As a media and television historian, I have a deep appreciation for the evolution of the medium and the impact that television shows have had on our culture. The history of television is vast and rich, with numerous shows making their mark and leaving a lasting legacy. When it comes to the longest-running television shows, there are a few that stand out for their longevity and influence.

The longest-running television show in history is a title that has been held by several programs over the years, but it's important to distinguish between different types of shows: scripted primetime series, soap operas, and non-scripted or reality shows, each with their own set of records.

In the realm of scripted primetime television series in the United States, the list you provided gives us a glimpse into some of the longest-running shows. "The Simpsons," which has aired on Fox, holds the record for the longest-running animated series and primetime scripted series, with 29 seasons as of the data you provided. This iconic show has been a staple of American television since its debut in 1989, offering a satirical look at the life of the Simpson family and the fictional town of Springfield.

Another notable mention is "Gunsmoke," which aired on CBS and holds the record for the longest-running primetime drama series with 20 seasons. This classic western series ran from 1955 to 1975 and was known for its gritty portrayal of life in the Old West.

"Law & Order" also deserves recognition, having aired on NBC for 20 seasons. This legal drama was known for its unique format, alternating between police investigations and courtroom trials, and spawned numerous spin-offs, including "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," which has also had a significant run.

However, if we broaden our scope to include soap operas, a different set of records emerges. Soap operas, with their daily or near-daily episodes, have the potential to run for many years. For example, "Guiding Light," which aired from 1952 to 2009, holds the record for the longest-running broadcast program in American television history, with a run of over 57 years.

In the United Kingdom, "Coronation Street," which first aired in 1960, is another example of a long-running soap opera that has been on the air for over 60 years.

It's also worth noting that non-scripted or reality shows have their own records. For instance, "Meet the Press" has been airing since 1947, making it one of the longest-running television programs in the United States.

In conclusion, while "The Simpsons" holds the record for the longest-running scripted primetime television series in the U.S., the title of the longest-running television show overall is more complex and depends on the criteria used to define a television show's longevity. Soap operas and non-scripted programs often surpass scripted primetime series in terms of total years on the air.

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List of longest-running scripted U.S. primetime television seriesNumber of seasonsSeriesNetwork29The SimpsonsFox20GunsmokeCBS20Law & OrderNBC19Law & Order: Special Victims UnitNBC74 more rowsread more >>