Sometimes television shows feel like they have been on forever, and sometimes that’s true. Here are 13 of your favorite series that have been on air for what seems like forever.
“Sesame Street”
This iconic children’s series has been on air since 1969, with Big Bird and friends having received a Lifetime Achievement Emmy Award upon its 40th anniversary.
“Sesame Street” currently has more than 4,500 episodes spanning 50 seasons and has been broadcast in over 120 countries.
“Saturday Night Live”
The popular sketch comedy show premiered in 1975. It currently has over 880 episodes and will begin its 46th season this fall.
“20/20″
Barbara Walters helped launch ABC’s primetime news magazine back in 1978. It currently has over 500 episodes.
“Jeopardy!”
The show’s tagline of “America’s favorite quiz show” might be correct after all. The current version of the game show has been around since 1984. It has won a record 31 Daytime Emmy Awards and has been honored with the Peabody Award.
“Cops”
Bad boys have been on the run from cops since 1989 (and most certainly earlier). The reality legal series has made it through 29 seasons and counting.
“The Simpsons”
America’s favorite cartoon family has been on air since December 1989, and it doesn’t look like Homer, Bart, Marge or Lisa are going anywhere anytime soon. “The Simpsons” will be premiering its 32nd season this fall.
“Law & Order: SVU”
The original “Law & Order” series premiered in 1990 and although the original ran its final episode in 2010, the “SVU” spinoff is coming wrapped its 21st season in spring 2020.
“Monday Night Raw”
Monday night’s pro wrestling program first debuted in 1993. The show aired its 1,000th episode in 2012 and is still going strong.
“South Park”
The animated raunchy adult (key words being “raunchy” and “adult”) sitcom first debuted in August 1997. Though its aim seems to be to offend every one possible, “South Park” will be around until at least 2022.
“SpongeBob Squarepants”
Looks like SpongeBob will be living in his pineapple under the sea for a while. The animated series has been on air since 1999.
“Family Guy”
Adult animated sitcoms seem to be the thing that’s never going away. Despite taking a three year hiatus (it was canceled then revived after its third season) “Family Guy” has been on air since 1999.
“60 Minutes”
CBS News’ Sunday night newsmagazine has gone through multiple correspondents since its 1968 debut, but the clock is still ticking on the primetime staple after 52 seasons (and counting).
“Masterpiece Theatre”
PBS’ long-running anthology, with adaptations of classic novels, has gone through multiple hosts since its launch in 1971 — from Alastair Cooke to Russell Baker to Laura Linney.