Top 10 Longest‑Running TV Shows of All Time

Ever wondered which TV series have been on the air long enough to become part of our cultural DNA? From sitcoms that still land punchlines to news programs that have seen history unfold, the shows on this list have outlasted trends, technology shifts, and even some of their own hosts. Below you’ll get the full rundown of the top 10 longest‑running TV shows, how we measured their staying power, and why they keep viewers coming back.

What qualifies as a "longest‑running" TV show?

In plain terms, a longest‑running TV show is a series that has aired for the most years or accumulated the most episodes compared with its peers. We looked at both factors because a drama that runs 20 years with 250 episodes might feel more enduring than a daily news show that has 30 years but millions of episodes. For this list we considered:

• First‑air date (earliest premiere)
• Number of seasons produced
• Total episodes (including specials)
• Current broadcast status (still airing vs. officially ended)

Shows that are still in production as of October 2025 get a bonus for staying relevant for over four decades.

How we ranked the shows

We gave each series a score based on two weighted criteria: years on air (60%) and episode count (40%). The scores were then sorted descending, producing the list you’ll see next. This method balances longevity with sheer volume, ensuring that a show like Gunsmoke is recognized for its 20‑year run and 635 episodes, even though it ended in 1975.

The Top 10 Longest‑Running TV Shows

1. The Simpsons is a animated sitcom that debuted in 1989 and remains in production, making it the longest‑running primetime scripted series in U.S. television history. With over 750 episodes, it has parodied everything from politics to pop culture, and its iconic opening couch gag still surprises fans each week.

2. Doctor Who is a British science‑fiction series that first aired in 1963. After a 10‑year hiatus, it relaunched in 2005 and continues to explore time‑travel adventures, boasting more than 870 episodes across its classic and modern eras.

3. Coronation Street is a UK soap opera that premiered in 1960. It has aired for 64 seasons, producing over 10,000 episodes, and remains a staple of British primetime viewing.

4. Law & Order is a procedural drama that ran from 1990 to 2010, delivering 456 episodes. Its spin‑offs keep the franchise alive, but the original series still holds the record for episode volume among scripted dramas.

5. The Tonight Show is a late‑night talk show that first aired in 1954. Over seven decades, it has transitioned through several hosts, accumulating more than 12,000 episodes and remaining a nightly fixture.

6. Saturday Night Live is a live sketch‑comedy series that debuted in 1975. With 48 seasons and over 1,000 episodes, it introduced countless comedians to mainstream audiences.

7. Gunsmoke - Western drama that aired from 1955 to 1975, delivering 635 half‑hour episodes before moving to hour‑long formats. Its longevity set the benchmark for genre TV.

8. South Park - Animated satire that started in 1997 and is still producing new episodes. Its sharp cultural commentary has kept it relevant for over 27 years.

9. The Young and the Restless - Daytime soap opera launched in 1973, with more than 12,000 episodes, making it one of the most prolific scripted series globally.

10. Meet the Press - News interview program that began in 1947 and continues today, earning the title of the longest‑running TV program of any kind with over 13,000 episodes.

Quick comparison of key stats

Why these shows last so long

Several common threads explain how these programs survive decades of change. First, they adapt their format-think of The Tonight Show shifting hosts while keeping the late‑night monologue intact. Second, they build a loyal audience base that tunes in out of habit or nostalgia; soaps like Coronation Street become family traditions passed from one generation to the next.

Third, the production model matters. Shows that average an hour or less per episode, such as Gunsmoke and South Park, can churn content quickly without burning out writers or budgets. Finally, cultural relevance keeps viewership high. Saturday Night Live mirrors political climates weekly, while Doctor Who reinvents itself with new doctors, ensuring fresh storytelling.

How to explore these series yourself

If you’re ready to binge, start with the show that matches your taste. Animation fans will love longest running TV shows like The Simpsons for its endless cultural references. Drama enthusiasts can dive into Law & Order for procedural thrills, while history buffs might enjoy the archival footage on Meet the Press.

• Check streaming platforms: most of the top 10 are on services like Netflix, Hulu, or the respective network’s app.
• Use episode guides: Wikipedia and fan sites list episodes by season, making it easy to pick a starting point.
• Join fan forums: Reddit, Discord, and official fan pages often share trivia that deepens appreciation.

Remember, longevity doesn’t always mean every episode is gold. Some seasons dip in quality, so feel free to skip ahead to the most acclaimed arcs-like the "Who’s the Doctor?" saga in Doctor Who or the "Treehouse of Horror" specials in The Simpsons.

Frequently Asked Questions