In today’s entertainment climate, TV shows don’t last for long. The culture brought about by Netflix means that shows are churned out and are often cancelled prematurely. Our culture has become more consumerist, and it’s rare for shows to achieve longevity, usually only running for a few seasons before audiences move onto something else or streaming services are looking for the next big hit. Alternatively, the miniseries has become the most popular TV show format, adapting successfully to viewers' screening habits and desires.
The first Television drama aired in 1928, and a lot of shows have graced our TV screens since then. From top animated TV shows like Avatar: The Last Airbender to dark TV comedies like HBO's Succession, the history of television boasts titles for everyone. In fact, despite the popularity of limited series, some TV shows have the special recipe that have allowed them to last decades. Here are the longest-running series in the history of television.
Lassie (1954-1972)
Lassie was a hugely successful TV show which ran from 1954 to 1972. The premise of the TV show is ‘Lassie’ the dog, who rescues her human companion from several difficult situations. ‘Lassie’ has over the years been portrayed by nine different dogs, who have all been descendants of the original. The series represents a significant moment for pop culture and has a place on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Gunsmoke (1955-1975)
Gunsmoke ran for 20 seasons for 20 years between the years of 1955 to 1975. The series follows Marshal Matt Dillon who is in charge of Dodge City, a town in the wild west where people often have run-ins with the law. The series grew out of a radio show, and continued to be successful over multiple series, presenting new challenges for Marshal Matt Dillon and keeping audiences hooked. The show also featured characters Miss Kitty Russel and Doc Adams and is a time relic of American TV from the 50s to the 70s.
The Simpsons (1989 - Present)
The Simpsons needs no introduction and has been a centerpiece of pop culture since the show began back in 1989. Everyone is familiar with the family including Homer, Marge, Lisa, Bart and Maggie, and it’s easily one of the most recognizable cartoons globally. The Simpsons has been running for years and is easily able to adapt to changes in pop culture in order to keep itself relevant and continues to achieve strong ratings. The series has been running for 33 seasons so far and has no plans of ending anytime soon. It has also produced a movie spin-off which is in talks for a sequel.
Law and Order (1990-2010; 2022)
Law and Order was the original show which birthed the show Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. The series resulted in several spinoffs and a made-for-TV movie. The series focuses on police investigations as well as court prosecutions focusing on guilt or innocence in the American legal system. It originally ran from 1990-2010 and was recently revived by NBC in 2022.
Law and Order: Special Victims Unit (1999-present)
Law and Order produced a spin-off show in 1999 in the form of Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. The series follows a specially trained unit who investigate sexually-based crimes. The series has been on air since 1999 making it the only live-action show that debuted in the 20th century to still be on air. Olivia Benson, who is played by Mariska Hargitay, has been the longest running character on any live-action primetime show.
Family Guy (1999-present)
Next to The Simpsons, Family Guy is arguably the most recognizable modern American cartoon to have ever been on air. The series has been running since 1999 and features a dysfunctional family and a more explicit content than other adult-focused cartoons. It’s now a piece of pop culture history and has created some of the most recognizable TV characters ever.
NCIS (2003-present)
NCIS has been airing for 19 series since 2003, and is an American police drama, focusing on a fictitious team of agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. This team conduct criminal investigations which involve the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The series has been able to keep viewers engaged by shaking up its content regularly and is one of the most successful shows that has been on TV.
Grey's Anatomy (2005-present)
Grey’s Anatomy is one of the most popular medical dramas to have ever been on the air, having been on our screens since 2005. The series has so far run for 18 seasons and follows the life of Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) and the lives of the surgical interns and their medical mentors at the fictional Seattle Grace Hospital. The series has been able to change up its subject matter regularly and has kept audiences hooked for decades.