Longest-Running American TV Shows: Decades On Air

Television shows tend to have shorter seasons these days, often with eight, six, or even four episodes. However, some programs have endured for decades, spanning multiple generations and presidencies. While news programs, talk shows, game shows, and sports broadcasts have impressive runs, this list focuses on scripted American television shows. Even excluding animated favorites and long-running crime and medical dramas, a diverse range of genres remains, dominated by kids’ programs, soap operas, and anthology series, primarily airing on CBS, ABC, and PBS.

General Hospital holds the record with an impressive 60 seasons, making it the longest-running American soap opera. Set in the fictional Port Charles, New York, the show premiered in 1963 and has earned a record-breaking 14 Daytime Emmys for Outstanding Drama Series.

Guiding Light, initially a radio show in 1937, transitioned to television in 1952 and ran for 57 seasons on CBS. Created by Irna Phillips and Emmons Carlson, the soap opera drew inspiration from their own lives.

Days of Our Lives, another beloved soap opera, also boasts 57 seasons. Set in the fictional Salem, Illinois, the show explores classic themes of love, lies, family, and drama. In 2022, it transitioned from NBC to the Peacock streaming platform.

As the World Turns, a CBS daytime serial, aired for 54 seasons from 1956 to 2010. The show featured notable stars like Kathryn Hays, Maura West, and Lisa Brown.

Sesame Street, a cornerstone of children’s programming, has aired on PBS for 53 seasons since 1970. Jim Henson’s Muppets, along with celebrity guests, have educated generations on various topics, from the alphabet to empathy.

The Young and the Restless, a classic American soap opera, has aired for 50 seasons on CBS since 1973. Created by Lee and William Bell, the show has garnered 77 Daytime Emmys and spawned a sister show, The Bold and the Beautiful.

Saturday Night Live, the iconic late-night comedy variety show, has broadcast live from New York for 48 seasons since 1975. Each episode features a celebrity host, a musical guest, and comedic sketches performed by a talented ensemble cast.

One Life to Live, a soap opera that aired on ABC from 1968 to 2012, ran for 45 seasons and even had a brief revival. The show featured a cast including Erika Slezak, Michael Storm, and Robin Strasser.

Romper Room, a syndicated children’s program, entertained and educated youngsters for 41 seasons with engaging songs and activities focused on reading and creativity.

All My Children, a soap opera set in a fictional Pennsylvania suburb, aired on ABC for 41 seasons from 1970 to 2011 and featured soap opera icon Susan Lucci.

The Bugs Bunny Show, a Saturday morning cartoon staple, ran for 40 seasons from 1960 to 2000 under various titles, showcasing classic Looney Tunes characters.

The Bold and the Beautiful, a sister show to The Young and the Restless, has aired on CBS for 36 seasons since 1987, continuing the tradition of daytime drama.

The Simpsons, the animated sitcom created by Matt Groening, has entertained audiences for 34 seasons since 1989 with its satirical humor and cultural commentary.

Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, the beloved PBS children’s series, ran for 31 seasons from 1968 to 2001, hosted by the iconic Fred Rogers, who also created the show.

Captain Kangaroo, a CBS children’s show, delighted viewers for 29 seasons from 1955 to 1984, featuring Bob Keeshan as the Captain alongside memorable sidekicks.

Love of Life, a soap opera that aired from 1951 to 1980, ran for 29 seasons and transitioned from black and white to color in 1967.

The Edge of Night, a mystery-crime soap opera, aired on CBS and ABC for 28 seasons from 1956 to 1984, drawing inspiration from the radio series Perry Mason.

South Park, the animated comedy created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, has satirized American pop culture on Comedy Central for 26 seasons since 1997.

Arthur, the PBS animated children’s show based on Marc Brown’s books, followed the adventures of Arthur Read and his friends in Elwood City for 25 seasons.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, the first spin-off of Law & Order, has become one of the longest-running primetime live-action series, airing since 1999 and starring Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni.