The first television drama aired in 1928, but it wasn't until after World War II that TV really took off. Today, satellite and cable options provide a TV smorgasbord. Although many news programs and soap operas have lasted longer, we've narrowed this list down to longest-running dramas and sitcoms in United States television history. Grab the remote and take a trip down TV's memory lane.
1. Gunsmoke (1955-1975)
Gunsmoke tops the list as the longest-running dramatic series in network television history with 635 episodes. Set in Dodge City, Kansas, during the 1870s, Gunsmoke began as a radio program in 1952, switched to the land of visual entertainment in 1955, and finally ended its 20-year run in 1975.
2. Lassie (1954-1972)
Running for 588 episodes, Lassie centered around a loyal canine companion who rescued her human family from various predicaments. Over the years, Lassie was portrayed by nine different male dogs, all descendants of the original Lassie, whose real name was Pal. During the show's run, Lassie had various owners, most notably Timmy and Jeff. Only three dogs have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame -- Lassie, Rin Tin Tin, and Strongheart.
3. Death Valley Days (1952-1970)
In 1952, Death Valley Days, which aired as a radio show from 1930 to 1945, evolved into a successful TV show that lasted 18 seasons. A host introduced each of the 451 episodes, which were based on actual pioneer stories that took place in southeastern California and western Nevada during the late 1800s. Future President Ronald Reagan and country singer Merle Haggard were among the hosts during the show's run.
4. The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet (1952-1966)
What began as a radio program in 1944 became a movie (Here Come the Nelsons) in 1952 and then a successful television program that ran for 435 episodes. In this wholesome show, the characters played themselves -- Ozzie and Harriet Nelson and their two sons, David and Ricky. Ozzie's roots were in music, so when Ricky's talent started to emerge, Ozzie wrote it into the story line, ending each show with a performance by his younger son. These weekly, televised performances helped skyrocket Ricky onto the pop charts, making him a teen idol as well as a successful recording artist.
5. Bonanza (1959-1973)
Airing for 430 episodes, this Western was set in the mid-1800s on a Nevada ranch called "The Ponderosa." The show revolved around the life of Ben Cartwright and his sons, Adam, Hoss, and Little Joe (played by Michael Landon). Bonanza was the first series to tape all of its shows in color, and it held the number one spot on the Nielsen ratings chart from 1964 to 1967.
6. Law & Order (1990-????)
With 390 episodes (and counting) under its belt since it premiered in 1990, the key to this show's success may lie in its ever-revolving cast. None of the original actors remain on the show, and most cast members only stick around a couple of seasons. Still, the show must go on, and the New York City Police Department and District Attorney's office have their hands (and squad cars and jail cells) full as they clean up the streets of Manhattan on this award-winning drama. Halfway through each episode, the focus shifts from investigation to prosecution of the same case.
7. Dallas (1978-1991)
You'd think life on a Texas oil ranch and mansion named "Southfork" would be sublime, but not so for this feuding bunch. For 357 episodes, Dallas revolved around the wealthy Ewing family -- oil baron and patriarch Jock Ewing; his wife, Miss Ellie; and their sons, JR, Bobby, and black sheep Gary. When JR was shot in the finale of the third season, "Who Shot JR?" mania swept across the country -- and much of the world. But viewers had to wait until four episodes into the new season to find out who pulled the trigger. The episode titled "Who Done It?" was the second-most-watched show in the history of television.
8. Knots Landing (1979-1993)
These were the original desperate housewives. (In fact, Nicollette Sheridan was among the cast!) The show's premise centered on Gary Ewing (from Dallas) and his lovely bumpkin wife, Valene, who moved to California. Their neighbors included a host of dysfunctional families and through marriages, affairs, births, stolen babies, murders, novels, new business enterprises, and even a televangelist brother, this show kept viewers watching for 344 episodes.
9. Star Trek - The world of ...
Television series - 571 episodes
1 The Original Series (1966–1969) 80 episodes
2 The Animated Series (1973–1974) 22 episodes
3 The Next Generation (1987–1994) 178 episodes
4 Deep Space Nine (1993–1999) 176 episodes
5 Voyager (1995–2001) 172 episodes
6 Enterprise (2001–2005) 98 episodes
Film Grosses = $755,595,722
Films Title Release date
Star Trek: The Motion Picture December 7, 1979
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan June 4, 1982
Star Trek III: The Search for Spock June 1, 1984
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home November 26, 1986
Star Trek V: The Final Frontier June 9, 1989
Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country December 6, 1991
Star Trek Generations November 18, 1994
Star Trek: First Contact November 22, 1996
Star Trek: Insurrection December 11, 1998
Star Trek Nemesis December 13, 2002
Star Trek Star Trek May 8, 2009
10. Star Wars - 4.3 Billion (not counting TV shows)
| Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace | $ 431.1 million | $ 494.4 million | $ 925.5 million |
| Star Wars Episode 2: Attack of the Clones | $ 310.7 | $ 337.6 | $ 648.3 |
| Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith | $ 380.3 | $ 468.1 | $ 848.4 |
| Star Wars Episode 4: A New Hope | $ 461.0 | $ 339.1 | $ 798.0 |
| Star Wars Episode 5: The Empire Strikes Back | $ 290.2 | $ 243.7 | $ 533.9 |
| Star Wars Episode 6: Return of the Jedi | $ 309.1 | $ 263.7 | $ 572.9 |
11. Dr. Who - The world of... ??? 10 Doctors total.
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