Julie Chen Moonves is reportedly earning approximately $3 million per season for her role as host of CBS's "Big Brother."
Chen Moonves, 56, has hosted every season of the American version of the reality competition since its premiere in 2000, which is now airing its 28th season. According to The Sun US, she has been making more than seven figures annually since her early days on the show. While initially criticized for a perceived robotic delivery that earned her the nickname "Chenbot," she eventually gained favor with viewers.
Prior to her extensive tenure on "Big Brother," Chen worked as an anchor at CBS News. She also co-hosted the daytime talk show "The Talk" from its launch in 2010 until 2018.
Chen married Les Moonves, the former president and chief executive officer of CBS Television, in 2004. He resigned from his position in 2018 amid multiple allegations of sexual harassment spanning three decades. At the time of his departure, Moonves was one of the highest-paid executives in the country, earning around $70 million annually. He denied all allegations of non-consensual sex but stepped down from his role at the network.
During the scandal, Chen expressed her support for her husband, stating on Twitter that she had known him for years and that he was a "good man and a loving father, devoted husband and inspiring corporate leader." In a 2025 interview promoting her memoir, she told People that she and her husband "leaned" on each other during the ordeal, emphasizing their strong bond.
