It’s always exciting when popular series are renewed for new seasons, although some shows manage to quietly slip under the radar and remain on the air long past the point of their peak relevance. This can be a sign of a loyal fanbase and strong writing, as, although not everybody may be checking out the newest season, there’s obviously enough viewership for networks to greenlight more episodes. This has occurred with clever panel shows, cult sitcoms, and even family-friendly favorites that have stayedon the air for decades on end.
Some of thebest TV shows of all timehave had serious long runs, asanimated classics likeThe Simpsonsand omnipresent soap operas likeGeneral Hospitalfeel like they might outlive us all. However, there are lots of lesser-known examples ofTV shows that have run well past the point anyone thought they would, and many would be shocked to find out they were still on the air. Whether for better or worse, all of these TV shows have continued, with new episodes being made right up to this day.
10QI (2003 - Present)
22 Seasons
The panel game showQIgained a reputation as one of the smartest shows on British television. Its focus on obscure facts, little-known data, and common misconceptions made it truly quite interesting. WithStephen Fry as the original host, along with permanent panelist Alan Davies and a rotating cast of celebrity guests,QIstood out as a clever and engaging antidote to all the other crude and dumbed-down series across UK TV.QIfirst premiered in 2003, although many might not realize that the show has continued to this day, even following the departure of Stephen Fry in 2016.
Instead,QIis now hosted by Sandi Toksvig, who acts as a worthy successor to Fry’s inquisitive and curious nature. Davies has remained on board as a consistent panelist, andQIremains an enjoyable series that stands in opposition to the broad and anti-intellectualist attitude of lowest common denominator comedy programming. As a show airing on the public broadcaster channel BBC Two,QIachieves its mission of entertaining and informing in equal measure, and long may it continue for years to come.
QI
Cast
QI, also known as Quite Interesting, is a British comedy panel game television quiz show on the BBC created by John Lloyd. Hosted by Stephen Fry until 2016 and then Sandi Toksvig, the show features regular panellist Alan Davies alongside three guest panellists who answer obscure questions and are awarded points based on the interestingness of their responses rather than accuracy.
9It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia (2005 - Present)
16 Seasons
The offbeat and outrageous sitcomIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiahas been going strong for nearly 20 years now and has run for more seasons than any other American live-action sitcom. As a cult comedy show that’s built up a loyal following, those passionate about television will be well aware ofAlways Sunny’scontinued existence, although more casual viewers might be shocked to hear that it racked up 170 episodes and has been continually renewed every year since 2005.
By leaning into its unique style and allowing the characters to become more deranged with each subsequent season,Always Sunnyhas stayed interesting all this time. From the slow build-up of Mac realizing the true nature of his sexuality to the eroding lifestyle of the once-devoted priest Rickety Cricket,Always Sunnyhas managed to maintain its fresh feeling while so many other sitcoms went downhillonce their seasons hit double digits. Perhaps Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day, and Glenn Howerton’s deep involvement in the writing and production of the series was responsible for keeping the spark alive.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is a television series that premiered in 2005, chronicling the chaotic lives of four self-involved friends running an Irish pub in Philadelphia. Their misguided decisions and skewed perspectives often result in amusing and uncomfortable situations, complicating their professional and personal relationships.
8Pokémon (1997 - Present)
27 Seasons
While anyone who grew up during the 1990s will be well aware ofthe cultural phenomenon ofPokémon, they may be shocked to learn that the show never went off the air. What started as an anime adaptation of the Nintendo video game series has ballooned into a massive multimedia franchise complete with spin-off shows, movies, and practically any kind of merchandising a viewer can imagine. While the original episodes saw Ash Ketchum taking part in the Indigo League, he’s since traversed the sprawling world ofPokémonin over 1300 episodes.
Over the course of hundreds of episodes, anime lovers watched Ash go from a bright-eyed ten-year-old kid into a fully fledged Pokémon Master, which was the primary story for the first 25 seasons. However, starting from season 26, protagonists named Liko and Roy were introduced, and the well-established format of the show was shaken up with a new cast. WhileAsh does returnin this revamped series, subtitledHorizons, the book has been closed on his main storyline.
Pokémon
Pokémon follows Ash Ketchum on his journey to become a Pokémon Master, accompanied by his loyal Pikachu. Released in 1997, the series explores Ash’s travels through various regions, where he encounters new friends and challenges, underscoring the themes of adventure and teamwork.
7Teen Titans Go! (2013 - Present)
8 Seasons
There have been plenty of iconic animated superhero TV shows over the years, as releases likeBatman: The Animated SeriesorJustice League Unlimitedhave gained widespread acclaim. While these shows have a loyal following, they normally stick around for a season or two and don’t continue for years on end, with one notable exception beingTeen Titans Go!This animated series, which tells the story of adolescent versions of heroes like Robin, Raven, and Starfire, has been airing for over a decade and even had a feature film in 2018.
Teen Titans Go!is one of the most accomplished superhero series ever made and although it received critical acclaim in its early seasons, many may not know that it’s still on the air.Teen Titans Go!hasn’t lost any of its unique appealand continues to boast great characters, strong animation, and engaging storylines. While it’s sometimes easy for long-running shows to get left behind by viewers, those lapsed audience members should come back and revisitTeen Titans Go!
Teen Titans Go!
Teen Titans Go! is an animated series following the comedic adventures of superheroes Robin, Starfire, Raven, Beast Boy, and Cyborg. Despite their daily world-saving efforts, the team tackles everyday challenges, blending their heroic tasks with humorous, mundane realities.
6Angelo Rules (2010 - Present)
5 Seasons
The French animated seriesAngelo Rulesaired on Cartoon Network for English-speaking viewersand has been on the air since 2010. While several years of breaks in between seasons mean many viewers may have thought the show had reached a conclusion,Angelo Ruleshas continued to make new seasons. Based on the book seriesComment Faire Enrager…by Sylvie De Mathuisieulx and Sebastien Diologent,Angelo Rulesfollows the antics of a schoolkid who is always coming up with schemes and trying to get out of trouble.
With upwards of four-year gaps in between seasons, it’s not surprising that viewers may have forgotten aboutAngelo Rules. However, whenever it does return for a new installment, it’s always an exciting return to form as Angelo gets embroiled in more antics and plots with his friends and classmates. As a CGI-animated series with an enjoyable sense of humor that appeals to younger viewers,Angelo Rulesis a creative and fun-filled series, and it’s impressive that it’s still going strong after all these years.
5Cyberchase (2002 - Present)
15 Seasons
The sci-fi children’s animated seriesCyberchasehas been on the air for over 20 years now, and many may not realize it has had a whopping 15 seasons. Following the adventures of three children named Jackie, Matt, and Inez, who are brought into the digital universe known asCyberchaseto protect it from the villainous Hacker, this series was both educational and exciting. With Christopher Lloyd as Hacker, the mad scientist bent on conquering and creating ultimate chaos inCyberchase, this show’s explanation of scientific issues made it perfect for clever young viewers.
While comedianGilbert Gottfried voiced the character of Digit for the show’s first 13 seasons, after his tragic death following a long illness in 2022,Cyberchaserecast his character with Ron Pardo. As a show aimed at young viewers, those who initially grew up watchingCyberchasewould already be fully fledged adults today and would likely be shocked to hear the show has continued making new episodes. However, as an educational series that aims to teach kids about complex topics, this series should be renewed for as long as possible.
Cyberchase
Cyberchase is a children’s animated series centered around three kids, Jackie, Inez, and Matt, who embark on adventures in a virtual world called Cyberspace. Utilizing math and problem-solving skills, they work to protect Cyberspace and its leader, Motherboard, from the villainous Hacker.
4Futurama (1999 - Present)
9 Seasons
While no one would be surprised to learn thatThe Simpsonshas continued uninterrupted since 1989, another Matt Groening project that’s had a more haphazard airing schedule wasFuturama. This sci-fi animated series about a cryogenically frozen delivery driver named Fry who wakes up in the future 1,000 years later was arguably just as good asThe Simpsons, yet it was continually canceled. Despite both Fox and Comedy Central pulling the plug onFuturama, it has always returned, with the current incarnation airing on Hulu.
FuturamamimickedThe Simpsons’signature animation styleand featured a lot of crossover between its writers and producers. With a futuristic setting that allows the show to poke fun at today’s technology and pop culture,Futuramawas a series more aimed at sci-fi fansand featured many clever mathematics jokes and references to science, time travel, and complex aspects of quantum physics. WhileFuturamamay not have quite the same level of omnipresent cultural relevance asThe Simpsons, it has endured for a quarter of a century with some breaks in between.
Futurama
Futurama is an animated science fiction series that follows Philip J. Fry, a pizza delivery boy from late-20th-century New York City. He is accidentally cryogenically frozen for a thousand years and becomes an employee at Planet Express, a delivery service in the retro-futuristic 31st century.
3SpongeBob SquarePants (1999 - Present)
The absorbent, yellow, and porous sponge that lives in a pineapple under the sea,SpongeBob SquarePants, has gained worldwide fame since his Nickelodeon animated series first aired in 1999. Featuring the affable Patrick the Starfish to the eternally grumpy Squidward,SpongeBob SquarePantsfast became one of the most popular children’s shows ever made, as its witty sense of humor, optimistic outlook, and outrageous animation meant it appealed to viewers of all ages.
While the legacy ofSpongeBob SquarePantshas endured, many will be surprised to learn that so has the series itself and that it never went off the air. With 15 seasons and counting,SpongeBob SquarePantshas racked up over 300 episodes and boasts spin-off movies, video games, comic books, and even a Broadway stage musical. As a cultural touchstone of Millennials and Generation Z, if things continue on this trajectory, it seems generations to come will still be enjoying the adventures of SpongeBob.
SpongeBob SquarePants
Spongebob Squarepants is an animated comedy created by Stephen Hillenburg and starring voices from Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke, and Rodger Bumpass. The series revolves around a sea sponge that goes on many misadventures with his friends Patrick, Squidward, and Sandy Cheeks in the lands of Bikini Bottom and the surrounding sea.
2Coronation Street (1960 - Present)
12,000+ episodes
The longest-running soap opera of all time,Coronation Street,has been airing since 1960 and has just never stopped. Created by Granada Television and airing on the British channel ITV,Coronation Streettells the story of a tight-knit community in the fictional town of Weatherfield in Greater Manchester, which has featured far more affairs, betrayals, and murders than any small population should feasibly have to endure. With actors who played their roles for decades on end,Coronation Streetis a British institution that has endured across the spectrum of modern television’s history.
With strong characters and a lighthearted sense of humor,Coronation Streetwas known for its kitchen-sink realismand everyday portrayal of working-class communities. AlthoughCoronation Streethas lost a lot of the cultural relevance it had back in its heyday, as TV audiences have shifted away from continuous soap opera stories toward more condensed narratives, the fact that this show has remained on the air for over six decades must be commended. With viewers from all over the world, including folk icon Bob Dylan (viaGuardian), there’s a chance thatCoronation Streetcould still continue for decades to come.
Coronation Street
Coronation Street is a long-running British soap opera that first aired in 1960 on ITV. Set in the fictional town of Weatherfield, it follows the lives of residents in a working-class neighborhood. The series delves into personal and social issues, depicting everyday life, relationships, and community events. Noteworthy for its realistic portrayal of contemporary British society, Coronation Street has become a staple in British television.
1America’s Funniest Home Videos (1989 - Present)
35 Seasons
Back in 1989, if viewers wanted to get a quick fix of some funny amateur comedy content, they had to check outAmerica’s Funniest Home Videos. This reality clip show collected videos of unintentional physical comedy, hilarious mishaps, and outrageous pranks and showcased them for viewers watching at home. The show was a massive success as, in the years before the widespread use of the internet, this was the only way audiences could see this type of content.
With the advent of YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, the concept ofAmerica’s Funniest Home Videosfeels like a relic of the pastas it collects viral videos that have already gone out of date by the time they make it to the air. However,America’s Funniest Home Videosnever stopped and has now clocked up 35 seasons. While it’s not got nearly the same amount of cultural relevance it had during the 1990s and early 2000s, there must still be plenty of people tuning in to watchAmerica’s Funniest Home Videos.
America’s Funniest Home Videos
America’s Funniest Home Videos, released in 1989, is a television show featuring a compilation of humorous videos submitted by viewers. Each episode presents various recorded mishaps and amusing incidents, contributing to its status as the longest-running primetime entertainment program in ABC history.
