Karen Kilgariff has made a name for herself in comedy, TV writing, and podcasting. Best known as the co-host of My Favorite Murder, she has built an impressive financial portfolio.
With her successful podcast network Exactly Right and a history of working in television, her earnings have skyrocketed over the years. But how much does she actually make?
In this article, Ando breaks down Karen Kilgariff’s income, salary, and business ventures.
We’ll explore how her financial journey evolved, how much she earns from her podcast, and what the future holds for her wealth.
Karen Kilgariff Quick Facts
FACT | DETAIL |
---|---|
Real Name | Karen Kilgariff |
Popular Name | Karen Kilgariff |
Birth Date | May 11, 1970 |
Age | 54 |
Birthplace | Petaluma, California, USA |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | N/A |
Education | St. Vincent de Paul High School |
Marital Status | Divorced |
Spouse | N/A |
Children | N/A |
Dating | N/A |
Siblings | Laura Kilgariff (Older sister) |
Parents | Jim Kilgariff (Father), Patricia Kilgariff (Mother, deceased 2016) |
Height | N/A |
Net Worth | $20 million |
Source of Wealth | Podcasting, Writing, TV Production, Live Shows |
What is the Net Worth Of Karen Kilgariff in 2025?
As of 2025, Karen Kilgariff’s estimated net worth stands at $20 million. Most of her earnings come from podcasting, particularly her hit show My Favorite Murder. The podcast alone generates over $15 million annually, making it one of the top-grossing podcasts worldwide.
Her financial success is also tied to Exactly Right, a podcast network she co-founded. In 2019, she and co-host Georgia Hardstark signed a $10 million exclusive deal with Stitcher, further boosting her earnings.
Compared to other industry leaders, Karen’s financial growth is impressive. While she may not be at the level of the highest-paid podcasters like Joe Rogan, her earnings from digital media and TV writing place her among the most financially successful media personalities.
Related Figures in Entertainment and Podcasting
- Georgia Hardstark
- Joe Rogan
- Ellen DeGeneres
- Bob Odenkirk
- Whitney Cummings
- Pete Holmes
- Marc Maron
- Drew Carey
- David Cross
- Sarah Silverman
Karen Kilgariff Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Much Does She Earn from Her Career?
Karen Kilgariff’s career earnings come from multiple sources, including podcasting, TV writing, book publishing, and live comedy. She started in stand-up comedy before landing roles on TV shows like Mr. Show and The Book Group. However, her financial breakthrough came with My Favorite Murder, which transformed her into a major player in digital media.
Over the years, her earnings have shifted significantly. In the early 2000s, she was primarily making money from television writing, working as the head writer for The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Now, the majority of her income comes from her podcast empire.
What Are Her Main Sources of Income?
- Podcasting Revenue – My Favorite Murder earns over $15 million annually from sponsorships and ad deals.
- Podcast Network – Exactly Right hosts multiple successful shows, expanding her revenue streams.
- Book Sales – Stay Sexy & Don’t Get Murdered was a bestseller, adding to her wealth.
- TV Writing & Production – She has written for hit shows like Baskets and The Pete Holmes Show.
- Live Shows & Touring – She and Georgia Hardstark have done extensive live podcast tours, bringing in additional revenue.
How Much Does Her Podcast Earn Annually?
Karen Kilgariff’s podcast, My Favorite Murder, is among the highest-earning podcasts in the world. In 2020, it was the second-highest earning podcast globally, generating $15 million+ annually.
In addition, her $10 million Stitcher deal in 2019 significantly boosted her earnings. As podcasting continues to grow, My Favorite Murder remains a dominant force in the industry.
How Does She Make Money from the Podcast Industry?
Aside from My Favorite Murder, Karen co-founded Exactly Right Podcast Network. This platform produces multiple successful shows and monetizes through:
- Exclusive podcast deals (like the Stitcher contract)
- Advertising partnerships
- Subscription-based content
- Live podcast events and merchandise sales
How Has Her Salary Changed Over the Years?
Karen’s salary has evolved dramatically. In her early days in stand-up, she was earning modestly from comedy gigs. Her move into TV writing boosted her income, but the real financial leap happened with My Favorite Murder.
Her $10 million deal with Stitcher in 2019 was a game-changer, establishing her as one of podcasting’s top earners. Today, her earnings from Exactly Right continue to grow.
What Role Does Business Play in Her Wealth?
Karen is not just a content creator—she is a businesswoman. By launching Exactly Right, she turned her podcasting success into a scalable business.
With digital media growing rapidly, her podcast network has room for expansion, opening doors for:
- New podcast productions
- Licensing and distribution deals
- Potential acquisitions or partnerships in digital media
What Awards and Achievements Has She Earned?
Karen Kilgariff’s work has been widely recognized. She has won six Daytime Emmy Awards for her work as head writer on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Beyond awards, her impact on the podcasting industry is undeniable.
Her achievements include:
- Pioneering the true crime comedy podcast genre
- Creating one of the most successful podcast networks
- Touring internationally with live podcast shows
What Are Her Future Financial Prospects?
Karen’s financial future looks bright. The podcast industry continues to grow, and her influence in digital media is expanding.
Potential new ventures in television production, book publishing, or additional podcast projects could further increase her wealth.
Conclusion
Karen Kilgariff has built an impressive career in comedy, TV writing, and podcasting.
Her financial success stems from My Favorite Murder, Exactly Right, and other ventures. Want to stay updated on celebrity finances? Visit andomoney.com for more insights!