Over the last two decades, the expansion of streaming services such as Netflix has fundamentally altered how we consume entertainment, particularly television shows. Instead of waiting week after week to find out what happens to your favorite character, full seasons of shows are frequently released all on one day on streaming services, allowing viewers to binge-watch the series from beginning to ending in a matter of hours.
According to Deloitte data released in March 2022, 82 percent of American households subscribe to a paid video streaming service. Primetime television has struggled to keep up with the increased competition. Despite this, many long-running Television shows have endured the test of time and continue to air after multiple seasons. If the plethora of original show on Hulu and Prime Video overwhelms you, consider revisiting one of the longest-running scripted Television shows of all time, such as “Grey’s Anatomy” or “Law and Order: SVU.”
#1 “The Simpsons” (1989-Present)
- Seasons: 34
- Episodes: 730+ (Ongoing)
“The Simpsons” is the longest-running scripted primetime TV series, with over 700 episodes. It follows the hilariously dysfunctional Simpson family — father Homer, mother Marge, and children Bart, Lisa, and Maggie — as they navigate the monotony of daily life.
#2 “Law & Order: SVU” (1999-Present)
- Seasons: 23
- Episodes: 520+ (Ongoing)
“Law & Order: SVU,” a spinoff of the original series, began following Detectives Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni) and Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay), as well as other law enforcement officers, as they investigated sexual crimes (the unit additionally investigates crimes that involve the elderly, disabled, and young children). The cast has changed dramatically over the course of over 500 episodes, with Meloni leaving the series after season 12. (albeit not the “Law & Order” franchise altogether). Hargitay and Ice-T as Detective Odafin “Fin” Tutuola, on the other hand, have been with the show since the beginning.
#3 “Gunsmoke” (1955-1975)
- Seasons: 20
- Episodes: 635
The longevity of “Gunsmoke” demonstrates how historic TV series often appeal to multiple generations. The show, set in the 1870s, focuses on the daily experiences of Marshall Matt Dillon, who is attempting to restore order in the crime-ridden Dodge City.
#4 “Law & Order” (1990-2010), (2022-Present)
- Seasons: 22
- Episodes: 470+
The original series, which spawned a slew of spinoffs, delves into the lives of NYPD detectives and the crimes they investigate, as well as the legal proceedings that ensue. Even if you’re not a huge fan of the show, its legacy is undeniable, right down to its iconic opening theme, “These are their stories… ” And, as of 2022, the show has returned, with new storylines but also the return of Jack McCoy (Sam Waterson).
#5 “Family Guy” (1999-Present)
- Seasons: 20
- Episodes: 395+ (Ongoing)
“Family Guy,” along with “The Simpsons,” is perhaps the most popular adult animated television series of all time, with well almost 400 episodes in the can. The Griffins, led by father Peter, mother Lois, and their children Meg, Chris, and Stewie (plus their dog Brian), try to live normal lives but are always caught up in some kind of chaos.
#6 “Lassie” (1954-1971)
- Seasons: 19
- Episodes: 591
Lassie was America’s Dog for much of the late twentieth century. The endearing series follows Lassie (a collie) and boys Jeff and Timmy Martin on their daily adventures. Even if you’ve never seen “Lassie,” you’ve probably heard of it through references in pop culture or the famous quote, “Lassie, come home!”
#7 “NCIS” (2003-Present)
- Seasons: 20
- Episodes: 440+ (Ongoing)
“NCIS,” like “Law & Order,” combines the right amount of drama with crime to create an entertaining series. The show follows special agents from Naval Criminal Investigative Service as they engage with day-to-day crime cases over the course of nearly 450 episodes. “NCIS” has spawned several spinoff series as a result of its popularity, including “NCIS: Los Angeles,” “NCIS: New Orleans,” and “NCIS: Hawaii.”
#8 “Grey’s Anatomy” (2005-Present)
- Seasons: 19
- Episodes: 400+ (Ongoing)
Nothing beats medical dramas in terms of popular television show genres. “Grey’s Anatomy” follows a crew of interns and residents at Seattle Grace Hospital (now Grey Sloan Memorial) as they train to be doctors while juggling steamy flings, work relationships, and personal issues. “Grey’s Anatomy” has been renewed for a 19th season, which will premiere on October 6, 2022.
#9 “American Dad!” (2005-Present)
- Seasons: 17
- Episodes: 340+ (Ongoing)
“American Dad!” uses humor and complex characters to relate to viewers while also entertaining them. Fans of animated adult comedy shows such as “The Simpsons” and “Family Guy” will enjoy “American Dad!”, which follows the lives of father Stan Smith, mother Francine, children Hayley and Steve, and their pet fish Klaus.
#10 “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (2000-2015)
- Seasons: 15
- Episodes: 337
Detectives in the Crime Scene Bureau of the Las Vegas Police Department use forensic science to hunt down criminals and solve crimes.
#11 “ER” (1994-2009)
- Seasons: 15
- Episodes: 331
Setting the standard for complex medical dramas such as “Grey’s Anatomy,” “ER” follows the lives of nurses and doctors at County General Hospital in Chicago as they deal with stressful and intense events in the emergency room. The groundbreaking drama launched major stars such as George Clooney and Julianna Margulies.
#12 “Supernatural” (2005-2020)
- Seasons: 15
- Episodes: 327
Extending past the common crime and medical dramas, “Supernatural” is fantasy based. In the show, brothers Sam and Dean Winchester hunt and battle supernatural creatures of all kinds, including demons and monsters.
#13 “Criminal Minds” (2005-2020)
- Seasons: 15
- Episodes: 324
While crime dramas such as “Law & Order” and “NCIS” take a more technical approach to dealing with crime, the characters on “Criminal Minds” use psychology to solve even the most perplexing of criminal cases. The plot revolves around FBI Behavioral Science Unit investigators. Their objective is to investigate serial killers and identify behaviour patterns and motives in order to prevent future murders. Once you’ve caught up, get ready for more “Criminal Minds”: production on the reboot began in 2022.
#14 “The Jack Benny Program” (1950-1965)
- Seasons: 15
- Episodes: 260
“The Jack Benny Program,” a radio and television series, lampooned comedic entertainer Jack Benny, who played an exaggerated version of himself all throughout show.
#15 “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet” (1952-1966)
- Seasons: 14
- Episodes: 435
Despite the fact that the show stars true family members Ozzie and Harriet Nelson, as well as their two sons, David and Ricky, it is a scripted sitcom. It focuses on family situation while also addressing common life issues such as dating and working. According to NPR, the show was the longest-running live-action sitcom until it was passed by “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” in December 2021. However, “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet” topped out “Always Sunny” on this list due to its massive episode count.
#16 “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” (2005-Present)
- Seasons: 15
- Episodes: 160+ (Ongoing)
This immensely bingeable sitcom stars Hollywood heavyweight Danny DeVito as a group of narcissistic friends who own a pub called Paddy’s Pub in — you guessed it — South Philadelphia.