Curious about what counts as the longest running TV show ever? We’re talking decades of episodes, relentless production, and cultural impact. Whether it's soap operas that have aired daily for half a century or iconic animated sitcoms that defined generations, the longest-running TV shows of all time continue making headlines. Here are the series that have earned legendary status through longevity, consistency, and global influence.

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Honourable Mention: 

Now, as many people ask how long is Grey’s Anatomy, or how many seasons it has, it is actually not the longest running tv shows like many people think. Now renewed for its 22nd season with over 440 episodes aired, this medical drama has shaped global pop culture through two decades. At its core is Meredith Grey’s journey from surgical intern to hospital chief, anchored by Shonda Rhimes’ emotionally charged storytelling and ensemble cast changes. As one of the longest running TV series currently on ABC, Grey’s Anatomy also led to hit spinoffs like Private Practice and Station 19. 

• Renewed for its 22nd season, surpassing 440 episodes 
• Holds the ABC record as the longest running TV show and primetime medical drama

1. Coronation Street – 64 Years and Counting

Since its debut in December 1960, Coronation Street has aired over 11,600 episodes and remains the longest running TV series in the UK, possibly the world. This northern soap captures the lives of working‑class residents in Weatherfield and maintains around four million viewers per episode in 2025. It's not just the longest TV shows by runtime—it’s also a cultural icon, molding British TV standards for over six decades.

• First aired 9 December 1960; over 64 years on air
  
  
• Averages ~4 million viewers per episode in the UK

2. General Hospital – America’s Longest‑Running Soap (60+ Years)

Broadcast continuously since April 1963 on ABC, General Hospital is the longest-running TV show in American daytime soap history. With more than 15,000 episodes to date, it remains on the air with daily broadcasts and millions tuning in—even streaming on Peacock. Its legacy includes the Luke and Laura wedding—the most-watched hour in daytime drama history—cementing its place among the oldest TV shows of all time.

• Aired daily since 1963; 15,000+ episodes so far
  
  
• Holds Guinness record for longest‑running American soap

3. Doctor Who – 61 Years Across Time and Space

Originally premiering in November 1963, Doctor Who stands as the longest-running TV series in sci‑fi history. After a 1989 hiatus and returning in 2005, the series continues strong. As of 2025, it ranks among the longest-running TV shows of all time, celebrated for its regenerating hero, imaginative storytelling, and loyal fandom.

• First aired 23 November 1963; now spans 61 years
  
  
• Holds Guinness World Record as longest‑running sci‑fi show

4. The Simpsons – 35+ Years of Animated Satire

Since premiering in December 1989, The Simpsons holds the record as the longest running TV show for a primetime scripted series and sitcom. With over 800 episodes across 35 seasons, its index of biting humor, cultural critique, and iconic catchphrases make it one of the most enduring entries in the longest TV shows of all time.

• Premiered December 1989; renewed through at least 2025
  
  
• Over 800 episodes; #1 longest‑running primetime scripted series

5. Days of Our Lives – 58 Years and Counting

From November 1965 to present, Days of Our Lives stands as one of the longest running TV shows in daily broadcast. Surpassing 15,000 episodes, it recently moved from NBC to Peacock in 2022. This soap shares the legacy category with General Hospital, still going strong after nearly six decades of drama, romance, and twists.

• First aired 8 November 1965; over 15,000 episodes to date
  
  
• One of two remaining legacy soaps after many cancellations

6. Blue Peter – 66 Years of Live Broadcast

The BBC’s Blue Peter debuted in October 1958 and is one of the longest running TV series in children’s television globally. Known for its show-and-tell format, challenges, and iconic badges, it aired live for 66 years before switching to pre‑recorded formats in 2024. Even today, it retains a faithful audience and a reputation as a staple in British broadcasting.

• Over 5,000 episodes; famous for badge giveaways and crafting

7. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia – 20+ Years of Cult Comedy

While not topping decades, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia has become a rare success in scripted comedy, running since 2005. As of July 2025, the show will hit Season 17—one of the longest running TV series in ensemble-driven, live-action comedy. Its blend of irreverent humor and anti-hero storytelling has built a cult following over the years.

• Premiered 2005; Season 17 arrives July 2025
  
• One of the longest-running live-action comedies with 17 seasons

8. Kang’s Family – China’s Sitcom Marathon

Since November 2000, Kang’s Family has aired over 4,000 episodes—making it China’s longest running TV series. Centered on a migrant wife and her local husband’s mismatched family, it became a weekend staple in Guangdong and Chinese cultural television, ranking high among the longest running TV shows globally.

• Aired since 4 November 2000; 4,000+ episodes
  
• Longest-running Chinese sitcom, spanning over two decades

Icons of Endurance and Entertainment

From British soaps to sci‑fi epics, animated classics to international sitcoms, the longest TV shows in history share one thing: they connected deeply and consistently with audiences. Whether debating the title of longest running TV show of all time or reliving weekly reruns, these series showcase how enduring content shapes cultures. With new episodes still airing, their legacies are far from over. Curious about why they lasted? Stay tuned.

FAQ: Your TV Longevity Questions Answered

What is the longest running TV show?

Coronation Street holds the title for the longest-running scripted TV series globally, with over 64 years on air .

Which is America’s longest running TV series?

General Hospital has aired continuously since 1963 and is the longest-running American soap to date .

What animated show tops the longest running TV shows list?

The Simpsons is the longest-running primetime animated series and sitcom, debuting in 1989 and still producing new episodes .

Are there non-English longest running TV shows?

Yes—Kang’s Family in China (4,000+ episodes since 2000) and Blue Peter in the UK (66 years) rank among the world’s longest running TV shows .