Longest Running Primetime Television Series

Best Award Winning Series

So far, a plethora of Television shows might have been broadcasted on TV, however, only a handful of primetime TV dramas managed to thrive for decades or more than a decade. 

If the show spanned more than 1 season, it’s a hit. Most TV dramas wind up within 10 or 12 seasons, surprisingly, some shows sustained more than 15 seasons and numerous episodes. Here is the list of Award winning primetime Tv shows of all time.

1. The Simpsons(1989 – Present)
   

The Simpsons hold the first place as the longest-running primetime television series in American history. Astonishingly, it has been on the air for more than three decades. The Simpsons were created by the cartoonist Matt Groening and began in 1987 as cartoon shorts on Tracy Ullman’s Show. In December 1989, the series broadcasted as a full-fledged half-hour show on Fox. The show has spanned 34 seasons and 740+ episodes. Since the launch, the show has bagged 35 Primetime Emmy Awards. 

2. Law and Order (1990 – Present)
   
   

The show ‘Law and Order’ began in September 1990, and it remains the longest-running crime drama series of all time. The show is based on the lives of NYPD detectives and criminal investigations and court proceedings. It was created by Dick Wolf. In addition, this show’s popularity helped launch a sequel that became even more successful than the original series. During its run, the show was nominated for more than 60 awards including four Primetime Emmys and two Golden Globes.

3. Law and Order: SVU (1999 – Present)
   
   

It is a spin-off of the most popular police procedural and legal drama Law and Order. 

In Law and Order: Special Victims Unit the specially trained detectives and other law enforcement officers investigate sexually related crimes. The show began in 1999, now it has completed 24 seasons and 530+ Episodes. Law and Order: SVU won 6 Primetime Emmys and was nominated for 171 awards.

4. Grey’s Anatomy (2005 – Present)
   

Created by Shonda Rhimes, the prime-time American medical drama premiered in March 2005.  The story is based on the personal and professional lives of interns and residents at Seattle Grace Hospital. Grey’s Anatomy has been praised with top 10 ratings. Earned 4 Primetime Emmys, 85 wins, and 244 nominations total.

5. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005 – Present)
   

A binge-watchable sitcom that premiered in August 2005, follows a group of narcissistic friends who run an Irish bar called Paddy’s Pub. Danny DeVito’s appearance in this series helped to increase the audience. It was nominated for 3 Primetime Emmys and won four awards.