Subscribe to Listverse
Television has become a staple part of life for the majority of people and in some countries television is now regarded as an essential human right (ridiculous in my opinion). Through the years, many shows have come and gone, but some have stuck around and become world record setters. This list looks at 10 of those programs.
Record: Longest running cooking show.
Originally airing in October 1989, and continuing to the present, “Ciao Italia with Mary Ann Esposito” has been running on public television stations coast to coast in the US and also worldwide for 20 years. Host Mary Ann is responsible for all the content on the program, and she has to avoid certain recipes that wouldn’t hold up well under the hot lights of a television studio. She has also published 10 cookbooks covering Italian cuisine and focusing on Sicilian and Neapolitan favorites.
Record: Longest running scripted drama.
“Gunsmoke” was an American television staple for 20 years between September, 1955 and September, 1975. The show, set in Dodge City, Kansas in the 1870’s, was an extension of a highly popular radio program of the same name, but the TV show featured a different cast. Marshal Matt Dillon (James Arness) was faced every week by western despots who had no respect for the law or his friends, Chester, Festus, Doc, and Miss Kitty.
Record: Longest running scripted comedy.
Animator Matt Groening originally created “The Simpsons” as a series of short clips to be featured on The Tracey Ullman Show in the late 1980’s. The show became one of the first ratings hits for the fledgling Fox Network when it was expanded into a weekly half-hour primetime show in December, 1989. “The Simpsons” initially focused on juvenile rascal Bart, but eventually switched to the lovable Homer as the star of the show. In 2007, “The Simpsons” was released as a full-length feature film, and the television show is currently still going strong in its 20th season.
Record: Longest running game show.
Although “The Price is Right” originally aired in 1956 with host Bill Cullen, it was discontinued in 1965. When it returned in September, 1972 with new host Bob Barker (coming over from “Truth or Consequences”), the new version found unprecedented longevity. “The Price is Right” changed hosts with the retirement of Bob Barker in 2007, but it has continued to outlast a changing television landscape for 37 years, and has survived to the present, largely due to a resurgence of the show’s popularity on college campuses.
Record: Longest running children’s program.
The Children’s Television Workshop and muppet creator Jim Henson combined to create a powerful children’s show in 1969 that featured education and entertainment. The show originally aired in November, 1969 and has continued to the present for an amazing 40 years. Many of the “jokes” in the programming are intentionally aimed at adult viewers, and “Sesame Street” has the unique ability to attract both toddlers and their parents.
Record: Longest running program filmed in Hollywood.
Although it is set in Port Charles, New York, daytime drama “General Hospital” is the longest West Coast production on American television. The show debuted in April, 1963 as a half-hour program, and expanded to a full hour in 1978 to remain a constant fixture on ABC for 46 years. The show’s highest point was achieved in the early 1980’s with the marriage of Luke and Laura (the highest viewership of any daytime drama for a single episode), and a wacky plot involving secret agents, world domination, and a mysterious object known as The Ice Princess. When popular Laura (Genie Francis) left the show briefly, she was replaced as Luke’s love interest by a young and savage Demi Moore.
Record: Longest running sports program.
This event originally aired in 1962, and was an extension of the Professional Bowlers Association. The “Pro Bowlers Tour” was highly responsible for the popularity of bowling in America during the 1960’s and 1970’s, and the championship game regularly drew many more viewers than did college football. When ABC ended its yearly run with the “Pro Bowlers Tour” in 1997, it was briefly picked up by CBS and then the Fox Sports Network through 2000. Finally, ESPN gave it a permanent home in 2001, where the “Pro Bowlers Tour” has been able to continue enjoying its uninterrupted run for 47 years.
Record: Longest running daytime drama.
Soap opera “Guiding Light” made the jump from NBC radio to CBS television in June, 1952 and is scheduled to air its final episode in September, 2009, giving it a run of 57 years. The show has survived and rolled with many marketing swings (color television, African American characters, expansion from half-hour to full-hour, etc.), but was finally axed on April 1, 2009 by CBS. Although the last official episode will air on September 19, host Proctor & Gamble is still in negotiation to move the program to another venue and perhaps keep the series alive at a new home.
Record: Longest running network newscast.
Originally airing in August, 1948 with anchor Douglas Edwards, the “CBS Evening News” has been the flagship program for the CBS network for 61 years. The anchor desk is extremely stable, and has featured only six news anchors during its entire run. The venerable Walter Cronkite followed Douglas Edwards, and Cronkite was eventually succeeded by Dan Rather. Following a brief pairing of Dan Rather with Connie Chung in the mid-90’s, Rather continued as the sole anchor until a scandal forced him to resign in 2005. He was briefly replaced by Bob Schieffer, and the current anchor desk is held by Katie Couric.
Record: Longest running show in worldwide broadcast history.
“Meet the Press” is a Sunday morning talk show that began in November, 1947, and features a moderator and topical guests discussing everything from politics to the economy to foreign affairs. Eleven moderators have graced “Meet the Press,” including original moderator Martha Rountree, Roger Mudd, Chris Wallace, and its longest-serving moderator of 16 years Tim Russert. When the ever-popular Tim Russert died unexpectedly in 2008, he was briefly replaced by a retired Tom Brokaw, and finally by David Gregory, which all adds up to an amazing 62 years of continuous television broadcasting.
May 6th, 2009 at 1:43 am
Cool list
May 6th, 2009 at 1:52 am
You think it’s ridiculous that TV is considered a “right” in some places, yet you bother to write a list on TV shows? Lols
May 6th, 2009 at 1:56 am
Oh yeah… Do you think you could have written it a bit less Americanized? Jokes!
I’m just preparing you for the inevitable – “ALL OF THESE ARE AMERIKAN, AMERICA SUCKS!!!! PUT SOME GOOD SHOWS THERE!!!” – good luck 
May 6th, 2009 at 1:59 am
Lovely List , great work.
May 6th, 2009 at 1:59 am
I had no idea that “Ciao Italia” has been on the air for 20 years!! I watch it periodically (although I do prefer other cooking shows) and she does present some wonderful recipes, however, as one fluent in Italian, I have to say her pronunciation and accent when she speaks Italian is very bad and very Americanized. You’d think that after all this time she would have developed proper diction!!
I’ve never even heard of Gunsmoke and I’ve never watched a single episode of General Hospital, Guiding Light (didn’t know that was still on) nor Meet the Press.
Very interesting list!
May 6th, 2009 at 2:07 am
“The Simpsons” also qualifies as the longest-running animated cartoon
May 6th, 2009 at 2:09 am
Mark – I wrote the intro not the list- and I think tv is a priveledge not a basic human right.
May 6th, 2009 at 2:13 am
7. jfrater : So do I, I just thought that if warrrreagl felt the way indicated in the introduction, well, then maybe he’d wasted his time
May 6th, 2009 at 2:19 am
what’s the difference between a scripted drama and a daytime drama? Surely guiding light was scripted and therefore beats number 9 by almost 40 years
May 6th, 2009 at 2:38 am
sam sung, a “daytime drama” typically airs during the daylight hours and features a continuous plot that carries throughout all the episodes. A “scripted drama” airs during primetime (8PM to 11PM on the East Coast) and features single, separated episodes that do not necessarily connect.
May 6th, 2009 at 2:40 am
here is a tidbit there is a statue of festus from gunsmoke downtown in the town i live in, apparently he was born and raised here
May 6th, 2009 at 2:40 am
Syndicated guns on the list, g – broke my neck craning to watch Robotech when I was prepubesces, one of television’s life lessons yo
May 6th, 2009 at 2:41 am
How about “The Joy of Painting” for setting the record for making people fall asleep in the shortest amount of time?
May 6th, 2009 at 3:04 am
#2 – The BBC started regular news programming on it’s television service in 1936. The news service was stopped for the duration of WW2 and started again in January 1948.
Another non American record would be ‘The Sky at Night’ which holds the record for the longest running programme with the same (original) presenter, April 1957 to present. http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/space/skyatnight/proginfo.shtml
May 6th, 2009 at 3:05 am
Right, before anybody says anything, I’ve just re read the title and noticed it’s American programmes.
My Bad, very sorry.
I’ll get me coat.
May 6th, 2009 at 3:10 am
Told y’all it was coming… Even on a list entitled “Top 10 Record Setting Programs On AMERICAN TV” we still have people commenting on an American tilt…
May 6th, 2009 at 3:15 am
i never felt old before today…when i saw the line “the television show is currently still going strong in its 20th season.” about the Simpsons.
i can remember being 13 watching the shorts on the Tracy Ullman Show. then again, i was also watching Jim Carey on “In living Color”, watched Warrant in the Aresnio Hall Show, & was delighted to go wander aimlessly at the mall for hours.
*sigh* when did the space.time continuum catch up with me?
May 6th, 2009 at 3:18 am
Mark at #16. I did apologise. It wasn’t my intention to criticise anything somebody my have perceived as too American, I just thought for once ‘Oohh! I’m sure I can beat that’. I was wrong, and if I could delete my comments I would have done.
Interesting list by the way.
This is one of my favourite sites on all of the internets.
May 6th, 2009 at 3:20 am
cheetah, no need to apologize. The only non-American TV I know about is “Hey Hey It’s Saturday” because Gezzanator got me hooked on the old clips on YouTube. I would love to learn more about non-American TV record-setters, too.
May 6th, 2009 at 3:25 am
18. Cheetah : I was having a go at you, no malice in it. Thanks though, your comments did give me a minor fit of hysteria
May 6th, 2009 at 3:40 am
Interesting list warrrreagl. I’ve only ever seen three of these shows, but I’ve heard of General Hospital. It does kinda make you feel a little old to see how long they’ve been running. Got to be honest, I think Sesame Street was much better when I was a kid! I never realised how long-lived Gunsmoke was though.
Seeing as you’re interested to hear; another UK record setter is Blue Peter, an afternoon childrens show which has been running since October 1958. It’s a factual show covering just about everything. Because it’s a stalwart of most people’s childhoods certain things about it have become almost legendary – such as the Blue Peter Badge, the elephant that relieved itself on set and the annual charity drive encouraging kids to organise Bring n Buy sales.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/classic/bluepeter/
May 6th, 2009 at 3:42 am
Ahhhh. Now I’m feeling the love. Thanks for your patience with a dumb Englishman.
May 6th, 2009 at 3:46 am
21. Spange : Hmm… Current female presenter so hot based on photos on BBC website…
May 6th, 2009 at 3:49 am
i often think the simpsons should have stopped in its prime and left without a trail of mediocore, not worthwile episodes
May 6th, 2009 at 3:49 am
i often think the simpsons should have stopped in its prime and left without a trail of mediocore, not worthwile episodes
May 6th, 2009 at 3:51 am
25. Jamie3039 : Simpsons episodes… Not worthwhile? Out! Out I say! Blasphamer!
May 6th, 2009 at 3:54 am
Yes! Long Live the SImpsons! One of the funniest animated T.V. shows on the air!
May 6th, 2009 at 3:56 am
27. Cybogen : But it’s so sacreligious…
May 6th, 2009 at 4:08 am
Re: Gunsmoke, “Law & Order” has been going since 1990, shouldn’t it take the record?
May 6th, 2009 at 4:11 am
29. Darren : Do you have problems reading *all* numbers, or just dates?
May 6th, 2009 at 4:17 am
MTV should have an award for being the fastest station to go from revolutionary to commercial garbage the quickest.
I would think The Tonight Show would also have some kind of record….longest running nightime talk show?
May 6th, 2009 at 4:53 am
stopped watching television 15 years ago, that is, as soon as I had internet access. tv is dead.
May 6th, 2009 at 5:05 am
Great list, Warrrr! I had a feeling Jamie wrote the introduction. He’s such an elitist.
I was expecting M.A.S.H. to show up for it’s record breaking final episode until I realized all of these were the longest running in their genre. Doh! 
May 6th, 2009 at 5:41 am
30. Mark, in a slight defense of Darren, I see his point. Some of the shows in the list haven’t actually hit their official anniversary yet this year. I believe he’s right in that “Law & Order” will soon tie and then surpass “Gunsmoke,” but it just hasn’t happened yet.
Thank you, Miss Cheeshy. Always a pleasure.
May 6th, 2009 at 5:52 am
That is one creepy picture of Bob Barker…
May 6th, 2009 at 6:10 am
Why is there a picture of Beaker in the menu for this list? I was so hoping to see “The Muppet Show” as “Longest-running Puppet-starring Variety Show” or something. I know “Sesame Street” was on here, but Beaker doesn’t live there! Whatupwitdat?
May 6th, 2009 at 6:11 am
I know all of these shows (no old jokes, Mark!). Best is the simpsons. I agree with Law and Order, but know that would be at 11 on the list…almost there!
However, I like the Muppets over Seasme Street. It was funnier!
May 6th, 2009 at 6:26 am
These two Muppet Show sketches left me in stitches…
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=OCbuRA_D3KU
May 6th, 2009 at 6:33 am
I wonder how often the lady from the cooking show has to repeat recipes….
I can attest to Price is Right being a HUGE deal to college kids. If we didn’t have class, we were watching Bob Barker….and sometimes even when we did have class. I love The Price is Right. If BB still hosted, I’d DVR it. Really.
May 6th, 2009 at 7:06 am
the only show that i’ve ever followed on this list is the simpsons. surprising, right?
May 6th, 2009 at 7:07 am
37. oouchan, i agree with you on the muppets, that show was awesome
May 6th, 2009 at 7:08 am
i used to fake sickness so that i could stay home from school to watch the price is right. i loved the mountain climber yodeling guy. just the other day, i downloaded the “price is right music library”. 30ish tracks that remind you of all different parts of the show.
http://www.eggcityradio.com/?p=170
download and enjoy.
listen to some of the tracks without looking at the title and see if you can guess what is going on during the show. your brain will make connections that you have never thought about before.
May 6th, 2009 at 7:15 am
damien_karras….thanks for those!
May 6th, 2009 at 7:27 am
What country/countries think(s) TV is a “basic human right”? I’m guessing you mean “civil right,” which is a far cry from “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”?
May 6th, 2009 at 7:46 am
Nice list
The image for General Hospital shows Luke through the years. Luke was never the most attractive guy in the world but geez as he is getting older he is looking like something out of Dorian Gray’s painting.
Maybe the writers can write into the script that he has to wear a bag or mask.
@13 Joe Mama: You mean you didn’t like watching Bob Ross paint all of the “happy little clouds”?
I can’t believe The Simpsons are still going. One of my favorite shows. I do think it is “fizzling” out though but it could just be me not watching it on a regular basis anymore – work, life, etc.
I am probably in the minority here but I like The Simpsons (and King of the Hill which is going bye-bye) much better than Family Guy and American Dad or whatever it is and South Park. I can’t stand those 3 shows. But to each their own.
May 6th, 2009 at 7:51 am
too bad Whose Line Is It Anyway was against Friends, otherwise it could appear on this list…
anyway, nice one!
May 6th, 2009 at 8:10 am
Jamie3039: I agree with you about The Simpsons! The old episodes were way better than the new ones. They used to have morals and happy endings, now they’re just stupid, not funny jokes and slapsick humor. They should have quit while they were ahead! I still like the reruns of older episodes tho!
May 6th, 2009 at 8:18 am
The_Snowdog: The simpsons and king of the hill ARE WAY better than family guy and american dad! I once watched half an episode of american dad and had to turn it off it was soo bad!
May 6th, 2009 at 8:22 am
The other reason to stay home from school to watch “The Price is Right” was the babes. mmmm-mm. Holly. Barker’s taste in the ladies was… Roddenberry-esque.
May 6th, 2009 at 8:32 am
i think the title should be changed to “Top 10 Longest running Programs On American TV” not “Top 10 Record Setting Programs On American TV” there are alot of other records that have been set by different tv programs that dont just inculde there length in run time.
May 6th, 2009 at 8:38 am
More Non American Record Setters?
How about “The Late Late Show” on RTE, Irish National Broadcaster). The longest running TV chat show in the world….
May 6th, 2009 at 8:42 am
What’s the most watched show ever worldwide? I heard somewhere that it was the 2008 FIFA World Cup Finals, which had 1 billion viewers…I don’t know how accurate that is.
May 6th, 2009 at 8:44 am
2006, sorry.
May 6th, 2009 at 8:53 am
Wow. i am surprised that ER didn’t make the list somehow. That was one looooong painful experience.
May 6th, 2009 at 8:55 am
I woulda put Sesame Street first.
May 6th, 2009 at 8:56 am
Although not mentioned in your list Warr, I sure do miss ER.
Nice list and good to see you published.
May 6th, 2009 at 8:58 am
Uh… Shouldn’t this be the Top 10 Longest Running Shows (by category) on American TV?
There are far more records and firsts that could be included on this list.
May 6th, 2009 at 9:14 am
The longest running scripted drama can’t be that show, if you’re talking worldwide records. We have Coronation street in the UK and thats been going on for over 40 years!
May 6th, 2009 at 9:25 am
I remember Demi Moore being on General Hospital back in the day. She played raspy-voiced journalist Jackie. There were quite a few people on that show who went on to become stars–Rick Springfield (Dr. Noah Drake), John Stamos (Blackie), Jack Wagner (Frisco). And Richard Simmons used to show up occasionally!
May 6th, 2009 at 9:42 am
Hey, good list. I haven’t seen many of these shows, coming from the UK, but we did get Sesame Street, and of course the Simpsons. Sesame was so funky! Grover was my fav. We used to get a lot of imported TV in the 1970’s – hence my knowledge of Our Gang (in B&W), Bonanza, Rawhide, Little House, and a few other even older shows too. In the 80’s we got all the ‘detective dramas’ – Magnum PI – which lasted 8 seasons, Kojack, Hill Street Blues and such. Rosanne lasted quite a while, and so did Cheers. Yeah, we got ‘em all! It’s crazy really.
The UK had their own Price Is Right for a while, as well as Wheel of Fortune and many other franchise game shows.
May 6th, 2009 at 10:09 am
Good old Guiding Light… My mom has been watching it since she was a teen (in the 70s) because her mom watched it. I got into it for awhile, but it’s definitely ridiculously cheesey. I find it amazing that the actors and actresses that play Rick, Reva, Josh, Harley and many more have been on playing the same character since the 80s O_O;;
The theme song changed recently and the chorus is “Only love can save the world” and my mom always sings “Only luck can save the show!”. Guess they didn’t have luck at all
May 6th, 2009 at 10:30 am
What about Hockey Night in Canada as longest running sports program.
May 6th, 2009 at 10:38 am
The other day,I said that “10 cases of liberal hypocrisy”
was the best list I had seen–Today,I have to say this is the worst. Absolutely nothing of interest here whatsoever,at least to me.Did ex-coach Tubby help you with this? I would have thought last year’s game against Bama would have made your list–I’m sure it seemed to last an eternity to you–HaHa-
May 6th, 2009 at 11:11 am
17. ringtailroxy – May 6th, 2009 at 3:15 am [Report Abuse]
i never felt old before today…when i saw the line “the television show is currently still going strong in its 20th season.” about the Simpsons.
i can remember being 13 watching the shorts on the Tracy Ullman Show. then again, i was also watching Jim Carey on “In living Color”, watched Warrant in the Aresnio Hall Show, & was delighted to go wander aimlessly at the mall for hours.
*sigh* when did the space.time continuum catch up with me?
I feel for you, RTR, I really do. I was eight years old when the Simpsons gained syndication, and I’d never heard of Tracy Ulman or her show yet… and I remember Arsenio Hall… Warrant, In Living Color with Jim Carrey as Fire Marshall Bill… etc. Ok, now I feel old too. Anybody got some of the ORIGINAL G.I. Joes or Transformers for me to hold so that I can feel young again? You know, from back when they were made out of good old american Metal or steel?
May 6th, 2009 at 11:11 am
American*
May 6th, 2009 at 11:13 am
I dont normally coment on lists that I have no interest in but I would just like to make a passing comment on the pro-bowling at number 4.
Anyone that can turn the most boring godawful pastime into entertainment and a marketing phenomenon needs a medal the size of a frying pan.
Fortunately I know this person very well, his name is Buckeye Epstein and he is a marketing marvel for turning what is in essence skittles into a national fixation with Americans.
Personally I go bowling to get drunk, and I have never understood how my game gets so much better the more I drink, it must be the lack of reality.
May 6th, 2009 at 11:40 am
I used to love the Simpsons. But now I think it’s time for them to retire. I think their current episodes are not where near as funny as their old ones: Flaming Moe’s, Springfiled gets a Casino, Springfield get a Monorail, or Bart and Lisa go to Duff Gardens. As you can see I used to be a big fan. Their episodes from the 90’s were some of the best. Before they had some of the best parodies of pop culture and society (which the Family Guy has stolen and jammed in our faces, although it’s a funny show as well), but now it seems like they are trying to hard to do so.
As for the Price is Right, love that show, went once in college on a day trip. Totally worth it and the stage girls are even hotter in person.
May 6th, 2009 at 11:53 am
Like many others, I didn’t see the American in the title. I came so close to pointing out Hockey Night in Canada is the longest running sports series. I was so proud that I could disprove a list, but as it turns out I’m an idiot.
I liked the list. Television is always great.
May 6th, 2009 at 11:59 am
This list is only for American TV, Not fair, I say.
What about England’s DOCTOR WHO, as the longest-running science fiction television show in the world!
May 6th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
smithstar, I was just trying to give Bama fans some ideas of other things to watch this Fall when the latest probation sanctions include a TV ban for the Criminal Tide.
May 6th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
69. Lydia: “This list is only for American TV, Not fair, I say.”
I’m all for lists that can capture the attention of the LV users no matter where they live on the planet. Yeah, alot of the lists are American based, so I did roughly 5 minutes of research and found this: (updated daily)
http://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/listverse.com
Not an excuse, just showing an accurate breakdown of LV users.
May 6th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
finally! a good list! -_- Thank you!!
May 6th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Good Job Warrr! Nostalgia is a good feeling. Lunch time when I was in elementary school it was The Flintstones followed by Leave it to Beaver. Bob Barker was the after school fix. Totally awesome when they expanded to a full hour. I loved Gunsmoke – I remember watching it when I was really, really young; I was in awe of Miss Kitty – that and Rat Patrol. This in the days before we had colour TV, ancient times.
May 6th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
warrrreagl
HAHA–Just a little ribbing–All in good fun–I used to take the Iron Bowl a lot more serious than I do now–Really got all tore up-It’s all turned into big business now-It’s all about the money (at all the schools)-I was a Bama fan when Ears Whitworth was the coach and we didn’t win a game–Actually,I liked your list–(I didn’t know anyone from Auburn could write)–Hey just kidding you again–LOL
May 6th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
Wait a second? Mary Ann Espisoto has been on the air longer than Julia Child and Graham Kerr (The Galloping Gourmet)?
Who woulda thunk it? The woman annoys the piss outta me.
BUT she does know what she’s doing, I think. My ex-wife was VERY Italian… she and her family were very dismissive of more “Americanized” Italians (medigans… prounounced “med-hih-GAHNS”) who don’t “really” know what it is to be Italian, and whose cooking is an amalgam of American and Italian, rather than “authentic” Italian. She (the ex-wife) was of the opinion originally that Esposito was “medigan.” But I think she later came to acknowledge that Espisoto probably knew what she was doing, from listening to her recipes and watching the way she cooked… though we still found her intensely annoying.
May 6th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
oh the memories this list brings..lol one of the first memories I have is being called in to watch a new show “its called sesame street” my then foster mom said. Good list…thanks for the flashbacks.
May 6th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
And one day about a month ago, I turned on the tv and “wok with yan” was on…anyone remember that show, man it was on for a long time too I thought.
May 6th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
re #62 yes hockey night in canada has been on the air, starting on radio in 1931 then moving to tv in 1962(thank you wikipedia)…dr who began in 1963…the tonight show began in 1954 with jack paar…but johnny carson was by far my fave
May 6th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
37. oouchan : “…no old jokes, Mark!…”
I wouldn’t dare
May 6th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Randall – Loved Graham Kerr until he found god and gave up all his good bad habits.
Have fond memories of Jeff Smith, The Frugal Gourmet as well.
May 6th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
The price is wrong, bitch!
May 6th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
@78 – just FYI Hockey Night in Canada made its TV debut in 1952, not ‘62. Still going strong!
May 6th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Why IS The Price is right so popular with college students? Is the Billy Madison joke still running strong? I’m a college student, and neither I nor my friends watch it, but I’m curious to know why its so appealing.
Other then longest running programs you could have..:
Program with the most spinoffs (Happy days? L&O?); Character portrayed by the most actors; First F-bomb dropped on prime time television; First homosexual kiss; Shortest running program (I recall hearing of a show that was cut off mid-showing on it’s pilot episode, anyone know what that was?); etc. etc.
You could also create a list of television firsts. I’m not sure if that already exists, but I’d be really psyched to see that.
May 6th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
No, Kate. I think YOU should create that list. It sounds fascinating.
May 6th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
hahahaha general hospital!
May 6th, 2009 at 5:33 pm
Kate: “I recall hearing of a show that was cut off mid-showing on it’s pilot episode, anyone know what that was?”
That was ‘Australia’s Naughtiest Home Videos’ which was – no joke – footage of animals mating with a laugh track over the top of it. The owner of the station was watching at home, and he was so enraged that he called the station and told them to “turn that shit off!”. It was actually pulled before it reached the commercials, and the second half never aired.
May 6th, 2009 at 5:47 pm
warrrreagl: Maybe. I’m a horrible writer, especially compared to the caliber on this site (this is by far my favorite website ever!). I’ll try, though.
Baxter: That’s awesome! I think it’s a different show I’m thinking of- for some reason I think it was a drama circa 1990-95. It might of been a local (to Michigan) show, though.
May 6th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
I can’t believe how old some of these shows are- call me ignorant, but I was certain TV didn’t actually exist till the 1950s, so I was surprised to see some shows running since the 40s.
I’m also surprised by the endurance of the soaps. Do people still *watch* those things?!
May 6th, 2009 at 7:29 pm
you forgot pokemon, the longest running show based on a video game
May 6th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
What about “Sugarfoot” with Will Hutchins–Isn’t that still going?
May 6th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
OMG OMG!!! *THIS* is how I find out Guiding Light is being cancelled?! I had no idea! Nooooo!
*ahem* Anyway. Awesome list. As usual!
May 6th, 2009 at 11:19 pm
Holy crap this is a *^($ed up list. This person does not know a thing about American television. Wow this list list should be deleted. So stupid. Do a little research and maybe actually look up how many people were viewing these programs and the times they were on. If you don’t do that than almost all would be soaps. I am sorry but this list need demolition bad! Damn for such a great site such a shit list comes out. JF please fix it.
May 6th, 2009 at 11:22 pm
92. Leatherface : Why do you feel the need to bless us with your presence? Seriously, because I’m sure there are plenty of other things you could be doing right now. Like, say, not commenting on LV?
May 6th, 2009 at 11:27 pm
Oh yeah maybe you should make note of what type of programs you are analyzing for the list. Cheers ran a hell of a long time and so did that one with that comedian. Both set records as did the one with the therapist guy living with his dad. I am just saying do research before posting lists. I love this site and try to read it everyday, but c’mon how about a truth in there. I am not american by the way, I am NATIVE AMERICAN. Just proud of that so thanks for your time.
May 7th, 2009 at 12:36 am
I’m pretty sure that you could have included WWE Monday Night Raw on this list, I remember them saying that they’re the longest running weekly live show or something like that.
I love the Price is Right! My mom let me pick AM or PM Kindergarten, and I picked PM so I could watch the Price is Right before I went to school. (And so I didn’t have to get up early!)
Awesome list Warrrreagl!
May 7th, 2009 at 12:38 am
yay!three cheers for the simpsons…teletubbies anyone..?
lol
May 7th, 2009 at 1:14 am
Play School for a lot longer than Sesame Australian (Australian kids’ show).
May 7th, 2009 at 3:01 am
Leatherface,
Not sure what record you think Cheers holds but it only ran for 11 years so is 9 short of The Simpsons. Nor was it the lobgest running series at the time it ran as MASH also ran 11 years. I assume the therapist show you refer to is Frasier, but again only 11 years. That one with that comedian – can’t help there as I need a leeetle more information.
Apart from that the rest of your comments are stupid beyond belief.
The Other Darren
Dr who has not been on screen continuously since 1963 as it had a lengthy break between 1989 and 2005, mind you the initial 26 year run probably qualifies as some sort of record.
Cheers
Lee
May 7th, 2009 at 4:50 am
Leatherface wrote:
“Cheers ran a hell of a long time and so did that one with that comedian. Both set records as did the one with the therapist guy living with his dad.”
He then goes on to admonish warrrreagl with:
“Do a little research…..”
What a tool.
BTW, I’m Native American as well….I was born here, so that counts as Native, correct?
May 7th, 2009 at 4:52 am
99. ScoJo : Yeah, but he didn’t write a list on that knowledge…
“…BTW, I’m Native American as well….I was born here, so that counts as Native, correct?”
I don’t think that’s exactly the way it works….
May 7th, 2009 at 5:01 am
**sarcasm**
May 7th, 2009 at 6:03 am
/slaps forehead
Research! A little research! Dang, I knew I forgot something…
May 7th, 2009 at 10:38 am
I wouldn’t exactly say that the Simpsons are going strong, the last few seasons have been garbage
May 7th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Hah. Just a little note: I live in the Netherlands, and the only one of these shows I have ever seen is Sesame Street. I have heard of most of them, though…
May 7th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
number 9 is incorrect the longest running scripted drama is WWE Monday night raw
May 7th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
@ #6, Chuchu:
Not even close. Some Japanese cartoons have been running since the 60s, outdoing the Simposons by some 20 years.
May 7th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
I have only seen 2 of these -The Price is Right and Sesame Street.
May 7th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
joe mama (13) The Joy of Painting used to absolutely captivate and fascinate me. I can only draw stick figures and to watch an amazing picture painted right as I watched was mesmerizing to me.
May 7th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
you forgot Seinfield as BEST SHOW EVER
Simpsons was great, but it hasn’t been great this decade
May 7th, 2009 at 7:11 pm
Leatherface: This was a fantastic list, full of accurate information. I understand that some readers prefer articles focused on historical events or cultural practices, but this is a solid (and entertaining) list.
May 7th, 2009 at 7:46 pm
Watch game $how$ like The Price i$ Right everyday!!! The Price is Right is the ultimate American game $how. It deal$ with price$ of normal con$umer product$. Buy all product$ you $ee on The Price i$ Right!!! MAX OUT YOUR CREDIT CARD$!!!! $pend all your MONEY on The Price i$ Right product$!!! And hotel$!!!! Li$ten to what me$$age$ Bob Barker give$ you through the televi$ion…$pay and neuter your pet! We mu$t $top animal$ from breeding and taking over the planet and en$laving human race in $atanic alliance with robot$. Bob Barker al$o advocate$ having $ex with beautiful women on a regular ba$i$ and he also enable$ people to $tay in hotel$ and re$ort$ through the $how. THE PRICE I$ RIGHT EMBODIE$ EVERYTHING GOOD ABOUT $PACE$HIP JE$U$ DOCTRINE.
It i$ vital that we $upport pay-per-view televi$ion, adverti$er$, infomercial$, con$umer product$, ma$$ mailing, and telemarketing. $tay up a$ late a$ you can on a work night, then around 2 am $tart watching the informercial$. Buy a thighma$ter. Buy time-$hare. Buy a vegetable dicer. Charge them all to your credit card. In fact, get a$ many credit card$ a$ po$$ible. Take advantage of all credit card offer$ $ent to you in the mail, do not be afraid to try even if your credit $core i$ bad! If you max out a credit card, get another one. Max out all your credit card$. Buy infomercial product$, magazine $ubscription$, $tay in hotel$, do exten$ive amount$ of touri$m, $hop at the mall everyday, turn your$elf into an Economic Powerhou$e. Just pump $$$money$$$ into the economy it is what keeps u$ going. If everyone $topped $pending and $tarted $aving, the economy would collap$e and we would turn into a third-world country ravaged by war and di$ea$e. MONEY I$ $ACRED. Work hard to get it. $tay overtime at your job. Work two job$. DO NOT WORRY ABOUT YOUR $OCIAL OR $EXUAL LIFE!!! Have no friend$, have no lover$: they are di$traction$ from working! Ju$t keep working a$ much a$ you can. Do not $leep. There are 24 hour$ in a day, there’$ no rea$on why you $houldn’t be working at lea$t 18 of them every day. U$e the 6 remaining hour$ for $pending money and maybe taking a nap. Do thi$ every day. When you are off of work, $PEND ALL YOUR MONEY. Play in ca$inos, buy magazine$, buy $tocks and bond$, max out all your credit card$. THE NAZI$ WERE RIGHT: WORK $HALL $ET YOU FREE!!!!!
LIKE BUTTER CHURNING YOU CREATE ECONOMIC POWER THROUGH ACTIVITY!!! CREATE A $UPER ECONOMY THAT WILL ALLEVIATE ALL $UFFERING AND ALLOW THE RECEPTION OF THE HULK HOGAN METATHE$I$!!!!!!!!!
May 8th, 2009 at 3:11 am
The Law and Order series, which is in its 19th season will probably outdo Gunsmoke for the longest running scripted drama very soon! its brilliant
May 8th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
The Simpsons is the longest running tv show that nobody cares about anymore.
May 8th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
93. Mark,
I was insulting this one list and yes I was a little radical in my language. You however have no right demanding my absence. The person doing the list should have put more thought and research into it. I do not think that is much. After all I love this site I just found this list flawed beyond all reason. Disagree if you like but I voiced my opinion and will stand by it. Cheers.
May 8th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
#9** Look at Miss Kitty. Is she a WILTF or what ?
May 9th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
13. joe mama – May 6th, 2009 at 2:41 am
“How about “The Joy of Painting” for setting the record for making people fall asleep in the shortest amount of time?”
No way! I loved that show. I want to buy the little kit and make beautiful mountains with the swipe of a palette knife!
It made me sad when Bob Ross died. :’(
May 9th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Though not an american show, I believe that Corination Street or as i like to call it THE blue collar british soap has been running for 50 + years.
May 10th, 2009 at 10:06 pm
#3. America sucks? What country do you live in?
May 13th, 2009 at 8:24 am
im so bufff
May 13th, 2009 at 10:21 am
113. Tryclyde – May 8th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
The Simpsons is the longest running tv show that nobody cares about anymore.
Say you don’t mean that. Its still a great show! Cone on. Watch some and you’ll see it still is a riot!
May 14th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Could have just called this “longest running tv shows” rather than “record setting” since all the records are for the longest running… xP I liked it just the same!
May 17th, 2009 at 10:22 am
What about Monday Night Raw?
June 22nd, 2009 at 1:57 pm
They should have also had Power Rangers as the longest running show based off and using props and footage from a another show from a different country (Japan’s Super Senti)
June 24th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
yea. what about monday night raw?
June 29th, 2009 at 6:35 am
telly is good
July 14th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Thanks for the details.
Todd D.
http://www.clush.com/Dir/Business/Services/
August 21st, 2009 at 6:25 pm
Sesame Street: Parents watch it with their toddlers because they used to watch it AS toddlers(at least that’s why I watch it with mine)
The Price Is Right:NO ONE, I repeat, NO ONE looked better in a bikini than Dian Parkinson.
October 16th, 2009 at 11:26 am
If you count radio air-time, The Guiding Light ran for 77 years. And I cried like a bitch watching the last episode. Me so ’shamed……