The longest-running TV shows, ranging from cartoon masterpieces to medical dramas, have captivated viewers for decades! Please join us as we enumerate the television shows that have captivated viewers for many years and are still airing today. Every week, which one of these classics do you still watch? Among the shows that will be included in this list are "Saturday Night Live", "The Simpsons", "Grey's Anatomy", "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia", and many more! Even if trends come and go, casts change, and networks come and go, some series have managed to hold on to their audiences. Are you looking for a new dinnertime show? This list of popular TV shows will not disappoint!
The best, longest-running TV shows of all time
Sesame Street
Sesame Street has been on PBS for 54 years, so we cannot help but include this iconic children's show on our list! Sesame Street has been on the air for fifty years, featuring some of the biggest names in show business, such as Robin Williams and Destiny's Child, while also teaching kids important life lessons like compassion and the ABCs; this is more than enough justification to continue airing the show.
Krishi Darshan
The longest continuously airing television show in India is Krishi Darshan. It discusses farming, informing farmers about government programmes and contemporary agricultural techniques. With 16,780 episodes under its belt, Krishi Darshan has been broadcast continuously since January 26, 1967. This is the longest-running TV show in India, and is truly one of the more nostalgic shows for all ’90s kids!
The Simpsons
The Simpsons ranks among the all-time greats of television programmes. It debuted as a skit on the Tracey Ullman Show in 1987 and went into syndication in 1989. After an incredible 34 seasons, the show continues to thrive. Some have even gone so far as to say that The Simpsons' writers have predicted major events because of how accurately they have commented on current events. Few shows have ever provided as clever and humorous cultural critiques as The Simpsons, which is why it remains one of the best, longest-running TV shows of all time!
Grey's Anatomy
In 2005, this medical drama made its debut, showcasing a potent blend of compelling characters, intricate plots, profound emotions, and captivating medical riddles. Critical and popular acclaim for the show's riveting plot propelled it to the top of the ratings, as it revolved around an array of interesting, ambitious and attractive young doctors. The gradual elimination of fan favourites like Derek Shepherd from the programme startled and disappointed many people. The show continues to draw in viewers, even if some have condemned the most recent seasons for being too dramatic. In 2023, it ranked tenth in on-demand viewing. Not only did "Grey's Anatomy" have an everlasting impact, but it also propelled Patrick Dempsey, Sandra Oh, and Katherine Heigl to stardom. Many would agree that the early days are the best, even though it still airs. It is the longest-running TV show of all time in the category of medical dramas and has captivated viewers worldwide!
South Park
It's incredible how something that began in 1997 may remain relevant in the present day without entirely sacrificing its core. After 25 years, how has "South Park" managed to maintain its wit and intelligence? Perhaps it's because Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the show's creators, skilfully incorporate stories about real-life issues to keep the show afloat. This hilarious treasure trove isn't just the longest-running show on Comedy Central—it's also the pinnacle of cartoon satire, albeit it isn't perfect. This program has gone beyond being just popular; it has become a cultural phenomenon, and it shows no signs of slowing down thanks to its five Primetime Emmys and Peabody Awards. More proof of its genius is the fact that it was the basis for a hit film in 1999. This is one of the most iconic, longest-running TV shows of all time!
Saturday Night Live
When discussing seminal television series that have had an impact on American society, this must be brought up. "Saturday Night Live" may not always be perfect, but it certainly merits praise for helping to start the careers of notable figures such as Eddie Murphy, Will Ferrell, and Bill Murray. For those who are not familiar with it, Sesame Street is a sketch program featuring regular and special guests who humorously critique various aspects of popular culture and politics. How awesome is it that certain drawings have even been turned into full-length movies? The program has a huge influence because of its 84 Primetime Emmys and several other honours, as well as the numerous A-listers who have graced its stage. It would seem that "SNL" isn't going away, despite having aired over 970 episodes. We will never forget the unforgettable evenings it has provided, regardless of how often it fails.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
In America, the raunchy, often racy comedies genuinely shape the culture! The show It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia has been running for 16 seasons since its 2005 launch. The sitcom, which features Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, Kaitlin Olson, and Danny DeVito, is still being produced, indicating that shocking content has not deterred viewers. Hulu now has all sixteen seasons of the comedy series available, and later this year, season seventeen will likely be available as well.
Law and Order SVU
The show "SVU" may never run out of ideas for interesting plots as long as shocking real-life crimes keep happening. Many of the more than 500 episodes are based on actual cases, so the show's investigators never run out of intriguing riddles to investigate. This spin-off of "Law & Order" has not only lasted longer than its original program; it has also maintained its high profile throughout. Mariska Hargitay has been the primary character from the very beginning, a rare occurrence on television. The program's endurance, however, is not its only strength. Fantastic writing, compelling stories, and stellar acting allow it to tackle relevant societal concerns in a way that never gets old. You can't deny that "SVU" is a first-rate series.