From medical dramas to animated classics, these shows have stood the test of time! Join us as we count down the TV series that have been entertaining audiences for decades and are still going strong today. Which of these long-running favorites do you still tune in for each week?
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00:00We've got a lady who sleeps with a stuffed moose, a boy who makes face noises, and a man who plays dueling banjos with his ears.
00:07And they say there's no quality tv. Welcome to WatchMojo, and today
00:11we're counting down our picks for the longest running high quality tv shows that are still airing.
00:18Excluding game shows, reality tv, and news shows.
00:21The price is
00:23$21.99
00:25Number 10. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
00:30Hey, man, we're closed. Yeah, I know.
00:33Whoa, whoa, whoa, we don't want any trouble.
00:35What?
00:36Guys,
00:38this is Terrell
00:40from my acting class.
00:41For over 20 years, this hilarious show has continued to entertain dedicated sitcom fans and curious newcomers.
00:49Focusing on a bunch of self-centered misfits running an Irish bar,
00:53It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia thrives on blowing everyday life out of proportion.
00:57The gang's antics range from humorous to cringy and sometimes downright offensive.
01:02Yet the show's held as one of the finest sitcoms ever, consistently delivering fresh episodes that stay true to its unfiltered charm.
01:10Derivative.
01:13That
01:14I love, I absolutely
01:16love. While many sitcoms have come and gone,
01:19It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia reigns as the longest running live-action comedy series. Along the way,
01:25it even won a satellite award in 2011 and people's choice award in 2016. Say what you will about it,
01:31but there's no denying its legendary status. Excuse me, sir. Have you?
01:38Wow!
01:40Jesus Christ. Number nine. Grey's Anatomy. Hannah, it won't be much longer.
01:46Remember, you're keeping him from bleeding out. No, I am 22 years old. I should not even be in here. This is some kind of mistake.
01:54Back in 2005, this medical series hit the scene with the right mix of drama, emotional depth, medical mysteries, and
02:02unforgettable characters. From there,
02:03it quickly became a must-watch. Praised by both critics and fans for its gripping storyline centered on its ensemble of compelling characters.
02:11Over time, the show shocked viewers by killing off fan favorites like Derek Shepard, which didn't sit well with many. While
02:18recent seasons have been criticized for being melodramatic, the series remains a popular choice, even ranking 10th in on-demand viewership in
02:262023. Okay, this one gets to leave to go get a facial.
02:31And she told her attending and her attending was happy because they have to have facials. They're dermatologists.
02:36Beyond its enduring appeal, Grey's Anatomy also catapulted stars like Patrick Dempsey,
02:42Sandra Oh, and Katherine Heigl to fame. Although it continues to air, many will agree that nothing beats its early days.
02:50What's going on? Meredith, she's aced every single one at a level far higher than most of the adults.
02:55I'm aware that she's smart. My question is why is she being evaluated without my consent?
03:00Well, yeah, it was an accident. Number eight. NCIS.
03:04I work for two control freaks, neither of whom are as smart as you.
03:08I'm not that smart. Oh, please. I'm not.
03:14I'm not.
03:15Starting off as a spinoff of Jag,
03:18this CBS drama has long eclipsed its predecessor to become one of the greatest cop shows ever made. Spanning over 21 seasons,
03:25it follows the special agents of NCIS as they solve mysterious cases.
03:30But the show's charm lies in more than just its intriguing plot.
03:34Its well-developed characters, their heartwarming relationships, and occasional humorous twists truly set it apart. Abby, I'm hurt. You think I did this?
03:43Gibbs, can I hit him? No.
03:46While the departure of fan favorites like Gibbs left a bitter taste,
03:50NCIS endures by reinventing itself with the times while staying true to its roots. For dedicated fans,
03:55it's the ultimate comfort food that never gets stale. Will it ever end?
04:00Maybe not. And some fans wouldn't have it any other way. All those internal organs
04:05turn to stone.
04:08Number seven. Family Guy. Oh, sorry, Chris. I can't. I got insanity practice.
04:15Pinwheels! Pinwheels in my head! Voices! Angry fish! How's he doing? Not good. He still thinks this is practice of some sort.
04:23Despite years of criticism and controversies, Seth MacFarlane's brainchild continues to thrive. Set in a fictional Rhode Island town,
04:31it follows the misadventures of the dysfunctional Griffin family. Brash and unapologetically edgy,
04:36the show takes on sensitive issues with humor best suited for adults. Although it was canceled in 2002,
04:42Fox revived it and hasn't looked back since. One major feat
04:46it's achieved is becoming the first animated series to earn an Emmy nomination for outstanding comedy since The Flintstones.
04:52That's why you have to say it. So say it. I matter. Louder! I matter! Shut up, Meg. You don't matter.
05:01It has also spawned numerous tie-ins like the Star Wars parody trilogy. While some say its spark is gone,
05:07Family Guy remains worthy of praise. Also worth mentioning is American Dad, another bizarrely hilarious MacFarlane hit
05:14that's still running. I know it looks like a lot of pollution, but in the long run
05:18it's actually better for the earth and you taught me that's all that matters. Number six, Law and Order SVU.
05:25I'm gonna call my lawyer and the police commission. You might want to stick with just your lawyer for now. Kenneth Cleary,
05:30you're under arrest.
05:32You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.
05:36As long as real-life crimes continue to shock the world, SVU may never run out of material for compelling storylines. With many of its
05:44500 plus episodes inspired by real cases, the show keeps its detectives busy with fascinating mysteries to solve.
05:51This Law and Order spinoff hasn't only outlived its parent show, but also hasn't dimmed its lights ever since.
05:58And I'm waiting to play with you.
06:0130 responses counted. So far none in our jurisdiction.
06:06Feed her a few more lines. 30 just doubled to 60. A particularly admirable aspect is Mariska Hargitay's continued presence
06:13as the lead since day one. A rare occurrence in television. But the show's longevity isn't its only flex.
06:20It is incredible how it stays fresh by tackling timely social issues while maintaining high quality writing, gripping plots, and great performances.
06:28Without a doubt, SVU is a top tier series.
06:32He was trying to make sure that I didn't get into trouble.
06:34So you went along with his lie the same way you are right now? Objection. Withdrawn.
06:39Number five, South Park.
06:41This sucks, dude. This is like the worst Christmas I've ever seen. Yeah.
06:46It's remarkable how something that started back in 1997 can still be relevant today without completely losing its essence.
06:54So how does South Park stay funny and clever for over 25 years?
06:58Perhaps it's because Trey Parker and Matt Stone continue to steer the ship,
07:02expertly integrating contemporary issues into their creative storylines. Though not without its own flaws,
07:08this comedic goldmine isn't just Comedy Central's longest-running program. It's animated satire at its finest.
07:15You killed your own father, and then you fed him to your half-brother.
07:26With five primetime Emmy wins and a Peabody award under its belt,
07:30this show has transcended mere popularity to become a cultural phenomenon that shows no signs of slowing down.
07:37It even spawned a successful 1999 film, even more evidence of its brilliance.
07:52Number four, The Simpsons.
07:54One mother, please. Wait a minute. How old are you? 21, sir. Get in the chair.
07:59Like many great shows that overstay their welcome, The Simpsons may have lost some of its original charm,
08:05but its iconic reputation remains untouched. For decades, Homer, Bart, Marge, Maggie, and Lisa
08:11have kept us laughing with their outlandish adventures that appeal to all ages.
08:16Ooh, that's me in the future? Quiet. You're about to see something.
08:23More than just an animated sitcom,
08:25The Simpsons family in the town of Springfield serve as tools for poking fun at society. As one of Fox's biggest hits,
08:32its impact on pop culture is undeniable. After all, how many shows can claim to have shaped
08:38everything from catchphrases to couch gags? Even as time changes,
08:42this TV giant continues to attract viewers with its fresh ideas and quirky humor.
08:47So we totally get why it hasn't ended yet.
08:51Whoa, puberty. Let's see what comes next.
08:55Cool. Number three, Saturday Night Live. Football is rigidly timed.
09:02Baseball has no time limit. We don't know when it's gonna end.
09:06You can't talk about legendary shows that have shaped American culture without mentioning this.
09:12Sure, it can be hit or miss at times,
09:14but SNL deserves credit for launching the careers of big names like Eddie Murphy, Will Ferrell, and Bill Murray. For those few
09:21unfamiliar with it, it's a sketch show where guest hosts and cast members parody everything from politics to pop culture.
09:28Familiarize myself with your body of work. Oh, excuse me. I mean career. Oops. I said rear. I'm sorry.
09:36Some sketches have even become feature films.
09:39How cool is that? With 84 primetime Emmys, among many other awards,
09:45and countless A-listers gracing its stage, the show's impact is massive. Even after more than
09:51970 episodes, it seems SNL isn't going anywhere, even if it falters sometimes.
09:57We simply can't forget the memorable nights it's given us. Mitch, how are you feeling?
10:02That was awesome!
10:05Number two, Sesame Street.
10:19Even if you've forgotten your school lessons,
10:21you can't forget what you learned on Sesame Street. Since it premiered in the late 60s,
10:26it has been a beacon of learning for kids and even adults. The lively street of Sesame with Jim Henson's Muppets
10:33truly brought charm and personality like no other. Though it's not in the spotlight as much these days,
10:39the fact that it's still ongoing for more than 50 years says a lot about its quality. Once a staple in many households,
10:46Sesame Street has expanded into amusement parks, merchandise, a film series, and more.
10:51Let's not forget its record-breaking achievement of
10:55222 Emmys and 11 Grammys, more than any kid's show has won. Who can top that?
11:01I'm a fan, Tag! Tag, you're it!
11:05Not again!
11:07Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Criminal Minds. Because this procedural drama is one of CBS's
11:15biggest shows.
11:16Luke, you and I will meet Rossi at the crime scene. Reed, Tara, go to the nursing home.
11:20See if you can talk to Dorothy Elgin. If anyone knows the secrets of that house, it's her.
11:25Bob's Burgers. Another wholesome, hilarious show that's still ongoing.
11:29You're my children and I love you, but you're all terrible at what you do here.
11:35And I feel like I should tell you, I'd fire all of you if I could. Bob! Coronation Street. With over 10,000 episodes,
11:43this remains the ultimate classic in soap opera history. I'm afraid you won't.
11:48What soap? Don't you trust me or something? That's got nothing to do with it whatsoever. It's the rule of the house.
11:54The Tonight Show. It's nearly 70 years of late-night laughs with legendary hosts. And you're still yelling, damn it!
12:01Yes. That's your catchphrase. Damn it! Well, it's, it's,
12:05it's, um, damn it, Chloe!
12:07Damn it!
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12:25Number one, General Hospital. Your patients will always come first, won't they? Hey. Dr. Hardy, call in Dr. Hardy.
12:31I'm
12:34keeping you from your patients.
12:35Premiering in 1963, this unending soap opera has delivered decades of heartfelt moments,
12:42spicy drama, and valuable lessons. Some of its golden moments may have faded from memory,
12:47but there's no forgetting Luke and Laura's 1981 wedding that pulled millions of viewers like no soap ever did.
12:54You may kiss the bride.
13:02Hey!
13:03Apart from this iconic duel, this serialized drama introduced numerous characters
13:08we couldn't help but root for. Though once a cornerstone of soap opera's golden era,
13:13it struggles now to capture the attention of younger generations.
13:16Well, it may not be everyone's cup of tea now, but it will always be remembered.
13:21Another memorable classic still in the game is Days of Our Lives, even though it's a bit chaotic these days.
13:27Their gems have fallen into the wrong hands. So why do I feel there's more to this story than you're telling?
13:32We're gonna find out who did this.
13:35Which of these legendary shows do you still watch? Let us know in the comment section down below.
13:41Howdy ho, cow! Gosh, you're looking swell! Go away, Mr. Hankey.
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