20 of the Longest Running TV Series

General Hospital

1963-present -

Many of us know that The Simpsons is the longest running cartoon, but did you know that there are TV series still running since the 60's? We're taking a look at them right here, right now.

Starting with General Hospital, an enduring soap opera that has kept audiences engaged with its complex characters and compelling medical and romantic storylines. Wikipedia

Gunsmoke

1955-1975 -

A classic Western series that held the record as the longest-running scripted primetime TV series in U.S. history, depicting the life of Marshal Matt Dillon in Dodge City. Youtube

The Simpsons

1989-present -

An animated sitcom that has become a cultural phenomenon, following the Simpson family's misadventures in the fictional town of Springfield, with over 30 seasons and counting. irrational_cat/Flickr

Law & Order

1990-2010 -

A groundbreaking procedural and legal drama that explored the criminal justice system, featuring the unique "ripped from the headlines" format and spawning numerous spin-offs. Wikimedia Commons

Lassie

1954-1974 -

A beloved family series about the collie Lassie and her various adventures, captivating audiences for two decades with heartwarming stories. CBS

NCIS

2003-present -

A long-running procedural drama focusing on the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, known for its blend of crime-solving, character dynamics, and military themes. JoolsdS/Deviant Art

Doctor Who

1963-present -

A British science fiction series that has spanned decades, featuring the adventures of the Doctor as they travel through time and space in the TARDIS. BBC

Grey's Anatomy

2005-present -

A medical drama that has become a cultural phenomenon, revolving around the personal and professional lives of surgical residents at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. Rotten Tomatoes

Criminal Minds

2005-2020 -

A crime procedural that followed the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit as they profiled and tracked down criminals, running for 15 seasons. Paramount Press Express

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

2000-2015 -

A groundbreaking forensic crime drama that explored crime scene investigation techniques, spawning a franchise with multiple spin-offs. CBS

ER

1994-2009 -

A highly acclaimed medical drama that provided an intense portrayal of emergency room doctors and nurses at County General Hospital over 15 seasons. NBC

The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet

1952-1966 -

A pioneering family sitcom that starred the real-life Nelson family, showcasing the comedic happenings of the Nelson household. American Broadcasting Company

The Tonight Show

1954-present -

A legendary late-night talk show that has been a staple of American television, with various hosts entertaining audiences for over six decades. NBC

One Piece

1999-present -

A Japanese anime series based on the manga of the same name, following the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew on their quest for the One Piece. Peacock

The Bold and the Beautiful

1987-present -

A long-running soap opera that explores the glamorous and tumultuous lives of the Forrester and Logan families in the fashion industry.

Days of Our Lives

1965-present -

A daytime soap opera that has captured the hearts of viewers with its intricate character relationships and dramatic plot twists for over five decades. CBS

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

1999-present -

A spin-off of the original "Law & Order," focusing on the Special Victims Unit and their investigations into sexually-based offenses. Rotten Tomatoes

Coronation Street

1960-present -

A British soap opera that has chronicled the lives of the residents of Weatherfield, offering a continuous narrative for over six decades. Mikey/Flickr

The Young and the Restless

1973-present -

A soap opera known for its intricate storytelling and character development, revolving around the lives of the residents of Genoa City. Soap Opera Digest

Guiding Light

1952-2009 -

A long-running soap opera that began on radio before transitioning to television, providing over half a century of dramatic storytelling. Radio Varieties Incorporated