The landscape of television has undergone tremendous changes over the decades, with some shows being able to stand against time and become cultural icons. This article explores the long-running shows across different TV networks, highlighting their unique contribution to entertainment and their popularity.
Longest-Running Shows by Network
TV stations have brought to the audience various long-running series, with each bearing its distinct flavour and audience. This list has been extracted from a report by IMDB for the longest-running shows from the major stations:
| Network | Show Title | Years Active | Episodes | Description |
| NBC | Saturday Night Live | 1975–present | 981 | A sketch comedy show featuring a mix of celebrity guest appearances and musical performances. |
| CBS | The Young and the Restless | 1973–present | 13,297 | A soap opera that delves into the lives of two powerful families in Genoa City, focusing on business and romance. |
| ABC | General Hospital | 1963–present | 13,550 | A daytime drama set in Port Charles that revolves around the lives of its residents and their relationships. |
| FOX | The Simpsons | 1989–present | 780 | An animated sitcom that satirizes American culture through the lives of the Simpson family in Springfield. |
| The CW | Supernatural | 2005–2020 | 327 | A fantasy horror series following two brothers as they hunt supernatural creatures across America. |
| PBS | Sesame Street | 1969–present | 3,180 | An educational children's program featuring puppets and live actors to teach preschool subjects through fun. |
| PBS Kids | Arthur | 1996–2022 | 259 | An animated series based on Marc Brown's books, focusing on the life lessons of an aardvark named Arthur. |
| Univision | Sábado gigante | 1986–2015 | 1,594 | A Spanish-language variety show featuring music, comedy sketches, and audience participation. |
| TBS | House of Payne | 2006–present | 372 | A sitcom centered on a multi-generational family living under one roof in Atlanta. |
| TLC | Little People, Big World | 2006–present | 392 | A reality series that follows the lives of the Roloff family as they navigate life with dwarfism. |
| HBO | Curb Your Enthusiasm | 2000–present | 120 | A comedy series starring Larry David as an exaggerated version of himself navigating life's trivialities. |
| Showtime | Shameless | 2011–2021 | 134 | A dramedy about a dysfunctional family in Chicago led by a reckless father and his fiercely loyal children. |
| USA Network | Suits | 2011–2019 | 134 | A legal drama about a college dropout who lands a job at a prestigious law firm despite lacking a law degree. |
| Freeform | Pretty Little Liars | 2010–2017 | 160 | A mystery thriller following four friends as they navigate secrets and lies after their friend's disappearance. |
| Nickelodeon | SpongeBob SquarePants | 1999–present | 322 | An animated series about a sea sponge who works at a fast-food restaurant and embarks on various adventures. |
| BET | Being Mary Jane | 2013–2019 | 52 | A drama series that explores the life of a successful television news anchor balancing personal and professional challenges. |
| Bravo TV | The Real Housewives of Orange County | 2006–present | 334 | A reality series showcasing the lives of affluent women living in Southern California. |
| MTV | The Real World | 1992–present | 654 | A reality show that brings together young adults from diverse backgrounds to live in one house and explore their differences. |
| CMT | Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team | 2006–present | 168 | A reality series that follows the audition process for one of the most famous cheerleading squads in sports. |
| Paramount Network | Yellowstone | 2018–2024 | 53 | A modern western drama centered on a ranching family fighting to protect their land from outside threats. |
| Disney Channel | Bunk'd | 2015–2024 | 161 | A family-friendly series about kids at summer camp dealing with friendships and adventures. |
| A&E | The First 48 | 2004–present | 583 | A true crime documentary series that follows detectives during the critical first hours after a homicide. |
| Lifetime | Army Wives | 2007–2013 | 117 | A drama series depicting the lives of women married to U.S. Army soldiers as they deal with military life challenges. |
| AMC | The Walking Dead | 2010–2022 | 177 | A post-apocalyptic horror series following survivors navigating a world overrun by zombies. |
| Discovery Channel | MythBusters | 2003–2018 | 300 | An experimental television show where hosts test myths and urban legends through scientific methods. |
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Analysis
There are many reasons why these shows have been so long-lived:
- Cultural Relevance: Many long-running shows, such as The Simpsons and Saturday Night Live, remain culturally relevant because they discuss current issues using humour and satire.
- Nostalgia Factor: Shows like Sesame Street have remained current with changing educational methods and retained the nostalgic value to older audiences.
- Diverse genres: Right from soap operas such as General Hospital, to The Real World kind of shows, the variation in these genres ensures coverage of an extensive audience and viewers.
The longest-running TV shows are not only for entertainment purposes but also mirror changes in society, culture, and the tastes of viewers as time passes. With each passing episode, these programs contribute to television history and influence new generations of viewers and creators alike.
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