Olusegun Taiye James
For a very long time, television has been a strong medium for telling stories, connecting with people, and having an impact on culture. Some shows are able to remain on the air for decades because of their persistent popularity and ageless appeal. These shows have become more than just a source of entertainment; they have become an essential component of people’s lives throughout many generations. As watching habits continue to change in 2025 as a result of the proliferation of streaming platforms and content that can be accessed on demand, there are certain long-running programs that continue to stand tall as emblems of constancy and loyalty in an industry that is constantly evolving. We take a look at the Top 10 Television Shows That Have Been Running the Longest in the World. These are shows that have defied the odds and continue to be cherished by people all around the world.
List Of Top 10 Longest-Running TV Shows In The World 2025
1. Sesame Street
Beginning with its first broadcast in 1969, Sesame Street has grown to become a cherished and influential cornerstone of children’s television all across the world. The show’s pioneering approach to early childhood education, its use of recognizable characters, and its lasting impact on both pop culture and society have all contributed to the show’s status as one of the most iconic television shows in the history of television. Children’s television show Sesame Street has been a pioneer in altering the way children learn, interact with media, and comprehend the world around them. This is due to the fact that it features a varied range of characters and educational content.
2. The Simpsons
The Simpsons has become the longest-running American sitcom and animated series in the history of television. It makes its debut on December 17, 1989, and has continued to air ever since. The cartoonist Matt Groening is responsible for the creation of the program, which has not only revolutionized the entertainment industry on television but has also firmly ingrained itself in popular culture, having an impact on a number of generations of viewers, artists, and comedians alike. Known for its sharp satire, witty humor, and distinct characters, The Simpsons provides both social commentary and pleasure via the perspective of a family that appears to be typical in the United States.
3. General Hospital
Since its first episode aired on April 1, 1963, General Hospital has established itself as one of the television series that has been running the longest in the history of the medium. This American daytime soap opera, which was created by Frank and Doris Hursley, has become a television institution, with an astounding run that has spanned over sixty years thanks to its incredible run. General Hospital has amassed a vast and devoted fanbase, which has contributed to its status as an iconic component of television in the United States. The show is renowned for its sophisticated plots, memorable characters, and ongoing progression.
4. Saturday Night Live
Saturday Night Live (SNL) has been one of the most influential and long-lasting television series in the history of the United States of America ever since it first aired on October 11, 1975. This late-night sketch comedy program, which was created by Lorne Michaels, has become an indispensable component of American popular culture. It is renowned for its witty and satirical perspective on politics, pop culture, and current events, as well as its ability to launch the careers of some of the most prominent figures in the comedy industry. The Saturday Night Live has steadily progressed, adjusting to the changing times while preserving its position as a fertile environment for the development of comedic talent. With its signature combination of live sketches, musical performances, and celebrity visits, Saturday Night Live (SNL) continues to be a television institution that is cherished by viewers and held in high esteem within the sphere of the entertainment industry.
5. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Since its premiere on September 20, 1999, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU) has grown to become one of the most successful and long-lasting police procedural dramas in the history of television. SVU is a spin-off of the original Law & Order series, but it concentrates solely on the investigation and prosecution of sexually based offenses, particularly crimes involving sexual assault, child abuse, and domestic violence. Dick Wolf is the creator of the show, and it revolves around the investigation and prosecution of sexual offenses. The television show SVU is particularly well-known for its gritty writing, its complex characters, and its ability to confront challenging, real-world situations while yet retaining a feeling of realism and emotional depth. The show is set in New York City. Over the course of its existence, it has garnered critical praise, amassed a vast fanbase, and established itself as an indispensable component of the Law & Order franchise, therefore becoming one of the longest-running scripted television series in the history of cinema.
6. South Park
The animated television series South Park has been regarded as one of the most innovative and influential shows in the history of the medium ever since it was first shown on August 13, 1997. Trey Parker and Matt Stone are the creators of the show, which chronicles the crazy antics of four boys who live in the fictional town of South Park, Colorado. These boys are Stan Marsh, Kyle Broflovski, Eric Cartman, and Kenneth “Kenny” McCormick. South Park is a cultural phenomenon that has become a phenomenon that continues to survive even after more than twenty years of airing. It is known for its dark humor, sarcastic attitude to modern concerns, and unashamed examination of contentious topics.
7. Coronation Street
The British television program Coronation Street is not merely a television show; rather, it is a cultural institution in the United Kingdom and is among the television programs that has been running the longest in the globe. It made its debut on ITV on December 9, 1960, and has been a stalwart of British television for more than six decades. It has captivated audiences with its engaging characters, dramatic storylines, and a depiction of the life of working-class people in northern England. The fictional working-class hamlet of Weatherfield, which is located in Greater Manchester, is the subject of the television show Coronation Street, which is lovingly referred to as “Corrie.” As of the year 2025, the show continues to provide viewers with a source of entertainment. Although there have been numerous modifications made to the show over the years, its core stays the same: it is an entertaining combination of relationships, family drama, humor, and topics that are relevant to the real world.
8. Grey’s Anatomy
Grey’s Anatomy has become one of the most well-known and long-lasting medical dramas in the history of television since it first aired on March 27, 2005. Shonda Rhimes is the creator of the series, which takes place in the fictional Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in Seattle. The series follows the lives of a group of doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff members as they navigate the high-stakes world of medicine while also dealing with complex personal relationships, ethical dilemmas, and emotional trauma. Grey’s Anatomy has amassed a significant fanbase and received widespread critical praise throughout the course of its run. The show is characterized by a captivating combination of complex medical situations, dramatic character arcs, and compelling relationships. Even in the year 2025, the show continues to be an essential component of ABC’s programming and a significant contributor to the development of the genre of medical dramas.
9. NCIS
NCIS, which stands for “Naval Criminal Investigative Service,” has been one of the most successful and long-lasting police procedural dramas on television ever since it first aired on September 23, 2003. The series was developed by Donald P. Bellisario and Don McGill, and it takes place within the criminal investigation section of the United States Department of the Navy. It focuses on a group of highly trained agents who investigate crimes that involve the Navy and the Marine Corps. Throughout the years, NCIS has amassed a devoted fanbase, established itself as a regular on CBS, and given rise to a number of commercially successful spin-offs. Its place in television history has been firmly established as a result of the intriguing combination of exciting investigations, character development that is good, and action-packed storytelling that the show offers.
10. The Young and the Restless
Every day since it first aired on March 26, 1973, The Young and the Restless (Y&R) has been an indispensable part of the daytime television landscape in the United States. For more than half a century, viewers have been enthralled by the soap opera that was conceptualized by William J. Bell and Lee Phillip Bell. The soap opera is characterized by its sophisticated storylines, dramatic turns, and unique characters. Due to the fact that it is broadcast on CBS, The Young and the Restless has been closely associated with soap operas. It has established a benchmark for the genre and has garnered millions of devoted viewers all over the world. As of the year 2025, the show continues to be a cherished component of the history of television, and it continues to enthrall viewers with its emotional rollercoasters, family feuds, love triangles, and interesting characters. Not only has Young and the Restless become a cultural phenomenon, but it has also become a family tradition for many viewers who have grown up watching the lives of the people who live in Genova City evolve. The show has over 12,000 episodes.
