How Big Is Ashton Kutcher's Two and a Half Men Paycheck?

Tube star's stint on the hit sitcom could be extended depending on how well the revamped show is received by fans

Ashton Kutcher's might not be making Charlie Sheen money, but the prince of Punk'd going to be making bank as he takes over Two and a Half Men.

And he'll have just one season to make a case for long-term employment.

Kutcher stands to profit handsomely in his new gig: approximately $750,000 an episode, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The newspaper reports that CBS and show producer Warner Bros. Television have signed Kutcher to a one-year contract simply because the Eye network has only agreed to license Men for an additional year under a current deal.

So while CBS and Warners believe they can get at least a two or three more years out of Two and a Half Men, which is now entering its ninth season, the three parties committed to the one-year stint to keep their options open.

So should the That '70s Show star not prove popular with viewers, he could exit gracefully and another actor could possibly be brought in as a foil for Jon Cryer.

On the other hand, if he's a hit, his contract could be renewed for seasons to come.

Reps for CBS, Warners and Kutcher did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the report.

But if the Journal's figures are correct, over the course of 22 to 26 episodes Kutcher could end up netting around $20 million.

Not too shabby.