Top 15 Longest TV Shows Of All Time

A TV show usually lasts longer because the audience has fallen in love with it. This kind of show has what it takes to go a season after another.

While some TV shows don’t go beyond one season, others have been running for over 20 seasons. The right content can make a TV show go on for years.

Top 15 Longest TV Shows Of All Time

If you are looking for a TV show that goes on season after season, keep reading. You will learn of the many shows that have run longer than expected.

Let us look at the longest TV shows of all time. 

15. The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet 

This TV show originated from a famous radio show with a similar name. It has been on the air for 14 seasons that come with 435 episodes.

The show dived into the lives of a typical nuclear family of the ‘50s and ‘60s. It is one of the longest-running sitcoms.

14. Criminal Minds

This is an incredible TV show that showcases how sex offenders and vicious murders are caught. The content in this TV show is on another level.

The Criminal Minds TV show was first aired in September 2005 up to February 2020. With it came 15 seasons, amassing a total of 324 episodes.

13. Supernatural

If you haven’t watched the Supernatural TV show, you have no idea what you are missing. The show revolves around a group of brothers mandated with saving the world from evil supernatural beings.

Winchester brothers, Sam and Dean, took up the challenge of hunting monsters and saving people.

The supernatural TV show is said to have outlived its original production plan. It has 15 current seasons that come with 337 episodes.

12. E.R.

Who would have thought that medical dramas will win the hearts of the people? That is what the E.R achieved, earning it more season after every season.

The E.R. TV show aired for 15 seasons and had 331 episodes. It features a rotating group of cast members.

This medical drama revealed to the world that medical personnel is a force to be reckoned with.

11. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8IYh8pzXGo

This is one of those TV shows that led the audience to learn more about forensic science. That knowledge is what helps the CSI team to solve crimes.

This TV show has 15 seasons with 337 episodes. This is one of the shows that attracted a vast viewership.

10. American Dad

This is an American animated sitcom. It focuses on the Smith family having four members and a freaky goldfish.

This TV show has been on air since February 2005 to date. It has 18 seasons with 305 episodes.

9. Grey’s Anatomy

With 17 seasons and 377 episodes, Grey’s Anatomy joins the list of the longest TV shows. This is a fictional American medical drama TV series.

It features the lives of surgical interns who eventually become seasoned doctors. How they balance their personal and professional lives is what makes the show captivating.

There has been a change in the cast of characters over the years. That has, however, not stopped its fans from watching this medical drama TV show.

8. NCIS

NCIS is a police procedural TV show. It showcases a fictional team of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.

This TV show has been on air since September 2003 to date. It has 18 seasons with 412 episodes.

7. Family Guy 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIKlVgw_b90

The animated show Family Guy has been airing since the late 90s. It has a total of 19 seasons to date, with 369 episodes.

This animation series was created by Seth MacFarlane. The show is currently in its 19th season.

6. Law & Order

Law & Order is a crime mystery TV show that has become a favorite to many people. This show created by Dick Wolf has 20 seasons with 456 episodes.

The crime mysteries about this show were quite simple. It made the show easy to follow and to understand.

5. Gunsmoke

Gunsmoke is a popular Western TV show. It has a total of 20 seasons, having 635 episodes.

The show revolves around a Marshal trying to keep his town safe. This is a captivating TV show that has kept its fans glued on its screens for years.

4. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit 

This is the third longest-running show in the franchise. It boasts of 22 seasons having 492 episodes.

It is a cop drama TV show that has amassed a mammoth following through the years. This NBC series has the best cast members reason why it is successful.

3. The Amazing Race

 The Amazing Race is a reality game show filled with adventure. It has so far aired for 32 seasons with a total of 373 episodes.

Over the years, this TV show has brought highly memorable experiences. At the end of each show, the best team always wins.

2. The Simpsons

The Simpsons is one of the longest-running shows in history. It is currently on season 32 with 705 episodes.

This TV show aired for the first time on Fox in December 1989 to date. The Simpsons have been on our screens for over three decades.

1. Survivor

If you love reality TV shows full of adventure, then Survivor should be on top of your list. It has so far aired 39 seasons with 506 episodes.

The Survivor reality show has kept an excellent track record of staying on the air since 2000. The show is presented by host Jeff Probst who does an excellent job always.

Conclusion

When a television show starts airing, we all hope it will capture our hearts. This is so that it can keep airing for much longer.

It is critical for a TV show to remain on air for the longest possible time. This is most important to the cast and crew, who will be guaranteed of a steady income.

A successful television show makes good money for the production team. However, not every show is lucky to go on season after season.