Some of the longest-running animated shows have been on the air for decades, and they continue to be enjoyed by new generations of fans.
Animated television shows have become increasingly popular over the years. They are now enjoyed by everyone and come in a wide variety of genres.
Keep reading as we take a look at six of the longest-running animated shows in television history. You’ll also get to see each show’s history, popularity, and why they have been able to stay on the air for so long.
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The Top 6 Longest-Running Animated Shows
1. The Simpsons (1989-present)
The Simpsons is an American animated sitcom created by Matt Groening for the Fox Broadcasting Company. The series is a satirical take on American culture, societal issues, the human condition, entertainment, and television itself.
The Simpsons are the longest-running animated show in television history, the longest-running American sitcom, and the longest-running scripted primetime television series in the world.
It first aired on December 17, 1989, and it has been on the air ever since. There have been numerous awards won by The Simpson Show, including 34 Primetime Emmy Awards, 34 Annie Awards, and a Peabody Award. Is also one of the most popular television shows in the world, and it has been translated into over 60 languages.
The Simpsons is a show that has stood the test of time. It is still as funny and relevant today as it was when it first aired. The show’s success can be attributed to its sharp humor, its relatable characters, and its willingness to tackle controversial topics.
2. Sazae-san (1969-present)
Sazae-san is a Japanese gag anime series created by Machiko Hasegawa. It’s another one of the longest-running anime shows since 1969.
The series follows the daily life of a housewife named Sazae-san and her family. Sazae-san is also the longest-running television series in Japan.
Since it first aired on October 5, 1969, it has been translated into over 30 languages and had gone on to win numerous awards, including the Shogakukan Manga Award and the Kodansha Manga Award. Many Japanese viewers are big fans of the Sazae-san show.
3. Thomas & Friends (1984-present)
Thomas & Friends is a British children’s television series based on the Railway Series of books by Wilbert Awdry. It first aired on September 1, 1984, and is one of the longest-running animated shows ever produced.
Thomas the Tank Engine is a young engine that works on the Island of Sodor. He is always eager to help out, but he sometimes makes mistakes. Along the way, Thomas learns valuable lessons about friendship, teamwork, and perseverance.
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He also makes many new friends, including Percy, Gordon, James, and Emily. Together, they have many exciting adventures, helping the people of Sodor and learning new things along the way. Thomas & Friends is one of the most popular children’s television series in the world, and it has been translated into over 45 languages.
The awards to the show’s name include the BAFTA Children’s Award and the Royal Television Society Award. For kids, it’s both educational and entertaining and teaches children about teamwork, problem-solving, and the importance of friendship.
4. Pokémon (1997-present)
Pokémon is a Japanese anime series based on the Pokémon video game franchise created by Satoshi Tajiri. It is one of the most animated television shows in history, with over 1,100 episodes and counting.
The show first premiered in Japan in 1997 and has since become a global phenomenon, with fans of all ages. Pokémon follows the adventures of Ash Ketchum, a young boy who dreams of becoming a Pokémon Master. Along the way, he meets a variety of friends and rivals and learns about the power of friendship and teamwork. Pokémon is a fun and exciting show that has captured the hearts of millions of people around the world.
The Pokémon franchise has generated over $90 billion in revenue, making it one of the highest-grossing media franchises of all time. The show has also been translated into over 80 languages.
There’s a lot of adventure, excitement, and friendship to see in the show. There have been over 23 Pokémon films released, with the most recent being Detective Pikachu in 2019.
5. Bob the Builder (1998-2011)
Another one of the longest-running animated shows in history is Bob the Builder. The original series ran from 1998 to 2011, and the rebooted series has been running since 2015. In total, there have been over 250 episodes of Bob the Builder produced, making it one of the most popular children’s shows of all time.
The show is known for its positive messages about teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity. Bob and his team of construction vehicles are always willing to help others, and they always find a way to get the job done. The show’s simple, yet effective, messages have resonated with children all over the world, and Bob the Builder has become a beloved classic.
In addition to its long-running television series, Bob the Builder has also spawned a successful line of toys, video games, and other merchandise. The show has been translated into over 40 languages and has been broadcast in over 100 countries. Bob the Builder is a truly global phenomenon, and it shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
6. South Park (1997-present)
South Park is last on the list of longest-running animated shows in history. This is an American adult animated sitcom created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone for Comedy Central. It first aired on August 13, 1997, and centers on American culture, societal issues, current events, and pop culture. It is one of the most controversial animated series in history, but it is also one of the most popular.
Like other shows we’ve mentioned above, South Park has also won numerous awards, including five Primetime Emmy Awards and three Peabody Awards. However, this show is not for everyone. The humor is often crude and offensive, and it deals with some sensitive topics. It is a clever and insightful shoe though, where you can get a unique perspective on current events.
Why These Shows Have Been on the Air for Decades
There are some reasons why these six longest-running animated shows have been on the air for decades. They are all well-made and entertaining, and they appeal to a wide range of audiences. They are also all innovative and groundbreaking and have helped to shape the way that animated television is created.
In addition, these shows have all been able to adapt to the changing times. Storylines and their characters have evolved to keep up with the times, and also appeal to new generations of viewers.
As a result, these animated shows have become classics that will continue to be enjoyed by audiences for years to come.
