10 Epic TV Shows With Tons of Seasons to Binge Now!

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Most fans of television series understand the grueling work that goes into creating a story, bringing it to life on the small screen, and ensuring its completion. In an age where cancelations come without a warning, fewer and fewer shows have the ability to fulfill their potential.

Thus, it wouldn’t hurt to look back at some of the best, longest-running television series and dissect what made them successful. While some of the most acclaimed series understood the power of concise and considerate storytelling, these sprawling stories left fans with a fascinating and entertaining universe to dive into. With enough time to flesh out the character’s well-deserved developments and the progression of each storyline, the name of the game for these shows is breadth.

10
‘The X-Files’ (1993 – 2018)

11 Seasons

The X-Files features Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny in leading roles as two FBI agents assigned to investigate a series of mysterious, often supernatural cases. Throughout the show, Agents Mulder (Duchovny) and Scully (Anderson) delve into hidden conspiracies that extend beyond the reach of the FBI, while their characters gradually reveal their personalities, cunningness, aspirations, and fears as they embark on these adventures.

An Entertaining Answer to a Real, Grave Consequence

Airing from 1993 to 2002, the series managed to make the best use of the zeitgeist, tapping into the conspiracy-obsessed audience and crafting narratives that acknowledged their skepticism of the powers that be. Influencing shows like Gravity Falls and Lost, The X-Files made the most of its mysteries, central characters, and period of syndication with its clever and captivating look at human imagination, security, and a growing mistrust in the government.

9
‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ (2005 – Present)

16 Seasons and Counting

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is probably the clearest example of a slow burn. Beginning in the Noughties, the series was heavily critiqued for its inclusion of controversial and often bigoted dialogue and perspectives. However, the show not only crossed into the mainstream but recently enjoyed a crossover special with Abbott Elementary. The show’s embrace of the abhorrent plays a major factor in its appeal, shining a light on the group’s collective misery, at times approaching misanthropy.

A Morbidly Hilarious Look at Close-Knit Relationships

Currently in its sixteenth season, the show continues to be embraced by fans and critics for its dark humor, and more specifically, its embrace of nihilistic humor. In embracing the imperfections of the collective and individual, It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia offers opportunities for genuinely living breakthroughs, broadening the show’s horizons beyond its most cruel depictions of revenge, scheming, and arguing.

8
‘House’ (2004 – 2011)

8 Seasons

House is an amusing and captivating series that introduces audiences to the colorful personality that is Dr. Gregory House (Hugh Laurie). The series sees House sift through particularly puzzling medical cases, using his personal experience as a working diagnostician and unique insight into medicine and human behaviors to break new ground on these conundrums. Despite his talents, House typically rebuffs collaboration, wandering throughout the world with a strong distaste for others.

A Diligent Look at Pain

Throughout its eight seasons, the series has seen peers come and go, and yet the story at the core never erodes. Offering audiences a fresh perspective on the medical world, House ultimately functions as an examination of misery. Balancing a recognition of the irritation one feels when seemingly surrounded by ignorance at all times and a relatable despair or rage about personal plights, House stands as an affirming piece that recognizes the complexity of pain in and outside of hospitals.

7
‘Shameless’ (2011 – 2020)

11 Seasons

Adapted from the British series of the same name, Shameless is a Showtime original that follows the Gallaghers, a dysfunctional, white working-class family based on Chicago’s South Side. Each episode sees the Gallagher children, led by eldest sister Fiona (Emmy Rossum), flung into a sea of shenanigans ranging from annoying to life-threatening. WIth no help from their present yet unreliable and selfish father, Frank (William H. Macy), the siblings depend on each other, their friends, and their wits to survive.

A Comical Yet Blunt Look at Poverty

Despite, or perhaps because of the ridiculousness that ensues, Shameless has gone on to become many things: a love letter to the city of Chicago, a scathing critique of the wealth disparity and corruption in the United States, and the interwoven stories of everyday people trying to make it while carrying baggage from the past and pressure to build a better future. Another series boasting strong performances from the main and supporting cast, reminiscing of the series will surely leave a warm sensation in the hearts of fans.

6
‘Modern Family’ (2009 – 2019)

11 Seasons

In simple terms, “Modern Family” is a popular American television sitcom that focuses on three related families in the Los Angeles area. It showcases the everyday challenges and special moments shared with family members, appealing to viewers of all ages since its debut in 2009. The series has maintained its appeal even after it ended, thanks to an impressive cast featuring Ariel Winter, Sofía Vergara, and Ty Burrell.

An Authentic, Humorous Expansion of Expectations

Modern Family shines a wholesome light on the dependability and whimsical moments shared with loved ones while also satirizing other moments. Offering a more inclusive look at the contemporary American family, the series also engages with the progress experienced by the country throughout the years. Dedicating episodes around the legalization of gay marriage with a familiar warmth and feel-good spirit, the enduring popularity of Modern Family needs no further explanation.

5
‘The Walking Dead’ (2010 – 2022)

11 Seasons

While many have attempted to envision a world ravaged by zombies, The Walking Dead stands as the most popular franchise to do so, and for a multitude of great reasons. Opening with Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln), a disoriented Atlanta police officer, the series sees him wake up and leave a run-down hospital to find the world around him decaying and overrun with zombies. Fending for his life, Rick finds solace in old friends and new faces, forging a family dedicated to survival.

The Power of Community Explored

Running for well over a decade, The Walking Dead has also spawned a series of spin-offs that further explore the unresolved plots of the anchor series. Combining a dedication to exploring various characters, their individual backgrounds, and their collective fear of a world unknown, the series underlines an innate need to connect and survive. While the quality of the series ebbs and flows, the detours and experiments pay off, leaving audiences with an unforgettably epic post-apocalyptic web of tales.

4
‘Mad Men’ (2007 – 2014)

7 Seasons

Mad Men chronicles the life and vices of infamous advertising executive Don Draper (Jon Hamm). Over the course of the series, audiences get a look at the complex yet dastardly ways of the smooth-talking, sly creative director. Juxtaposed with his talents in marketing work, Draper’s more nefarious deeds lay the foundation for an enthralling unraveling that impacts the lives of Draper and his loved ones.

A Gratifying Look at the Past

Considered to be a shining example of a series airing during the 21st century’s Golden Age of Television, Mad Men had the privilege of running for seven seasons. Tracking societal change throughout the 50s, 60s, and 70s, the series has been celebrated for exploring several forms of bigotry and how they appear in the corporate world, the public sphere and in the home. From the double standard regarding issues of infidelity on the basis of gender to Madison Avenue’s reluctance towards inclusivity, Mad Men is just as moving as a sprawling character study as it is an indictment on the collective maintenance of the status quo.

3
‘Smallville’ (2001 – 2010)

10 Seasons

One of the most engaging adaptations of the famous Superman story, Smallville invites audiences into the life of a young Clark Kent (Tom Welling). Much like series like Buffy The Vampire Slayer, the series would be a successful blend of relatable coming-of-age drama and otherworldly adventure, also offering fans a close look at the creation of Superman, and the man behind him.

A Fascinating Origin Story

Running for ten seasons, Smallville made history as the longest-running North American sci-fi series by episode count, surpassing Stargate SG-1. Watching Clark mature and morph into the Superman the world recognizes is nothing short of rewarding. From his teenage charm to his adult responsibility, a lingering fear of disappointment and the weight of heroism are constant pressures on Clark, creating situations both daunting and amusing. As extraordinary as Clark’s life is, Smallville manages to make grand experiences legible and relatable to an audience that recognizes the difficulties that come with maturation and adulthood.

2
‘Doctor Who’ (1963 – Present)

26 Seasons and Counting

The story of the time-traveling, whimsical Gallifreyan is one of the few tales that have the privilege of entertaining audiences from two different centuries. Doctor Who stands as one of the most popular and revered British exports and for great reasons. With a bevy of stories spanning various star systems, The Doctor, their many incarnations, and their companions balance a colorful curiosity with the existential dread that comes with facing off against nefarious, interstellar empires, as well as internal demons threatening to spill out and spiral out of control.

An Ever-Expanding, Multiversal Masterpiece

What makes Doctor Who uniquely satisfying is its experimentation. Engaging with worthwhile discussions about mortality, morality, and while offering audiences enthralling adventures to follow. With an entertaining inventiveness driving the plot forward, the travels of the titular Doctor leave audiences enlightened about hypothetical situations that reflect reality’s many conundrums. Currently airing its fifteenth season after its revival, it’s safe to say that Doctor Who will go down as one of sci-fi’s greatest triumphs.

1
‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ (2000 – 2014)

12 Seasons

One of the most defining comedy series of the 21st century in more ways than one, Larry David’s inventive look at his everyday life has served as a source of laughter and intrigue for audiences since its 2000 inception. Curb Your Enthusiasm sees the famous comedian navigating everything from his marriage to his professional responsibilities with a ridiculously humorous yet realistic approach. Including a bevy of guest stars ready to dive into this improvisational comedy piece, Curb Your Enthusiasm makes magic out of the mundane.

A Hilarious Look at Life Under the Limelight

Concluding just last year, Curb Your Enthusiasm has 12 beloved seasons under its belt. One look at Rotten Tomatoes will show a strong consistency in its positive reviews and one look at the series illustrates exactly why the show receives the admiration and adoration it does. Authenticity in storytelling may seem like a glorified facet of entertainment. However, the broad definition of authenticity, as well as the imagination spurned by a reflection of one’s reality can create exciting pieces. Curb Your Enthusiasm covers David’s relationships with his loved ones, his religion, and with his art in a manner that is both extraordinary yet grounded.

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2025-03-16 22:09