While many of us spend a fair bit of time in front of the computer, the television is still a central hub of entertainment for a lot of families. Speaking for myself, I grew up on a lot of really cheesy sitcoms, ranging from Saved by the Bell and Full House to I Love Lucy and The Honeymooners. In those thirty minutes or less, we’d see solutions to some of life’s most common problems, presented an ensemble that would get us to laugh and cry along with them.
Anyways, it may surprise some of you that some of the longest running situation comedies on television aren’t live action. Instead, we look to graphic artists, animators, and voice actors for the production of cartoons. Most people think that cartoons are for children. There are shows like Pokemon and Ninja Turtles that occupy early Saturday mornings, but prime-time animated sitcoms have also played a huge role in our culture and in our society. In fact, the longest running sitcom of all-time is animated: The Simpsons.
The Simpsons as its own television show is now in its 19th season. When you trace its history back to the Tracey Ullman Show, 2007 actually marks its 20th anniversary. We’ve been bombarded with quotes about having a cow and eating shorts for a long time. But The Simpsons aren’t the only animated success.
While the second longest running sitcom is The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet (14 seasons), another major animated sitcom is tied for third place. Now in its 12th season, King of the Hill was created by Mike Judge of Beavis and Butthead fame. The other show with 12 seasons is My Three Sons. What this means is that half of the top four longest running sitcoms of all-time are animated! Who knew cartoons had this much longevity… I guess it helps when your characters don’t age a day.
Tied for fifth place are eight sitcoms (11 seasons), including M*A*S*H, Cheers, and Married with Children. Among these fifth place shows is yet another animated show and it’s one that very few people realize has been on TV for as long as it has. Turn to Matt Stone and Trey Parker and you find the foul-mouthed kids of South Park.
Interestingly, The Simpsons, King of the Hill, and South Park are all still on TV. Give them a few more years and they could be the top three longest running sitcoms!
Listhyips
November 13, 2007 6:08 pm
Go south park!
Its one of my favorite shows including The simpsons. I hope they do continue for the future to come.
What determines if a show will go on is the popularity. I guess a lot of people like stupid/funny shows.
Over 12 Seasons people will change or quit the show , that is why animation is so much better, you will never have an animated character change or leave.