping historical dramas, these shows have captured the hearts and imaginations of millions, all while commanding exorbitant budgets that would make any Hollywood blockbuster blush.
So, grab your popcorn, find a cozy spot on the couch, and prepare to be dazzled by the sheer magnitude of these visually stunning and meticulously crafted television masterpieces.
NB: This 10 Most Expensive TV Shows to Stream Now article contains product affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase then AFG may make a very small commission at no cost to you.
Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
$58 million per episode
Premiering on Amazon Prime Video, this TV adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved trilogy spares no expense in exploring the rich world of Middle-earth. With an estimated budget of $465 million for the first season alone.
The darkness threatens to engulf the land. Elves, dwarves, humans, and mystical beings, embark on perilous quests to combat the ever-growing forces of evil. The Rings of Power series delves into Tolkien’s universe, unveiling ancient civilizations, powerful artifacts, and the intricate dynamics that exist between the different races.
With an extraordinary budget of $58 million per episode, “Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” provides the viewing audience with breathtaking visuals, awe-inspiring landscapes, and groundbreaking special effects.
Expect to be immersed in a world filled with grand battles, mythical creatures, and morally complex characters, as they witness the rise and fall of kingdoms, the forging of alliances, and the exploration of the profound themes of power, sacrifice, and resilience of hope.
Stream on Amazon Prime
Stranger Things
$30 million per episode
With 4 seasons under its belt and a 5 and final season ready to drop “Stranger Things” continues to captivate audiences with its nostalgic ’80s setting and supernatural mysteries. With a substantial budget, the show combines exceptional storytelling with impressive CGI and intricate set designs, ensuring a visually stunning and engaging experience.
“Stranger Things” is set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana. The story follows a group of friends who encounter supernatural events and government conspiracies that turn their lives upside down.
In the first season, a young boy named Will Byers mysteriously disappears one night after encountering a terrifying creature. His friends, Mike, Dustin, and Lucas, embark on a quest to find him and uncover the truth behind his disappearance. Along the way, they come across a mysterious girl named Eleven, who possesses telekinetic powers. Together, they discover the existence of an alternate dimension called the Upside Down, where a malevolent monster, known as the Demogorgon, resides. The group battles against the supernatural forces and faces danger while trying to save Will.
Each season explores the personal lives of the characters, their friendships, and their growth, all while they navigate the dangers of the supernatural world. The series combines elements of science fiction, horror, and 1980s nostalgia, paying homage to classic films and pop culture of that era. “Stranger Things” has gained a large following and critical acclaim for its compelling storytelling, memorable characters, and atmospheric setting. At $30 Million an episode is deffinatley one of the most expensive Tv shows to be produced.
Stream on Netflix
Wandavision
$25 million per episode
Disney+ brings the Marvel Cinematic Universe to the small screen, showcasing the expansive world of superheroes and villains. With hit shows like “Loki,” “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier,” “Hawkeye,” and the budget busting “WandaVision,” these high-budget series offer fans immersive storytelling, dazzling visual effects, and a deeper exploration of beloved characters.
“WandaVision” revolves around the characters of Wanda Maximoff, also known as Scarlet Witch, and Vision. The series starts off with Wanda and Vision living an idyllic suburban life in the town of Westview, seemingly trapped in a classic sitcom setting. However, as the episodes progress, it becomes clear that something is amiss. Wanda and Vision begin to question the reality they find themselves in and try to uncover the truth behind their situation.
Each episode pays homage to different eras of television sitcoms, ranging from the 1950s to the 2000s, and the couple finds themselves in various sitcom-inspired scenarios.
It is revealed that Wanda is using her immense reality-altering powers to create this sitcom world as a way to cope with her grief and loss following the events of “Avengers: Endgame.” She has unknowingly created a pocket dimension where she can live out her perfect life with Vision. However, this distorted reality begins to unravel, and the truth behind its creation and the forces at play are gradually unveiled.
The series explores themes of grief, love, identity, and the consequences of manipulating reality. As the show progresses, it ties into the larger narrative of the MCU, with significant revelations and connections to the wider Marvel universe.
“WandaVision” is praised for its unique storytelling approach, blending sitcom humor with a complex and emotional narrative. It delves into the depths of Wanda’s character and showcases her immense power while setting the stage for future events in the MCU.
Stream on Disney+
The Pacific
$20-21 million per episode
It has been 11 years since “The Pacific” was released and the show still remains one of the most expensive TV shows to hit the small screen. Produced by HBO and helmed by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, this gripping war-based genre mini-series delves into the harrowing battles of World War II in the Pacific, delivering the full cinematic experience for the small screen to a degree that really justifies its substantial production budget.
The critically acclaimed miniseries focuses on the experiences of three U.S. Marines during World War II taking its inspiration from the memoirs of two of the Marines, Eugene Sledge and Robert Leckie.
The story follows Sledge and Leckie as they face the harsh realities of war and battle against the forces of the Empire of Japan with the story spanning various Pacific campaigns, including the battles of Guadalcanal, Cape Gloucester, Peleliu, and Okinawa.
Stream on hulu
House of the Dragon
$20 million per episode
Set in the same universe as “Game of Thrones,” “House of the Dragon” takes viewers back in time to explore the Targaryen dynasty and the turbulent Dance of the Dragons. With a generous budget, the show combines intricate period details with awe-inspiring dragon CGI, captivating audiences once again in a world of political intrigue and fantastical creatures.
The show serves as a prequel, delving into the rich history of House Targaryen, the dynasty that ruled Westeros for nearly 300 years before the events of “Game of Thrones” and is set approximately 200 years before the events depicted in “Game of Thrones” and explores the rise and fall of House Targaryen. It primarily focuses on the Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons, which took place about 170 years before the events of the original series.
The Dance of the Dragons was a devastating conflict between different factions of House Targaryen, with rival claimants fighting for the Iron Throne. The conflict was sparked by a succession crisis and fueled by personal ambitions, dragon warfare, and political intrigue. The war tore the Targaryen family apart and resulted in the near-extinction of their dragons.
“House of the Dragon” explores the complex dynamics within House Targaryen, their relationships with other noble houses of Westeros, and the internal power struggles that ultimately lead to the downfall of the dynasty. It delves into the history of dragons, the primary source of Targaryen power, and showcases epic battles and the intricate web of alliances and betrayals that shape the fate of the Seven Kingdoms.
Stream on Amazon
Game of Thrones
$15 million per episode
HBO’s cultural phenomenon, “Game of Thrones,” captured audiences worldwide with its sprawling narrative and intricate characters. As one of the most expensive shows ever produced, it boasts massive ensemble casts, visually stunning locations, and breathtaking visual effects that brought George R.R. Martin’s books to life in epic fashion.
The story begins with the death of Jon Arryn, the Hand of the King, which sets off a chain of events that plunges the Seven Kingdoms into political turmoil.
The noble houses, including the Starks, Lannisters, Targaryens, and Baratheons, become embroiled in a complex web of alliances, betrayals, and military campaigns.
The central conflict revolves around the War of the Five Kings, sparked by various claimants who believe they have a rightful claim to the Iron Throne.
The key players include Ned Stark, the honorable Lord of Winterfell, who becomes Hand of the King and uncovers a dark secret; the cunning and ruthless Cersei Lannister, who manipulates events to protect her family’s power; Daenerys Targaryen, the exiled princess who seeks to reclaim her family’s throne with the help of her dragons; and the enigmatic Jon Snow, who rises through the ranks of the Night’s Watch and becomes involved in the fight against the White Walkers, an ancient and supernatural threat beyond the Wall.
“Game of Thrones” is one of the most expensive TV series to have ever been produced and remains a cultural phenomenon and one of the most significant television events of recent years.
Stream on HBO
The Mandalorian
$15 million per episode
“The Mandalorian,” became an instant sensation when it first hit the small screen. With its high production value and compelling storytelling, its impressive special effects, and its breakout star Baby Yoda aka The Child the show draws viewers into a galaxy far, far away, making every dollar of its lavish budget count.
“The Mandalorian” is set in the “Star Wars” universe. Created by Jon Favreau, the show follows the adventures of a lone bounty hunter known as the Mandalorian, or Mando for short, as he navigates the outer reaches of the galaxy, far from the authority of the New Republic.
The series introduces fans to a new character, known as “The Child” or informally as Baby Yoda, who is of the same species as the renowned Jedi Master Yoda. Mando takes on the responsibility of protecting and caring for the Child after being assigned to capture it. Mando forms a bond with The Child that quickly becomes a central theme of the show.
Each episode of “The Mandalorian” combines elements of action, adventure, humor, and sheer heart with its success being that it is able to capture the spirit of the original “Star Wars” trilogy all while incorporating fresh and compelling storytelling.
It pays homage to the Western and samurai genres, portraying the Mandalorian as a lone gunslinger who operates on the fringes of society.
Stream on Disney+
See
$15 million per episode
“See” is the big budget show that Apple TV+ entered the streaming market with. It is a dystopian fantasy series set in a world where humanity has lost its sense of sight. With its high production values and stunning visual effects, this show immerses viewers in a visually impressive and intriguing post-apocalyptic world and with a budget of $15 an episode is definitely one of the most expensive Tv shows ever produced.
With its thought-provoking premise and exploration of human resilience, “See” offers a fresh take on the post-apocalyptic genre and challenges its viewers to question the nature of perception, the importance of vision, and the complexities of the human condition in a world without sight.
Stream on Apple TV+
The Sandman
$15 million per episode
Based on Neil Gaiman‘s acclaimed comic book series, “The Sandman” brings the mystical and dark world of Dream to life. With an impressive budget of $15 million per episode, The Sandman delivers a visually stunning and immersive experience, delving into the realms of fantasy, mythology, and existential exploration.
The story of “The Sandman” follows Dream, also known as Morpheus or the Lord of Dreams, one of the seven Endless beings who personify fundamental aspects of existence. Dream rules over the realm of dreams and nightmares, and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and redemption after being captured and imprisoned for decades.
Dream escapes his captivity, and is forced to navigate different realms and encounters a multitude of characters, both human and supernatural, including his siblings Death, Destiny, Desire, Despair, Destruction, and Delirium.
The series weaves together elements of mythology, fantasy, and horror, taking viewers on a mesmerizing journey through dreamscapes, nightmares, and the human psyche. It explores the nature of dreams, the power of storytelling, and the interplay between imagination and reality.
Stream on Netflix
The Crown
$13 million per episode
“The Crown” reigns as one of the most expensive TV shows ever produced, with a budget of $13 million per episode.
The critically acclaimed historical drama series chronicles the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, and offers an intimate and compelling look into the personal and political challenges faced by Queen Elizabeth throughout her reign.
The story begins with the early years of Queen Elizabeth’s reign in the 1940s and continues to trace her journey over multiple decades, exploring the complexities of her relationships with her family, government officials, and the public.
“The Crown” explores the inner workings of the British monarchy, showcasing the pressures and responsibilities that come with the crown. It delves into the delicate balance between personal desires and duty.
Throughout the series, viewers are introduced to a diverse cast of characters, including Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth’s husband; Princess Margaret, her younger sister; Prime Ministers such as Winston Churchill, Harold Wilson, and Margaret Thatcher; and other significant figures who played roles in the monarch’s life and the country’s history.
“The Crown” is known for its lavish production values, meticulous attention to detail, and outstanding performances by its cast, including Claire Foy and Olivia Colman as Queen Elizabeth II in different stages of her life.
The series provides a compelling portrayal of the private and public life of one of the most influential figures of our time and offers a nuanced exploration of power, duty, and the complexities of the human experience within the monarchy.
Stream on Netflix
Optimize Your Viewing Experience:
While these TV shows provide extraordinary entertainment, enhancing your viewing experience with high-quality sound and crystal-clear images can take it to the next level. It might just be time to buy yourself a soundbar or upgrade your TV to elevate your enjoyment of these visually stunning and immersive productions.
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