What are the shows with the most seasons on the air in US history?

When it comes to long-running television shows, American audiences have proven they love to settle in for the long haul. Over the decades, some shows have seemingly defied time itself, continuing to air season after season, long after many of their contemporaries have faded into TV nostalgia. So, which shows have stood the test of time, racking up the most seasons in US television history? Let’s take a look at some iconic examples before laying out the list.

Longest running US show: The Simpsons

If there’s one thing Americans love more than football – OK, that may be up for debate in some households – it’s a family of animated characters with a penchant for chaos. The Simpsons tops the list as the longest-running scripted prime-time show in US history. Since its debut in 1989, this animated juggernaut has been a cornerstone of American culture, skewering everything from politics to pop culture.

With 35 seasons under its belt and counting, Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie have somehow become more like extended family than just TV characters. And unlike most families, they never age, which may be part of their appeal.

Law and Order at the double

The Law & Order franchise has arguably perfected the art of the procedural drama, with Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU) leading the charge. Since 1999, SVU has tackled the darkest corners of crime in New York City, with Olivia Benson (played by the iconic Mariska Hargitay) at the helm. It currently holds the title as the longest-running live-action prime-time series, and given the various formats could lay claim to the number one spot overall. One for the courts to decide, maybe.

More than two decades in, SVU continues to give audiences their fix of legal drama, minus the courtroom jury duty. You could say it’s a guilty pleasure, but there’s no need to feel guilty when you’re in the company of millions.

Drama in the Old West from Gunsmoke

Before The Simpsons conquered the airwaves, another show held the top spot for longevity. Gunsmoke, which aired from 1955 to 1975, gripped audiences with its tales of the Wild West for a remarkable 20 seasons. This Western drama brought the dusty streets of Dodge City into living rooms across America, helping cement the cowboy as a national icon. Though it eventually rode off into the sunset, Gunsmoke was the blueprint for prime-time dramas that followed. Let’s be honest – there’s something satisfying about a show that managed to stay relevant in a world where we’ve gone from black-and-white TVs to streaming on smartphones.

General Hospital gives daytime relief

Though not part of the prime-time category, it would be remiss not to mention the granddaddy of American soaps: General Hospital. With over 60 years on the air, this daytime drama first premiered in 1963 and has since become synonymous with the trials and tribulations of fictional medical professionals in Port Charles. Even if you’ve never watched a full episode, you’ve likely heard of General Hospital. It’s practically woven into the fabric of American TV.

What’s the secret to TV longevity?

So, what exactly is the secret to these shows’ incredible longevity? A mix of factors, from strong storytelling to adapting with the times, seem to play key roles. The Simpsons’ ability to parody current events keeps it relevant, while Law & Order: SVU constantly taps into real-world crimes that pique viewers’ interest. Meanwhile, shows like Gunsmoke were simply well-timed cultural phenomena that captured the spirit of their eras.

Scripted US television series with more than 10 seasons

In a world where shows come and go faster than you can say “next episode,” these television behemoths have proven that if you give people what they want – whether it’s a hilarious cartoon family, a tough-as-nails detective, or a showdown at high noon – they’ll keep tuning in, season after season. And as long as the TV world keeps churning out hits, who knows which show might dethrone these legends next?