Top 20: longest TV series in history

Our selection today will be challenging for series lovers who want to immerse themselves in a long series with many episodes, and for those who are tired of modern miniseries that have to wait two years for a sequel. But what about TV shows that have been around for over 50 years?

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“Guiding Light” – 72 years (1937 – 2009)

It is an American soap opera that premiered in 1937. It was originally a radio program and was broadcast on television in 1952. The series follows the intertwined destinies, loves, and suffering of the residents of the fictional town of Springfield. The series concluded in 2009.

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Coronation Street – 63 years (1960-present)

is a British soap opera that first aired on ITV in 1960. The story is set in the fictional town of Weatherfield and follows the lives of the residents of the working-class area. The series depicts everyday life, relationships and social events, touching on personal and social issues.

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“General Hospital” – 60 years (1963 – present)

This is a television series that premiered in 1963. Set in the fictional town of Port Charles, New York, the series follows the personal and professional lives of doctors, nurses, and patients at a general hospital.

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Days of Our Lives – 58 years (1965 to present)

Another long-running daytime soap opera that premiered in 1965. The series is set in the fictional town of Salem and follows the intertwined lives, trials, and tribulations of the Brady, Horton, and DiMera families.

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“As the World Turns” – 54 years (1956 – 2010)

A soap opera that aired from 1956 to 2010. The series is set in the fictional town of Oakdale and focuses on the lives, loves, and feuds of local families.

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Emmerdale Farm – 51 years (1972 to present)

This is a British soap opera that premiered in 1972. The series is set in the fictional village of Emmerdale in the Yorkshire Dales and covers the life and drama of a rural community.

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The Young and the Restless – 50 years (1973 to present)

Premiering in 1973, the soap opera follows the lives, loves, and business dealings of families in the fictional city of Genoa. The series focuses primarily on the rivalry between the Newman and Abbott families, combining romance, corporate intrigue, and personal conflict.

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Doctor Who (1963 – 1989, 1996, 2005 – present)

The adventures of Doctor Who have been an integral part of British culture since the series premiered in 1963. Over the years, the series has featured 12 actors and one actress, with the 14th Doctor due to arrive in 2023.

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“One Life to Live” – 44 Years (1968 – 2012)

This is a soap opera that aired in 1968. The series follows the lives and relationships of the residents of the fictional town of Llanview, Pennsylvania. Known for its take on social issues, the series features a diverse cast and complex storylines that interweave elements of romance, family drama, and intrigue.

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“All My Children” – 43 years old (1970 – 2013)

Another soap opera dedicated to the life, love, and hardships of the residents of Pine Valley, Pennsylvania, which aired from 1970 to 2013. The series deals with various social and personal problems of the characters.

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EastEnders – 38 years (1985-present)

This is a British soap opera that has aired since 1985. The series is set in a fictional area of ​​London and follows the local residents and their families. The show was an instant hit; over 30 million people watched the 1986 Christmas episode, even causing power surges.

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“Disaster” – 37 years (1986 – present)

The British medical drama series, which first aired in 1986, delves into the fast-paced world of Holby City Hospital’s emergency department.

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The Bold and the Beautiful – 36 years (1987 to present)

Premiering in 1987, The Bold and the Beautiful is a soap opera about the glamorous life of the Forrester family in Los Angeles. The series explores the intricacies of their fashion empire, their relationships, and their personal struggles.

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“Another World” – 35 years (1964 – 1999)

This is a classic American soap opera that premiered in 1964. The series explores the complex lives and relationships of Bay City residents. What made this show special was that it focused not on family life, but on the differences between families from different social classes.

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“In Search of Tomorrow” – 35 years (1951 – 1986)

This American soap opera aired from 1951 to 1986. The series followed the lives of the residents of the fictional town of Henderson and focused primarily on the trials and tribulations of housewife Joan Gardner. Over its 35-year run, the series evolved to reflect changing social norms.

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“Love of Life” – 29 years (1951 – 1980)

This soap opera was different from most other soap operas. Because the series was owned by American Home Products, it aired commercials for household products before and after the show instead of commercial breaks between episodes. The series ran for 29 years and had 7,315 episodes. It is a morality tale about two sisters, one good and one evil, and their relationships.

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On the edge of the night – 28 years (1956 – 1984)

The soap opera was on the air for 28 years. Its focus was not on romantic love stories, but on detective stories based on the plots told in Perry Mason’s detective novels. It focused more on crime stories than any other series at the time.

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Law and Order (1990-2010, 2022 – present)

The series, currently running for 22 seasons, follows the lives of NYPD detectives, the crimes they investigate, and the trials that follow.

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NCIS: SWAT – 20 years (2003-present)

There is the perfect amount of drama and crime to make the series entertaining. With over 450 episodes (20 seasons), the series follows Navy special agents as they solve crimes every day.

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Grey’s Anatomy – 19 years (2005-present)

Grey’s Anatomy tells the story of a group of interns and residents at Seattle Grace Hospital who are training to become doctors while balancing their passions, workplace relationships, and personal issues.