Buzz
For many, television has become an integral part of everyday life, with some nations even considering it a fundamental human right (though I find that notion absurd). Over the decades, countless shows have debuted and faded, but a select few have endured and achieved global record-breaking status. This compilation highlights 10 such iconic programs.
10. Ciao Italia with Mary Ann Esposito PBS
Record: Longest-running culinary program.
Debuting in October 1989 and still airing today, “Ciao Italia with Mary Ann Esposito” has been broadcast on public television stations across the US and internationally for over two decades. Host Mary Ann curates all the show’s content, steering clear of recipes that don’t perform well under the intense heat of studio lights. She has also authored 10 cookbooks, specializing in Italian cuisine with a focus on Sicilian and Neapolitan dishes.
9. Gunsmoke CBS
Record: Longest-running scripted drama series.
“Gunsmoke” remained a cornerstone of American television for 20 years, from September 1955 to September 1975. Set in 1870s Dodge City, Kansas, the series was an adaptation of a widely popular radio show but featured a new cast. Marshal Matt Dillon (James Arness) confronted lawless villains weekly, who showed no regard for the law or his allies, including Chester, Festus, Doc, and Miss Kitty.
8. The Simpsons Fox
Record: Longest-running scripted comedy series.
Originally conceived by animator Matt Groening as brief segments for The Tracey Ullman Show in the late 1980s, “The Simpsons” evolved into a weekly half-hour primetime series on the then-nascent Fox Network in December 1989. Initially centered on the mischievous Bart, the show later shifted its focus to the endearing Homer. In 2007, “The Simpsons” made its debut as a full-length movie, and the TV series continues to thrive, now in its 20th season.
7. The Price is Right CBS
Record: Longest-running game show.
First launched in 1956 with Bill Cullen as host, “The Price is Right” was taken off the air in 1965. It made a comeback in September 1972, this time hosted by Bob Barker, who transitioned from “Truth or Consequences.” This revamped version achieved remarkable staying power. After Bob Barker’s retirement in 2007, the show introduced a new host but has endured for 37 years, adapting to shifts in the TV industry. Its revival in popularity, particularly on college campuses, has been a key factor in its ongoing success.
6. Sesame Street PBS
Record: Longest-running children’s program.
In 1969, the Children’s Television Workshop teamed up with Jim Henson, the creator of the Muppets, to produce a groundbreaking children’s series that blended education with entertainment. Premiering in November 1969, the show has remained on air for an impressive 40 years. Many of its humorous elements are designed to appeal to adult audiences, giving “Sesame Street” the rare ability to captivate both young children and their parents.
5. General Hospital ABC
Record: Longest-running series filmed in Hollywood.
Set in the fictional town of Port Charles, New York, the daytime soap opera “General Hospital” holds the distinction of being the longest-running West Coast production in American television history. Launched in April 1963 as a half-hour series, it expanded to a full hour in 1978 and has remained a staple on ABC for 46 years. The show reached its peak in the early 1980s with the iconic wedding of Luke and Laura, which drew the largest audience for any daytime drama episode. The series also featured an eccentric storyline involving spies, global domination, and a mysterious artifact called The Ice Princess. When Laura (Genie Francis) temporarily left the show, her role as Luke’s romantic interest was filled by a young and fierce Demi Moore.
4. Pro Bowlers Tour ABC, CBS, Fox, ESPN
Record: Longest-running sports program.
First broadcast in 1962, this program was an extension of the Professional Bowlers Association. The “Pro Bowlers Tour” played a significant role in popularizing bowling across America during the 1960s and 1970s, with its championship games often outperforming college football in viewership. After ABC concluded its annual coverage in 1997, the tour was briefly hosted by CBS and later by Fox Sports Network until 2000. ESPN eventually became its permanent home in 2001, allowing the “Pro Bowlers Tour” to maintain its unbroken 47-year run.
3. Meet the Press NBC
Record: Longest-running show in global broadcast history.
“Meet the Press,” a Sunday morning talk show that premiered in November 1947, brings together a host and prominent guests to discuss topics ranging from politics and economics to international relations. Over the years, the show has seen 11 moderators, including founding moderator Martha Rountree, Roger Mudd, Chris Wallace, and Tim Russert, who held the position for a record 16 years. Following Tim Russert’s sudden passing in 2008, retired anchor Tom Brokaw temporarily stepped in before David Gregory took over, marking an incredible 62-year run of uninterrupted broadcasting.
2. CBS Evening News CBS
Record: Longest-running network newscast.
Debuting in August 1948 with Douglas Edwards as its anchor, the “CBS Evening News” has served as CBS’s flagship program for 61 years. The anchor position has seen remarkable stability, with only six individuals holding the role throughout its history. Legendary journalist Walter Cronkite took over from Edwards, and Dan Rather succeeded Cronkite. In the mid-1990s, Rather briefly shared the anchor desk with Connie Chung before continuing solo until a controversy led to his resignation in 2005. Bob Schieffer temporarily filled the role, and Katie Couric currently anchors the broadcast.
1. Guiding Light CBS
Record: Longest-running daytime drama.
The soap opera “Guiding Light” transitioned from NBC radio to CBS television in June 1952 and is set to conclude its final episode in September 2009, marking an impressive 57-year run. The series adapted to numerous industry changes, including the introduction of color TV, the inclusion of African American characters, and the expansion from a half-hour to a full-hour format. Despite its resilience, CBS announced its cancellation on April 1, 2009. While the last episode is scheduled for September 19, producer Proctor & Gamble is exploring options to relocate the show to another platform, potentially extending its legacy.
