The Longest-Running American TV Show Ever Actually Started on the Radio

Some of the most popular TV shows in history have also been on the longest. Here are the TV shows that may outlive you!

by Nicole Weaver

Published on April 10, 2018

5 min read

Every year, there seems to be a long list of television shows that don’t make it for another season. This is partly because there are so many shows on cable and streaming, but also because it’s really hard for a show to keep up steam.

But there have been a select few that have managed to last against all odds. These shows have managed to be able to adapt to the times and maintain being relevant for decades. Or they have found the one thing that they are really good at and stay true to that formula.

So what are the longest-running American TV shows ever? A lot of them have been around so long ,they actually started on the radio. Others have earned their spot in the Guinness World Records. These are the 15 longest-running American TV shows ever.

15. Mister Roger’s Neighborhood — 33 years

Fred Rogers standing in front of an open closet putting on a red sweater — *Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood* | PBS

The children’s show was hosted by Fred Rogers and covered different topics for young audiences through music in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe. The neighborhood was full of puppet characters. The show first aired in 1963 and was named Mister Rogers. It didn’t get its lasting name until the show moved to Pittsburgh in 1966.

The show eventually made it to PBS and was the longest-running children show until it was passed by Sesame Street. When the show ended it tried to start a new spinoff with Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and it’s still currently airing.

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