How to Run a Successful Television Show: Lessons from the Longest-Running Series

The television landscape is vast and competitive. While some shows fade quickly, others endure for decades, captivating audiences across generations. What’s the secret to running a successful television show that stands the test of time? Let’s examine some of the longest-running TV series in various categories to uncover the key ingredients for longevity.

Law and Order, a prime example of a successful television show, premiered in 1990 and continues to captivate audiences. (Credit: Getty Images)

The Power of Evolution and Comfort

Staying relevant over decades requires a delicate balance between evolution and comfort. Shows must adapt to changing times and cultural trends while retaining core elements that resonate with viewers.

Animation’s Advantage: Animated shows like The Simpsons (34 seasons) benefit from ageless characters, allowing them to perpetually engage with contemporary issues. This flexibility, combined with sharp writing and cultural commentary, has fueled the show’s enduring popularity. Similarly, South Park (27 seasons) maintains its relevance with its bold, often controversial, satire.

Sesame Street’s educational content and celebrity guest appearances have contributed to its remarkable 54-season run. (Credit: Sesame Workshop)

The Comfort Factor: While evolving themes are crucial, the familiarity of unchanging characters and settings provides comfort. Viewers return to beloved shows for the reassurance of familiar faces and storylines, even as the world around them changes. This is evident in long-running sitcoms like Last of the Summer Wine (31 seasons in the UK) and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (16 seasons and counting in the US).

Genre-Specific Strategies for Running a Television Show

Different genres have unique approaches to longevity:

• Children’s Television: Sesame Street (54 seasons) demonstrates the enduring power of educational content combined with celebrity appeal, teaching generations of children the alphabet and valuable life lessons.

• Late Night: Shows like The Tonight Show (70 seasons) thrive on cultural commentary and the charisma of their hosts. The ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of late-night entertainment is key to their success.

• Soap Operas: Coronation Street (64 seasons) exemplifies the enduring appeal of high drama and intricate storylines that keep viewers hooked day after day.

• Drama: Law and Order (23 seasons) showcases the power of a compelling format and strong characters, spawning a successful franchise that continues to expand. Its realistic portrayal of the criminal justice system and engaging storylines have resonated with audiences for decades.

Survivor’s enduring popularity proves the captivating power of competition and human dynamics. (Credit: Getty Images)

• Reality TV: Survivor (46 seasons) highlights the enduring fascination with competition and human interaction in extreme circumstances. The constant influx of new contestants keeps the format fresh, while the core concept remains consistently engaging.

Key Takeaways for a Successful Television Show

Successfully running a television show demands more than just a good premise. It requires:

• Adaptability: Evolving with the times and incorporating current events or cultural trends.
• Consistency: Maintaining core elements that provide comfort and familiarity.
• Strong Writing: Delivering compelling storylines and engaging characters.
• Understanding the Audience: Catering to the specific desires and expectations of the target demographic.
• A Bit of Magic: Capturing the zeitgeist and creating a show that resonates with viewers on a deeper level.

Last of the Summer Wine, a comforting sitcom that ran for 31 seasons, demonstrated the appeal of unchanging characters and settings. (Credit: Getty Images)

By studying the successes of these long-running series, aspiring creators can learn valuable lessons about how to run a television show that captivates audiences and endures for years to come. The key is to find the right balance between innovation and familiarity, staying true to the show’s core while embracing the ever-changing landscape of television.