Where Does The Simpsons Rank in the List of Longest-Running TV Shows of All Time 

Let’s talk about TV shows that have stood the test of time. You know, the ones that have been around longer than your high school crush? While many series these days can’t even make it past a season or two, a select few have mastered the art of longevity. 

We’re talking about shows that have become part of the fabric of American culture, outlasting even the trendiest series. Imagine a show so iconic that it’s been running since the late ’80s! Yep, that’s right—it’s none other than The Simpsons! This animated classic is now strutting into its 36th season.

But The Simpsons isn’t alone in the long-running club. There are others—some with more drama, some with more laughs, and a few that just love to keep the show going no matter what.

Top 10 Longest-Running Shows That Are Still Airing

Get ready and settle in as we dive into the top 10 longest-running TV shows. These are the programs that have managed to stay relevant, and in some cases, predict the future. Let’s see where our beloved yellow family stacks up against the competition!

1. Coronation Street (64 Seasons) – 64 Years

First up is Coronation Street, the original long-running show. This British soap opera has been keeping viewers hooked since 1960. It focuses on the daily lives of working-class people in Manchester, England. Think of it as a never-ending soap bubble of drama that just keeps growing!

2. General Hospital (62 Seasons) – 61 Years

Next up is General Hospital, the longest-running American soap opera. Since it first aired in 1963, the show has been packed with plot twists. It focuses on the ongoing lives of the diverse and evolving residents of the fictional town of Port Charles, located in upstate New York. With more than 60 years of cliffhangers, it’s a must-watch for soap fans.

3. Days of Our Lives (60 Seasons) – 59 Years 

Coming in at number three, Days of Our Lives is another classic soap that started in 1965. The show is about the lives of middle- and upper-class people in a small town called Salem. It’s filled with love, marriage, divorce, and family drama, plus medical stories and characters dealing with mental health issues.

4. Sesame Street (54 Seasons) – 55 Years

For anyone who grew up with Sesame Street, you know it’s a classic. This educational show has been teaching kids since 1969. With favorite characters like Elmo and Big Bird, it’s like a fun school day that never ends. Learning has never been this fun!

5. The Young and the Restless (51 Seasons) – 51 years 

The Young and the Restless has been on since 1973, with 51 seasons of drama. The show centers on the rivalries, romances, and lives of the people in Genoa City, a fictional town. The storylines focus on the Newman, Abbott, Baldwin, and Winters families, who bring all the family feuds and glamorous drama you could ask for.

6. Saturday Night Live (50 Seasons) – 49 years 

Bringing laughs since 1975, Saturday Night Live is the king of late-night comedy. With 49 seasons of hilarious sketches and celebrity guests, it’s been the go-to for laughs and cultural commentary. And all the weekend vibes start here!

7. Late Night – 42 Years

Late Night is a talk show that started in 1982 with David Letterman as the host. It became famous for its funny take on the news, celebrity interviews, and silly sketches.

Over the years, different hosts took over, including Conan O’Brien and Jimmy Fallon. Seth Meyers, who used to be on Saturday Night Live, is the current host. With more than 6,000 episodes, Late Night is one of the longest-running late-night TV shows.

8. EastEnders (64 Seasons) – 39 Years 

EastEnders is a British soap opera that started in 1985 and airs on BBC One. It’s set in a fictional area in East London and follows the lives of the people who live there. The show started with two 30-minute episodes each week, later increasing to five days a week starting in 2001.

9. Casualty (40 seasons) – 38 Years 

Casualty is a British TV show that started in 1986. It’s about the busy emergency department at Holby City Hospital. The show follows the doctors, nurses, and staff as they take care of patients and deal with different problems at work and in their personal lives.

10. The Bold and the Beautiful (38 Seasons) – 37 Years 

The Bold and the Beautiful has been on TV since 1987. This soap opera is famous for its glamorous fashion and dramatic storylines. Set in Los Angeles, it focuses on the Forrester family and their fashion business, Forrester Creations. If you’re into romance, betrayal, and lots of twists, this show is perfect for you!

11. The Simpsons (36 Seasons) – 35 Years 

And now, drumroll, please… we finally get to The Simpsons! Starting its journey in 1989, it’s the longest-running animated series. With 36 seasons and a knack for predicting the future, it’s the family that never seems to age.

Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie have become cultural icons, making us laugh and think about life’s quirks for over three decades. They may be yellow, but their humor is timeless!