25 TV Series That Have Captivated Audiences for Over a Decade

Creating a T.V. series that has captivated audiences for over a decade is no small feat. It requires relentless creativity, evolving storylines, and exceptional talent. With unforgettable characters and gripping plots, these 25 T.V. series have not only endured but thrived. Want to discover more? Grab your popcorn, and let’s roll. 

The Simpsons

The Simpsons, an iconic American animated T.V. show, premiered on December 17, 1989. It has become the longest-running American sitcom and animated program, with over 35 seasons and over 750 episodes. Created by Matt Groening, the series has multiple Primetime Emmy Awards.

Law & Order: SVU

This highly successful American television series premiered on September 20, 1999. As of September 2024, it has aired 25 seasons with over 550 episodes. The show’s popularity stems from its gripping portrayal of complex criminal cases, often inspired by real-life events, and its focus on sensitive subjects.

Grey’s Anatomy

Created by Shonda Rhimes, Grey’s Anatomy debuted in 2005 and, as of September 2024, has aired 21 seasons and over 400 episodes. Its compelling storytelling, diverse and complex characters, and emotionally charged narratives made it an instant success. Grey’s Anatomy has become the most-watched drama series on ABC.

NCIS

NCIS’s popularity can be attributed to its compelling blend of procedural drama, humor, and character development. Set against the backdrop of military investigations, it features a core ensemble cast including Mark Harmon and Cote de Pablo. The series has earned numerous accolades, including several People’s Choice Awards.

Supernatural

Eric Kripke created Supernatural, which aired from 2005 to 2020. The series, which spanned 15 seasons and 327 episodes, followed brothers Sam and Dean Winchester as they hunted demons, ghosts, and other supernatural entities. Actors Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles played the Winchester brothers.

E.R.

E.R. is a groundbreaking medical drama that first aired on NBC in 1994 and spanned 15 seasons and 331 episodes. Its fast-paced narration, intense drama, and notable cast, including George Clooney, Julianna Margulies, and Noah Wyle, fueled its success. E.R. became the highest-rated drama series in the 1990s.

Criminal Minds

With 16 seasons and 340 episodes, Criminal Minds follows the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU), which profiles and tracks criminal offenders. It was released from September 2005 till February 2020. The show featured a rotating cast of prominent actors and remains influential in crime television.

Chicago Fire

Chicago Fire is a television drama series that premiered on NBC on October 10, 2012. The show focuses on the firefighters and paramedics of Firehouse 51 in Chicago. Chicago Fire’s intense and realistic scenes of emergency services have received international acclaim. As of September 2024, it has 12 seasons and over 250 episodes. 

Bones

Inspired by the life and works of forensic anthropologist Kathy Reichs, Bones aired from 2005 to 2017 and had 12 seasons and 246 episodes. The show’s unique blend of scientific investigation, compelling character development, and dark humor contributed to its wide appeal. 

MASH

This war comedy-drama, which aired from 1972 to 1983, ran for 11 seasons and 256 episodes. Set during the Korean War, MASH tells the story of the staff of a mobile army surgical hospital (MASH) dealing with the horrors of war through humor and camaraderie.

Survivor 

Survivor premiered in 2000 and features contestants stranded in a remote location. They must outlast each other through physical challenges, social strategy, and alliance-building to win a million-dollar prize. With over 40 seasons and 600 episodes, it became a phenomenon thanks to its engaging format.

SpongeBob SquarePants

Ah, good old Spongie! The show debuted in 1999 and has since become a cultural icon. It chronicles the adventures of SpongeBob, an optimistic and quirky sea sponge, and his friends in the fictional town of Bikini Bottom. With over 13 seasons, SpongeBob’s appeal transcends age, making it one of Nickelodeon’s longest-running series.

The Walking Dead

Adapted from Robert Kirkman’s comic book series, The Walking Dead aired from 2010 to 2022 and had 11 seasons and 177 episodes. The series, which follows a group of survivors traveling through a zombie-infested world, helped cast the genre in a new light.

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

Debuting in 2000 and airing until 2015, CSI pioneered the forensic crime drama genre. Set in Las Vegas, it follows a team of crime scene investigators who use impressive forensic science to solve complex cases. Over 15 seasons and 337 episodes were released, each powerfully captivating viewers.

Bonanza

This show, set in the 1860s, aired from 1959 to 1973 and had 14 seasons and 431 episodes. It revolved around the Cartwright family, led by patriarch Ben Cartwright, as they managed their vast ranch, the Ponderosa, and dealt with moral and social issues.

Gunsmoke

Gunsmoke is the longest-running primetime drama series in the U.S., Running from 1955 to 1975. With 20 seasons and 635 episodes, the show stars James Arness as Marshal Matt Dillon. Set in Dodge City, Kansas, Gunsmoke captivates its audience through rich storytelling.

Cheers

Set in a Boston bar where “everybody knows your name,” the series pictures the lives of the bar’s eccentric patrons and staff. Its success is partly attributed to memorable characters like Sam Malone and Diane Chambers. Cheers ran from 1982 to 1993 and had 11 seasons and 275 episodes.

Blue Bloods

Since premiering in 2010, Blue Bloods has had 14 seasons and over 300 episodes. The show delves into the lives of the Reagan family, who serve in various law enforcement roles in New York City. It continues to rake in millions of views through its powerful crime stories.

Family Guy

Family Guy, created by Seth MacFarlane, debuted in 1999 and has become a cultural touchstone with over 20 seasons and 400-plus episodes. Known for its irreverent humor and satirical take on American life, the series follows the Griffin family and their bizarre adventures.

American Dad

American Dad offers a satirical look at American family life through the lens of an eccentric CIA agent and his alien roommate. Created by Seth MacFarlane, the show debuted in 2005. It blends political satire with absurd humor, featuring outlandish scenarios and social commentary.

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Since its first episode in 2005, this show has stood out for its dark humor. Following “The Gang” as they engage in a series of outrageous schemes, the series showcases their flawed yet endearing personalities. So far, it has 19 seasons and 217 episodes.

Shameless (U.S.)

Shameless (U.S.), which has 11 seasons and 134 episodes, depicts a dysfunctional family dealing with life’s challenges, including poverty, addiction, and personal crises. Based on the British show of the same name, it follows the Gallagher family, led by the irresponsible yet lovable Frank Gallagher.

The Jeffersons

This groundbreaking sitcom depicted the lives of an upwardly mobile African American family. The protagonists, George and Weezy Jefferson, move to a luxurious high-rise apartment, leaving behind their working-class neighborhood. The Jeffersons aired between 1975 and 1985 and had 11 seasons and 253 episodes.

Hawaii Five-O

Hawaii Five-O features Jack Lord as Detective Steve McGarrett and follows a special state police task force tackling high-profile crimes. This series first aired from 1968 to 1980, with 12 seasons and 284 episodes. Its reboot ran between 2010 and 2020 with 10 seasons and 240 episodes.

The X-Files

The X-Files revolutionized the science fiction genre with its mystery, horror, and conspiracy blend. In the show, FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully investigate paranormal phenomena and government cover-ups long left unsolved. The series’ run from 1993 to 2002 included 11 seasons and 218 episodes.