New Delhi: Television programming is not hard in this day and age. Switch to any OTT streaming giant, and there are options from across the world to browse through. And, yet quality TV shows that get passed on from one generation to another are hard to come by. While there is no right formula to get a TV show right, but longetivity is a tricky situation. Some TV shows have been around for decades, meaning that they have not just been viewed by millions of people at one time, but that they have resonated across borders and generations. Here are our among the many, top seven TV shows that have the longest running history.


The Simpsons


You may have not seen it in totality but 'The Simpsons' happens to be a nostalgic mark for almost everyone who has been around since the 80s. The show began as a short sketch on the Tracey Ullman Show in 1987. After being in run for 34 successful seasons, it is still being produced today. With an impressive rating of 8.7 on IMDb, 'The Simpsons' has more than 772 episodes. The show's writers are revered for their intelligent writing that gets portrayed on screen as cultural commentary on socio-political life, especially in the United States.


The Tonight Show


Yes, that one! 'The Tonight Show' is a late-night talk show which first premiered in 1954. It is known for its interviews, comedy sketches, and musical performances and forms an important part of American television history and culture.


Hosted by several prominent figures over the decades, it is currently being hosted by Jimmy Fallon. The show has some 12,000 episodes, despite a drop in ratings during Fallon's tenure, continues to be popular and almost emblematic of American TV culture.


Coronation Street 


Still in production, this long-running British TV show first aired in 1960 on ITV. Set in Weatherfield, it follows the lives of residents in a working-class neighbourhood. The series has won acclaim for its realistic portrayal of contemporary British society. 


With 64 seasons under its belt, and more than 10,000 episodes, 'Coronation Street' has also been recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest-running TV soap opera.


Sesame Street


Another animated show loved by children of many generations, 'Sesame Street' has more than 4,500 episodes. In addition to being one of the longest-running TV shows, the show is also famous for its descriptions communicated via Jim Henson's Muppets. Having won over 200 Emmys, the show is still running despite being in production since 1969.


Saturday Night Live


From 1975 to still being in production, 'Saturday Night Live' is a culturally significant variety sketch show that has tackled race, class, politics in a manner that everyone can enjoy. Still ongoing as one of the longest-running TV shows in the world of sketch comedy, SNL even today, manages to bring headlines and entertainment to many across the world.


Top Gear


'Top Gear' began in 1977 on BBC. While most fans are well aware of the US version of the show, the British version has been in production since 1977 depicting its hosts covering cars of all kinds. 'Top Gear', despite controversies and channel shifts continues to be one of the longest-running TV shows of all time.


Doctor Who


In production since 1963, 'Doctor Who's adventures are staple in British culture. Known for its clever storylines and tech-babble, the sci-fi genre show has seen over 13 men and women play the Doctor over the years, with its 14th set who debuted in 2023.