Who earned more this year, Judge Judy or Ellen Degeneres? The answer will likely surprise you…

“JUDGE JUDY” SHEINDLIN is #1 on the annual “Forbes” list of the highest paid TV hosts.  She made $147 million over the past 12 months.  ELLEN DEGENERES is second with $87.5 million.  You’re not alone if you’re scratching your head wondering WHAT THE…? It definitely IS strange but absolutely true.  There is an explanation though…

Here are the Top Five:

1.  Judge Judy Sheindlin, $147 million

2.  Ellen DeGeneres, $87.5 million

3.  Dr. Phil McGraw, $77.5 million

4.  Ryan Seacrest, $74 million

5.  Steve Harvey, $44 million

This is Judge Judy’s first time at #1.  On a normal year she would earn about half of what Ellen is paid (she has an annual salary of $47 million) but last year she also sold the rights to her show’s reruns for an estimated $100 million.

Still… am I the only one who is absolutely GOBSMACKED that Judge Judy pulls down almost $50millionUS/yr?!  That’s some serious coin for a killer eye-roll!