For any television show, staying on the air for as long as possible is critical. After all, this would determine a show’s potential to earn as much money as it can. Not to mention, so long as the show is running, the cast and crew would have a guaranteed source of income.
Typically, a successful tv show would almost immediately get an order for a full season. And if they’re lucky, this gets followed up by a network’s order for a second (and sometimes, third) season. Unfortunately, not everyone gets this lucky. In fact, there are shows that even get canceled while it’s still in the middle of its first season.
For this reason, being able to stay on the air for years is certainly an extraordinary feat. And so far, only a handful of shows have managed to do just that. Here are some of them:
15 Grey’s Anatomy Is Now Airing Its 16th Season
Long after “ER” went off the air, Shonda Rhimes came up with the show “Grey’s Anatomy.” It’s a medical drama that also deals with the rather complicated lives of doctors and interns. So far, the show is already on its 16th season. And although much of the original cast is gone, Ellen Pompeo continues to play central character Meredith Grey.
14 NCIS Has Been A CBS Hit Since 2003
“NCIS” is certainly different from your typical cop drama. Sure, it’s a crime procedural, but the cases only cover those involving someone from the U.S. Navy (fictionally, of course). At the moment, the show is airing its 17th season. Over the years, much of the cast has been changed. However, Mark Harmon, who portrays team leader Leroy Jethro Gibbs, remains.
13 The Amazing Race Has Kept Everyone’s Adrenaline Pumping For 31 Seasons So Far
When it comes to reality shows, not many can truly say that they have lasting abilities. Fortunately for “The Amazing Race,” the show has been running since 2001. Over the years, we’ve certainly come across some of the show’s most memorable teams yet. These include the Linz family and couple Colin Guinn and Christie Woods, who won season 30.
12 Big Brother Has Continued To Enjoy Strong Ratings Since It's First Season In 2000
“Big Brother” is another reality show that managed to stay a favorite among viewers despite new reality shows being introduced every year. And while the contestants may change each season, you can certainly expect to see the familiar face of host Julie Chen every time. Stay tuned for the show’s upcoming 22nd season.
11 The Reality Show Survivor Has Aired 39 Seasons Already
It seems that reality shows have a pretty good track record when it comes to staying on the air. And if you need further proof, just keep “Survivor” in mind. Just like “Big Brother,” the show has been around since 2000. And as always, the show is presented by host Jeff Probst.
10 Family Guy Has Been On Since 1999
Yes, believe or not, the animated show “Family Guy” has been around for quite a long time. Created and written by Seth MacFarlane, the show features the vocal talents of MacFarlane, Mila Kunis, Alex Borstein, Seth Green, Mike Henry, Danny Smith, John Viener, and Alec Sulkin. The show is currently on its 18th season.
9 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Is Now On Its 21st Season
Indeed, the cop drama “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” has developed a huge following over the years. Just like “Family Guy,” this NBC series has been around since 1999. Its well-known cast members include Mariska Hargitay, Ice-T, Christopher Meloni, Richard Belzer, Dann Florek, B.D. Wong, Tamara Tunie, Kelli Giddish, Diane Neal, Stephanie March, and Peter Scanavino.
8 Children Have Been Enjoying SpongeBob SquarePants Since 1999
So far, SpongeBob and his best pal, Patrick Star, have been delighting kids (and adults who are young at heart) for 12 seasons. Throughout its run, Tom Kenny has voiced the beloved lead character while Bill Fagerbakke provides the voice for Patrick. Meanwhile, other voice actors on the show include Rodger Bumpass, Clancy Brown, Jill Talley, and Dee Bradley Baker.
7 The Simpsons Have Been Entertaining Everyone Since 1989
Yes, America’s other famous animated family has been around for this long. Since it started its run, the popular show has also inspired a movie. And according to showrunner Al Jean, another one may happen. Jean told Slash Film, “We would love to do one for Disney, but it’s not like it’s happening next week or next year.”
6 Saturday Night Live Has Been On The Air Since 1975
Especially if you’re into late night sketch comedy, there’s no way that you wouldn’t know about “Saturday Night Live.” The show is practically an NBC establishment. Over the years, it has also had some rather famous cast members. These includes the likes of Robert Downey, Jr., Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and many others.
5 The Price Is Right Has Aired 47 Seasons So Far
Believe it or not, your favorite game show has been on the air since 1972. Over the years, the show has been presented by Bob Barker and Drew Carey. Meanwhile, the show’s narrators include Johnny Olson, Rod Roddy, George Gray, and Rich Fields. So far, however, the show has only earned one Emmy nomination and no wins.
4 The Sesame Street Gang Has Been Delighting Audiences Since 1969
Now, who can resist this merry gang that includes some of the most lovable creatures you’d ever meet? Well, that could explain why “Sesame Street” has been on the air for 47 seasons so far. In addition, the show has received 11 Emmy nominations and six wins, including Outstanding Achievement in Children’s Programming.
3 Days Of Our Lives Has Been Supplying Drama Since 1965
Sure, a lot of soap operas have been around for a long time, but none have been on the air for as long as “Days of our Lives.” If you must know, the show is already on its 55th season. Today, its cast members include Kristian Alfonso, John Aniston, Lauren Koslow, Josh Taylor, and Suzanne Rogers.
2 Jeopardy Has Been Going On Since 1964 And Alex Trebek Has Been There The Whole Time
Game show “Jeopardy” is currently on its 36th season. And believe it or not, its host Alex Trebek has been around since the very beginning. In fact, according to the show’s website, Trebek has hosted nearly 8,000 episodes and counting. Meanwhile, the show’s announcer, Johnny Gilbert, has been around for almost as long.
1 The Tonight Show Has Been A Television Staple Since 1954
Now, if you’re wondering which tv show has been around the longest, that honor goes to “The Tonight Show.” This late-night talk show first went on the air September 27, 1954. Since then, it’s had several hosts. These include Johnny Carson, Jay Leno, Conan O’Brien, and the show’s current host, Jimmy Fallon.