When Amazon Prime Video struck gold with “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” becoming the platform’s number one show ahead of Head Over Heels, Ballard, We Were Liars, and Countdown, the financial rewards for its young cast became the subject of intense speculation. Now, industry insiders have revealed the eye-watering figures behind one of 2025’s most successful streaming phenomena – and the numbers will surprise you.
Lola Tung, who plays beloved protagonist Isabel “Belly” Conklin, has emerged as the show’s highest earner with a staggering total of $1.085 million across the series’ three-season run. This remarkable payday transformation from an unknown Carnegie Mellon drama student to millionaire streaming star represents one of Hollywood’s most dramatic success stories.
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The Million Dollar Journey: Lola Tung’s Salary Evolution
Lola Tung’s earnings journey tells a compelling story of rapid career acceleration. Starting at $15,000 per episode in season one, her pay jumped dramatically to $40,000 for season two, before reaching $60,000 per episode for the final season. This progression mirrors the show’s explosive popularity and Amazon’s commitment to retaining their breakout star.
| Lola Tung’s Salary Progression Across Seasons |
|---|
| Season 1: $15,000 per episode |
| Season 2: $40,000 per episode |
| Season 3: $60,000 per episode |
| Total Earnings: $1.085 million |
For context, Tung’s estimated net worth now stands at $1.5 million in 2025, with additional income streams from modeling, Broadway performances in “Hadestown,” and audiobook recordings of Jenny Han’s trilogy.
The Boys’ Battle: Christopher Briney vs. Gavin Casalegno
The Fisher brothers’ on-screen rivalry extended to their paychecks, with both actors experiencing significant salary growth throughout the series. Christopher Briney, who portrayed the brooding Conrad Fisher, started at $10,000 per episode and finished earning $50,000 for the third season.
Gavin Casalegno matched Briney’s final season earnings at $50,000 per episode, though he started with a slightly higher initial salary of $15,000 due to his previous experience in shows like “The Vampire Diaries” and “Walker”.
| Main Cast Salary Comparison |
|---|
| Lola Tung (Final Season): $60,000 per episode |
| Christopher Briney (Final Season): $50,000 per episode |
| Gavin Casalegno (Final Season): $50,000 per episode |
Supporting Cast Earnings: The Extended Family’s Payday
The supporting cast also saw substantial increases throughout the series. Sean Kaufman, who plays Belly’s brother Steven, grew from $7,500 to $20,000 per episode, while Rain Spencer (Taylor) progressed from $5,000 to $15,000 per episode.
The adult cast members, including Jackie Chung and Rachel Blanchard, both have estimated net worths of about $2 million, though their specific per-episode pay remains undisclosed.
Amazon’s Investment Strategy: Why The Summer I Turned Pretty Pays Big
Amazon Prime Video is known for paying celebrities substantial amounts, as evidenced by Chris Pratt’s reported $1.5 million per episode for “The Terminal List” and John Krasinski’s alleged $2 million per episode for “Jack Ryan”. However, these established stars came with multiple blockbuster credentials, making the comparison to The Summer I Turned Pretty’s newcomers less direct.
The show’s financial success justifies Amazon’s investment. The third season drew 25 million viewers globally within its first seven days, and the series was among Prime Video’s Top 3 series in terms of global acquisition, ranking number one with women aged 18-34.
Industry Context: How These Salaries Compare
To understand these figures in context, consider other streaming successes. Sarah Jessica Parker earned around $3.2 million per episode as Carrie Bradshaw during “Sex and the City,” while the casts of “Friends,” “The Big Bang Theory,” and “Big Little Lies” made about $1 million per episode. Even Ellen Pompeo earned roughly $500,000 for her role as Meredith Grey in “Grey’s Anatomy”.
While The Summer I Turned Pretty’s cast hasn’t reached these heights, their rapid salary growth reflects the show’s meteoric rise and potential for future earning power.
Beyond Base Salaries: The Influencer Economy
The show has transformed its stars into influential figures with brand deals, meaning money is rolling in from their heightened platforms beyond their series salaries. This additional income stream significantly impacts their overall earning potential.
Lola Tung’s Instagram following of 5 million followers demonstrates her marketability beyond the show, opening doors to lucrative endorsement opportunities that complement her acting income.
The Future: Film Deal and Beyond
Following the series conclusion on September 17, 2025, a feature-length film was announced to serve as a direct continuation of the series finale. This development likely means additional substantial paydays for the main cast, particularly Tung, whose character remains central to the story.
Now that the cast members are officially “capital F Famous,” expect their per-project rates to increase significantly for whatever comes next.
The Streaming Success Formula
Amazon’s willingness to invest in the show is evident not just in salaries but in production values, including expensive music licensing that doesn’t come cheap. This comprehensive investment strategy has paid dividends, creating one of 2025’s most talked-about series.
The salary revelations demonstrate how streaming platforms are reshaping Hollywood economics, with relatively unknown actors achieving millionaire status through breakout roles on successful series. As Lola Tung’s journey from drama student to million-dollar star shows, the right role on the right platform can transform careers overnight.
What This Means for Young Actors
The Summer I Turned Pretty’s success story offers hope for aspiring young actors, proving that streaming platforms are willing to invest substantially in fresh talent when the right property comes along. With the series becoming one of Prime Video’s most successful shows, it’s believed the lead cast could now be earning hundreds of thousands per episode in future projects.
The financial success of this young cast reflects broader changes in the entertainment industry, where streaming platforms compete aggressively for content that resonates with key demographics. The show’s particular success with women aged 18-34 made it an invaluable asset for Amazon Prime Video, justifying the substantial investment in its stars.
As The Summer I Turned Pretty concludes its television run and prepares for its film continuation, the cast’s journey from unknown actors to millionaire stars serves as a compelling case study in how modern streaming success can rapidly transform careers and bank accounts alike.
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FAQs
Who is the highest-paid actor in The Summer I Turned Pretty cast?
Lola Tung earned the most with over $1.085 million total across all three seasons, starting at $15,000 per episode and reaching $60,000 per episode by the final season.
How much did Christopher Briney and Gavin Casalegno earn?
Both actors reached $50,000 per episode by the third season. Briney started at $10,000 per episode, while Casalegno began at $15,000 due to his previous acting experience.
What is Lola Tung’s current net worth?
Lola Tung’s estimated net worth is $1.5 million in 2025, including earnings from acting, modeling, Broadway performances, and audiobook recordings.
How do these salaries compare to other Amazon Prime shows?
While lower than established stars like Chris Pratt ($1.5M per episode for “The Terminal List”), the cast’s rapid salary growth reflects the show’s success and Amazon’s investment in emerging talent.
Will there be additional earnings from the upcoming film?
Yes, Amazon announced a feature film continuation following the series finale, which will likely provide additional substantial paydays for the main cast, particularly Lola Tung as the central character.
