Even the greatest series have nothing against shows with the most episodes recorded. While they might not win in quality, they do get an award thanks to the amount of content they have. Series like these are the perfect example of when quality gets destroyed over time, thanks to the quantity provided. However, since these TV shows with the most episodes accumulate so much over the years, it’s important to understand the factors that led to them running for a long period and still being renewed by the networks they were shown on.
Story and characters are the two things that TV series with the most episodes have to nail to capture and recapture the attention of television viewers. After all, there isn’t a story in the world that can stand without any characters involved in it. It is a balance that these series have to master. Days of Our Lives, one of the longest-running TV shows on television screens, introduces new storylines of the middle and upper classes that allow for new characters and breakout actors to appear. On the other hand, the characters are so heartwarming and well-received that the story doesn’t have to make sense. Sandmännchen, a German cartoon, is one of the longest-running TV show that focuses on a puppet and his adventures. Stories change in each episode, but the character stays the same.
If you are looking for the next series to watch for the next few decades (if you are a slow watcher), you can rest easy. Below, we have compiled a list of shows that have garnered quite a lot of episodes during their runs. Be sure to upvote the ones that you recognize. On the other hand, if you have gotten the chance to see some of them, share your own thoughts in the comments below. If you are looking for a challenge, watch one of the listed series to its completion.
#1 The Price Is Right - 9,600
1977 — Present | Seasons: 77
This longest-running North American game show has become an important part of the United States television culture. With around 9,600 episodes, the majority of them were hosted by the beloved Bob Barker. When he decided to retire, the torch of the host got passed to multiple other individuals, who ran the game like a well-oiled machine.
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5points
#2 Sandmännchen - 22,000+
1969 — Present | Seasons: 61
This German series takes the crown for having quite a large episode count. With over 22,000 episodes, Sandmännchen started its journey in East and West Germany. The East German series focuses on the everyday journeys a puppet, based on Hans Christian Andersen’s character, partakes.
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4points
#3 Coronation Street - 10,923
1960 — Present | Seasons: 60
The British are not all about royalty — they can also create a story about a working-class community. Coronation Street, created in 1960, holds the title for being the greatest, and still going, soap opera in the world of television programming. With 10,923 episodes, it has solidified itself as a part of British culture.
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4points
#10 General Hospital - 15,081
1963 — Present | Seasons: 59
Hospitals have been dramatized by multiple shows at this point, but no one did it better than the soap opera General Hospital. Accumulating over 15,000 episodes, the majority of the series, from the 1970s, focused on the Quartermaine and Spencer families. It has won over 14 daytime Emmys in the category of Outstanding Drama Series.
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2points
#11 Des Chiffres Et Des Lettres - 12,000
1965 — Present | Seasons: 52
The French are not strangers to game shows. Des Chiffres Et Des Lettres was developed by Armand Jammot. The show focuses on two candidates, and they test their vocabulary and numeracy skills. It is one of the longest-running game shows in history and served as the model for Countdown on Channel 4 in the United Kingdom.
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2points
#12 All My Children - 10,755
1970 — 2011 (Renewed in 2013 for a year) | Seasons: 42
All My Children is another creation of Agnes Nixon that was on the air for a long time. With 10,712 episodes garnered during the original run of the series, and an additional 43 during its renewal, this soap opera was set in the fictional Pennsylvania suburb of Pine Valley. In its glory days, the show's audience was composed of 30% of men.
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2points
#20 Krishi Darshan - 16,780
1967 — Present | Seasons: 62
The life of an agricultural worker is full of twists and turns. There is something unique about watching hours upon hours of information related to the agricultural sector. It’s no wonder why then Krishi Darshan, an Indian show, was able to go on for more than 16,000 episodes.
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1point