As a long-time TV enthusiast with countless hours spent in front of the screen, I can’t help but be in awe of the shows that have managed to captivate audiences for over 250 episodes. These series have become an integral part of our collective cultural consciousness, shaping our lives and providing us with moments of laughter, tears, and suspense.
As a dedicated gamer, I’ve experienced the thrill and disappointment of watching TV shows come and go. Yet, there are some exceptional series out there that, with the help of devoted fans, have managed to endure for an impressively long time. It may seem that our beloved dramas and comedies often vanish too quickly, but these 32 shows defy the odds, having aired over 250 episodes each:
Grey’s Anatomy
In the year 2019, Grey’s Anatomy, the long-running hit medical drama previously headed by Ellen Pompeo, reached a significant achievement. It surpassed the record of 331 episodes held by ER, making it the longest-running medical show in television history.
Family Guy
Success doesn’t always come right away; some shows, like Fox’s “Family Guy,” take time to gain traction. Cancelled after its third season ended in 2002, the comedy series was given a second chance due to impressive DVD sales and syndication ratings. Today, it’s recognized as one of the greatest animated TV shows.
Frasier
A show like “Frasier,” which aired for 11 seasons on network TV, didn’t reach that longevity by chance. Its numerous awards attest to this fact. Before its premiere in 1993, the series had a powerful foundation, built around Kelsey Grammer’s portrayal of Frasier Crane – a snobbish academic and former beloved character from “Cheers” since 1984. Frasier is among the longest-running live-action characters on prime-time television.
Lassie
If you’re unfamiliar with “Lassie,” that’s understandable given that the show ended more than 50 years ago. However, it left a significant mark during its run. Debuting in 1954, this drama series followed the adventures of the brave collie named Lassie and her human companions. The show was remarkable for lasting from 1954 to 1973, spanning an impressive 19 seasons and producing a total of 591 episodes.
NCIS
NCIS, the popular crime drama series focusing on naval investigations, has consistently drawn large audiences since its 2003 debut. In fact, it has held the top spot in ratings for over a year on several occasions. This success has led to the creation of numerous successful spinoffs throughout the years.
Supernatural
As a dedicated gamer and avid fan of the small screen, I’ve come to appreciate that fantasy and horror series don’t always get their fair share of recognition. But when it comes to “Supernatural” on The CW, this rule doesn’t apply. This captivating show, which follows the adventures of brothers Dean and Sam Winchester as they traverse the United States to prevent supernatural creatures like vampires, werewolves, witches, and demons from causing harm to innocent people and potentially bringing about destruction, is a true standout. With an impressive run of 15 seasons under its belt by the time we reached season eleven, “Supernatural” holds the record as America’s longest-running live-action fantasy series.
Hawaii Five-0
In 2010, we witnessed a successful revival of this renowned series. however, it was the initial version of “Hawaii Five-0” from 1968 to 1980, headlined by Jack Lord, which surpassed the milestone of 250 episodes. Without it, we would not have been graced with its memorable theme song and may not have colloquially referred to American police as “five-0.”
Bob’s Burgers
I can’t forget the remarkable influence animation has brought to primetime TV, and “Bob’s Burgers” is definitely one of those shows that defied the odds. This series follows the Belcher family – parents Bob and Linda, along with their kids Tina, Gene, and Louise – and their constant struggles to keep their mom-and-pop burger business afloat in a quirky seaside town. Since its debut in 2011, it has become a fan favorite and even graced the big screen with a theatrically released movie back in 2022.
Dallas
Back in the day, nighttime soap operas brought in massive revenues, with “Dallas” being a dominant force for more than a decade. This captivating series revolved around the manipulative Ewing clan and their oil empire in Dallas, and it aired for an impressive 14 seasons between 1978 and 1991. Not only did it give birth to a successful spin-off we’ll discuss later, but it also inspired a revival that started in 2012 and ran for three seasons.
Blue Bloods
Among the shows that were canceled in 2024, the end of “Blue Bloods” left a deep sorrow for both fans and the cast. This long-running police drama, which welcomed Tom Selleck back to television each week, revolves around the Reagan family’s experiences as New York City cops, handling weekly cases that impact their lives.
The Simpsons
If you have been following TV shows for the last three decades, it’s no surprise that “The Simpsons” is included in the lineup. This long-standing animated comedy series introduces us to the humorous exploits of the Simpson family and their various acquaintances in Springfield, USA. Notably, it holds the title as the longest-running American scripted primetime show, sitcom, and animated series in the United States.
Criminal Minds
From my gaming perspective, I’ve noticed how captivated audiences are by crime-solving teams, and the FBI agents of “Criminal Minds” didn’t disappoint. We followed these profilers as they crisscrossed the country to apprehend unsubs responsible for horrendous crimes. The show’s popularity was undeniable, and even after it concluded in 2020 with Season 15, it was revived just two years later on Paramount+ with a new spin-off titled “Criminal Minds: Evolution.”
ER
Medical shows continue to capture audiences’ interest. Among them, NBC’s “ER,” which debuted in 1994, gained significant fame. This groundbreaking drama introduced us to George Clooney, Julianna Margulies, Eriq La Salle, and other well-known actors. Over its 15-season run, “ER” aired 331 episodes and experienced several cast transformations. For numerous viewers, it remains the epitome of what makes a medical drama exceptional.
American Dad!
Over the last several decades, Fox has earned a significant amount of credit for fueling our affection for primetime animation. This is where Seth MacFarlane’s quirky comedy “American Dad!” called home for 11 seasons before it transitioned to TBS.
Law & Order: SVU
“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” is a derivative series that has outpaced its parent show, “Law & Order,” in terms of seasons and episode counts. This is truly impressive.
Gunsmoke
Which television shows, besides “The Simpsons” and “Lassie,” have produced more episodes than “SVU”? The answer is: “Gunsmoke”! This long-running Western series, featuring U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon and his companions, aired from 1955 to 1975, and amassed an impressive total of 635 episodes.
King Of The Hill
Hank, Peggy, and Bobby Hill from Fox’s “King of the Hill” were beloved characters whose animated antics kept audiences coming back for more. The show ran successfully for 13 seasons with a total of 259 episodes.
Knots Landing
Dallas was quite the phenomenon, managing to broadcast an impressive 357 episodes. And let me tell you, its prime-time soap counterpart, Knots Landing, didn’t lag behind. It aired for an impressive 14 seasons with a total of 344 episodes.
Murder, She Wrote
Cozy mysteries continue to be popular, and “Murder, She Wrote,” with its star Angela Lansbury, was once a common TV sight. Even though it’s been off the air for close to three decades, many people still hold it in high regard. This long-running series, which began in 1984 and ended in 1996, followed the story of a mystery writer named Jessica Fletcher who lived in the small, crime-ridden town of Cabot Cove, Maine, and had an uncanny knack for solving mysteries.
The Jeffersons
The television series “The Jeffersons,” created by Norman Lear, is among those that have been on the air for a long time. It ran for an impressive 11 seasons from 1975 to 1985. This show focused on the journey of a Black couple as they left Queens and moved to Manhattan to pursue a more affluent lifestyle. Originally a spinoff of “All in the Family,” “The Jeffersons” outperformed its predecessor, producing a total of 253 episodes compared to the earlier series’ 205.
Cheers
At first, “Cheers” had a hard time gaining popularity when it debuted in 1982-83. The sitcom, which took place mainly in a Boston bar of the same name, came dangerously close to being the last-ranked show during its initial season, leading to consideration of cancellation. Fortunately, the series eventually found its footing and continued for an impressive 11 seasons. This successful run not only gave life to the program but also jumpstarted the careers of Ted Danson, Woody Harrelson, Kirstie Alley, and Kelsey Grammer, among others.
Married…With Children
In 1987, Fox struck it rich once more with “Married…with Children.” This was television’s first daring sitcom to broadcast on American networks. Amidst much controversy, this show about the Bundy family thrived for an impressive eleven seasons and ultimately became the longest-running live-action sitcom produced by a network.
The Big Bang Theory
In its first two seasons, “The Big Bang Theory” (a comedy series centering around a circle of scientists and their attractive neighbor) experienced a sluggish beginning. However, things took a turn for the better in Season 3, leading to significant viewership and eventually ranking among television’s most-watched comedies. The show continued its successful run for 12 seasons until 2019, giving birth to various spinoffs along the way.
Law & Order
The ominous, courtroom-like intonations from “DUNH DUNH” are commonly recognized, having been a staple of television crime dramas for many years. “Law & Order,” which debuted in 1990 and spawned numerous spinoffs such as “SVU,” initially concluded its run in 2010 after 20 seasons. However, despite this, it has continued to air in syndication, and in 2021, it was rebooted and further expanded its episode collection.
CSI
In the year 2000, we were introduced to a unique crime procedural with the debut of “CSI”: Las Vegas. This Vegas-based drama captivated us as it focused not only on solving crimes but also on examining wounds in detail. The original series initiated a franchise with several spinoffs and ran for an impressive 15 seasons, plus a three-season revival, wrapping up with a grand total of 378 episodes.
The Adventures Of Ozzie & Harriet
You might find this version more conversational: Another surprising long-lasting show is “The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet,” which aired from 1952 to 1966. Although it doesn’t hold the title for our longest-running live-action sitcom (that goes to “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”), it does boast an impressive number of episodes, totaling 435.
Two And A Half Men
Chuck Lorre, the successful creator of numerous sitcoms including “The Big Bang Theory,” brought us another major success with “Two and a Half Men.” This series focused on Alan, a divorced father struggling financially, who was forced to live with his wealthy, playboy brother Charlie. The show ran from 2003 to 2015 and provided plenty of comedic moments.
My Three Sons
If you’re not familiar with the show “My Three Sons,” that’s alright because it stopped airing after 12 seasons in 1972. This classic comedy focused on a widower and his three growing-up sons, and it left an indelible mark with a remarkable total of 380 episodes.
NYPD Blue
NYPD Blue gained widespread recognition and controversy as one of our top-performing police dramas. This success brought substantial profits and a prolonged stay on air for 12 seasons, from 1993 to 2005. Until Grey’s Anatomy surpassed it in 2016, NYPD Blue held the record for ABC’s longest-running hour-long series.
Beverly Hills, 90210
As a 90s kid who grew up glued to the TV screen, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia every time I think about “Beverly Hills, 90210.” This iconic primetime soap was more than just a show for me; it was a window into a world that seemed so glamorous and exciting. It introduced me to characters like Kelly Taylor (Jenny Garth) and Dylan McKay (Luke Perry), who quickly became my television crushes, and even the late Shannen Doherty’s feisty Brenda Walsh left an indelible mark on me.
Perry Mason
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but express my gratitude for the trailblazing impact of “Perry Mason,” a groundbreaking series that captured both critical acclaim and widespread appeal. This classic show, which originally aired from 1957 to 1966, focused on the experiences of Perry Mason, a tenacious L.A.-based criminal defense attorney. Throughout its nine triumphant seasons, we watched as Mason tirelessly worked to prove the innocence of his clients, often after they had been falsely accused of heinous crimes like murder.
NCIS: Los Angeles
And here we have another of the uber-popular NCIS franchises, this one focusing on Naval investigators in Los Angeles. For a spinoff, 14 seasons (2009-2023) and 323 episodes is nothing to sneeze at.
TV enthusiasts have played a significant role in keeping numerous beloved shows running for more than 250 episodes, and it’s clear that this list will expand further.
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2024-07-29 18:09