The Most Expensive Television Shows of All Time, Ranked

1. Arrested Development – $3 Million per Episode

Even though Arrested Development airs infrequently, its production cost per episode is estimated at $3 million. In addition to the cost of the cast, some of it is due to the fact that they shoot on location in affluent Orange County, California, where Michael Bluth (portrayed by Jason Bateman) is trying to take over his family's affairs. For those who are unfamiliar with the Bluth family, Michael is probably the only one who thinks logically. In the early 2000s, the show premiered to great acclaim. Thousands of fans were devastated when FOX canceled Arrested Development. A new season of the show premiered in 2018 after Netflix revived the show in 2013.