Main Cast and Earnings
The main actresses on Desperate Housewives include Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffman, Marcia Cross, and Eva Longoria. The series aired from 2004 to 2012 on ABC, a Disney-owned network. Reports indicate the core cast earned between $300,000 and $400,000 per episode in later seasons. Forbes has tracked how long-running TV roles translate into sustained wealth for performers.
Eva Longoria was among the highest-paid cast members by the final seasons, with her role as Gabrielle Solis driving significant viewership. Teri Hatcher, who played Susan Mayer, became one of the show's most recognizable faces and later leveraged the role into broader brand partnerships. SEC filings for production companies linked to the series show how cast compensation was structured alongside profit participation.
Post-Series Career Trajectories
After Desperate Housewives ended, several actresses moved into producing, directing, and entrepreneurship. Eva Longoria founded UnbeliEVAble Entertainment and has produced content across film and television. Forbes has documented how her post-show ventures expanded her net worth beyond the series.
Felicity Huffman continued acting in limited series and films while also becoming involved in philanthropy and education-focused initiatives. Marcia Cross took on roles in primetime dramas and guest appearances on network shows, maintaining a steady presence in the industry. Business Insider has noted that Desperate Housewives alumni often use their visibility to launch production companies and investment portfolios.
Legacy and Industry Impact
The show was a flagship series for ABC during the mid-2000s, consistently ranking among the most-watched scripted programs in the United States. It received multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, with the ensemble cast recognized for its chemistry and performance. SEC documents from Disney and ABC Studios reference the series as a key asset in their programming portfolios.
Desperate Housewives influenced the development of ensemble dramedies and established a model for high-concept serialized storytelling on broadcast television. The actresses' public profiles grew significantly, leading to endorsement deals, speaking engagements, and roles in major studio films. IMDb tracks the continued high visibility of the main cast across film, television, and producing credits in the years following the series.