Long Series Roundup
Long Series Roundup, Most pilots never become real TV shows. Most TV shows die in the first season. Some enjoy a brief shelf life. And some go on for decades. In honor of "America's Funniest Home Videos," now in its 22nd season, here are some of television's longest-running series.
All you needed was a camcorder, a VHS tape and a wonky cat, and you had a shot at national fame! Back in 1990, Bob Saget himself might do the voice-over for your sneezing baby. It's incredible that "America's Funniest Home Videos" has survived in the YouTube era, but there's something irresistible about people getting smacked in the groin by baseballs. Just keep the slide whistles, and this show may survive another decade.America's funniest home videos,
The Simpsons (23 seasons)
When the Simpsons made their first appearance, in 1989, they were only a pack of demented yellow cartoon characters, prone to violence and beer chugging. These two-minute shorts appeared during "The Tracey Ullman Show." Today the show incorporates hundreds of characters, celebrity cameos and has introduced "D'oh!" to the English language. Truly, "The Simpsons" is the reigning champion of prime-time cartoons. the simpsons,
Candid Camera (38 seasons)
"Smile! You're on 'Candid Camera'!" Six decades before "Punk'd," Allen Funt was playing practical jokes on random people in front of hidden cameras. What's more: The original series was "Hidden Microphone," produced for radio! candid camera, allen funt,
Dr. Who is the Hamlet of science-fiction roles: Every British actor hopes to pilot the TARDIS. The Time Lords have inspired endless spin-offs, books, miniseries and trivia since 1963, and despite a 16-year gap between the classic series and its most recent revival, fans are more loyal than ever.doctor who, Doctor Who characters,
Ah, the Wild West, a lawless frontier of sheriffs and cowboys, honky-tonks and gun battles. "Gunsmoke" told the story of Marshal Matt Dillon, who protected Dodge City for 20 years, and then returned for some TV movies. James Arness started the role in 1955. He rode into his final sunset last June. James Arness,
What does 20 years of "Law & Order" look like? It looks like a $700 box set, with 104 DVDs and 456 episodes. "Law & Order" was formulaic and dry on character, but millions of devoted fans still tune in to learn about police procedure and the court system.Law and Order cast,
Crazy, isn't it? The original reality show, which kicked off an entire genre of television, is nearly 20 years old. The concept was radical: Put a bunch of young people in a house together and see what happens. And holy moly, the things that happened: race-baiting, one-night-stands, Hawaiian drinking binges, and a full-fledged wedding. Other reality shows may be tenser, louder and more gimmicky, but "The Real World" will always be the pioneer.real world, The Real World cast,
"The Price Is Right" hasn't changed much since 1972. The song and the title cards are basically the same. (However, the prices have been adjusted for inflation.) But even diehard fans forget that the show first aired in 1956, live and in black-and-white. How long ago was that? Bob Barker was only 33, and he would host "Truth or Consequences" for 16 years before even starting to host "The Price Is Right."Price is Right, Bob Barker,