When you think about long-running scripted television shows, your mind probably jumps straight to heavyweights like NCIS, Law & Order, or Grey’s Anatomy. These dramas have carved out serious legacies and massive fanbases—but none of them hold the record for the longest-running scripted primetime series in U.S. history.
So who does?
Here’s a hint: it’s yellow, chaotic, and hilariously dysfunctional.
Yep. It’s The Simpsons.
Let’s dive into how this animated sitcom became the undeniable king of scripted primetime television—and why it’s still going strong after more than three decades.
📺 What Is the Longest-Running Scripted Primetime Series in U.S. History?
The Simpsons Reigns Supreme
First aired on December 17, 1989, The Simpsons has outlasted nearly every other show on television. As of 2025, it’s entering its 36th season with over 760 episodes and counting.
And no, we’re not talking about reruns or spin-offs. This is first-run, scripted primetime television, week after week.
📊 How The Simpsons Beat NCIS, Law & Order, and Everyone Else
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Let’s stack them up:
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The Simpsons: Premiered in 1989 — 36+ seasons
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Law & Order: SVU: Premiered in 1999 — 26 seasons (as of 2025)
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NCIS: Premiered in 2003 — 22 seasons (as of 2025)
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Law & Order (original): Premiered in 1990 — Canceled and revived, now at 24 seasons
The Simpsons beats them all by at least a decade, even with SVU’s incredible staying power.
🤯 Why an Animated Sitcom Has Outlasted Every Live-Action Series
1. Ageless Characters = Infinite Possibilities
One of the perks of animation? Nobody ages. While real-world actors grow older, get written off, or move on, Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie stay frozen in time—eternally stuck in their classic family dynamic.
2. Cultural Relevance
The Simpsons has been eerily good at staying relevant. Whether it’s poking fun at politics, social trends, tech obsessions, or celebrity culture, the writers have mastered the art of blending timeless satire with modern commentary.
3. Guest Stars Galore
The show holds a record for most celebrity guest stars in a scripted series. From Michael Jackson to Lady Gaga, and even Stephen Hawking, The Simpsons has had nearly everyone on its couch.
🏆 Awards and Accolades
The Simpsons isn’t just long-running—it’s highly decorated:
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35+ Emmy Awards
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Peabody Award
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A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
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Named by TIME Magazine as the Best TV Show of the 20th Century
Talk about legendary.
🎙️ The Voices Behind the Legacy
Meet the Icons
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Dan Castellaneta – Homer, Grandpa, Barney
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Julie Kavner – Marge
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Nancy Cartwright – Bart
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Yeardley Smith – Lisa
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Harry Shearer – Mr. Burns, Ned Flanders, Principal Skinner, and more
These voice actors have become the invisible giants behind America’s most famous cartoon family.
🌍 Cultural Impact: More Than Just a TV Show
1. It Changed the Sitcom Format
Before The Simpsons, most sitcoms followed a formula. The Simpsons broke that mold wide open—proving you could have sharp satire, emotional arcs, and surreal humor all in one place.
2. It Influenced Generations of Creators
Shows like Family Guy, South Park, Bob’s Burgers, and even Rick and Morty owe a massive creative debt to The Simpsons. It paved the way for animation to be more than just kids’ stuff.
👀 The Secret to The Simpsons’ Longevity
1. Ever-Evolving Writers’ Room
Despite being on for over 30 years, The Simpsons keeps its writing team fresh. New voices bring new energy, ensuring the show adapts to changing times while preserving its core charm.
2. Willingness to Self-Parody
The show doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s had entire episodes making fun of its own decline in quality, its age, and even the idea of cancelation. That self-awareness is rare—and refreshing.
🧠 “Simpsons Did It” Syndrome
Predicting the Future? Or Just Being First?
From Donald Trump’s presidency to Apple watches to Disney acquiring Fox, The Simpsons has an uncanny ability to “predict” major events. Whether it’s coincidence or just clever writing, it adds another layer of fun to the viewing experience.
📺 How Does It Compare to Other Long-Running Series?
Live-Action vs. Animation
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Law & Order and NCIS deal with procedural storytelling—they evolve with new characters and cases, but always feel grounded in reality.
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The Simpsons can go anywhere—literally. Space, the future, alternate timelines—you name it. That narrative freedom helps it stay fresh.
🧭 What’s Next for The Simpsons?
No End in Sight
Despite occasional rumors of cancellation, the series shows no sign of stopping. As long as there’s pop culture to parody and dysfunction to mock, Springfield will stay on our screens.
🤔 Final Thoughts
In a world dominated by gritty crime dramas and serialized storytelling, it’s a cartoon—a satirical, yellow-hued sitcom—that stands as the longest-running scripted primetime series in U.S. history.
The Simpsons didn’t just last. It changed television.
So the next time someone starts bragging about NCIS or Law & Order, hit them with the truth: Homer Simpson has been doing it longer. And somehow, he’s still not fired from the nuclear plant.
❓FAQs
1. What is the longest-running scripted primetime series in the U.S.?
The Simpsons holds the title, running for 36+ seasons since its premiere in 1989.
2. Is The Simpsons still producing new episodes?
Yes! The show continues to produce new content, with fresh episodes airing on Fox and streaming on platforms like Disney+.
3. How many episodes does The Simpsons have?
As of 2025, The Simpsons has aired over 760 episodes and counting.
4. What shows are closest behind The Simpsons in longevity?
Law & Order: SVU (26 seasons) and NCIS (22 seasons) are the closest live-action competitors.
5. Why is The Simpsons still popular?
Its mix of timeless humor, cultural relevance, and iconic characters keeps it fresh and relatable—even after three decades.
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