10 Long-Running TV Shows That Are Worth Starting Even Though You’re Years Behind

For those who ever thought about diving into one of the longest-running TV shows, but hesitated because of their massive episode count, some titles are just worth the ride. Generally, no series sticks around for years without having something special to offer. Along the way, viewers will get attached to some of the most iconic TV characters of all time, watch them face wild twists, and maybe even see them get written off in the most unexpected ways.

Starting a series with hundreds of episodes may seem daunting, but that’s part of the appeal. The beauty of TV shows that feel like they've been going on forever is getting to dive into a story with so much depth already built in. In these cases, no matter how many episodes people watch a day trying to catch up, there will always be something exciting left to be discovered.

10 Supernatural (2005–2020)

15 Seasons

For fans of shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The X-Files, Supernatural is a must-watch. It’s got spooky urban legends, engaging character arcs, and plenty of action, but it never takes itself too seriously. It premiered in 2005, centering around Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles), two brothers who also happen to be monster hunters. The pair has entertained audiences for 15 seasons, battling supernatural threats left and right.

Overall, the entire thing feels like a horror anthology, yet it never loses sight of its emotional core, which is the bond between Sam and Dean. Unlike some long-running shows that palpably lose their steam along the way, Supernatural reinvents itself every few seasons, introducing new lore, characters, and high-stakes conflicts that keep things fresh and the viewers on their toes. Additionally, because Supernatural was so popular for so long, the series has one of the strongest fan bases out there.

9 One Piece (1999–present)

21 Seasons

Starting a show with over two decades of episodes might seem overwhelming, but One Piece isn’t just any anime. It’s an unparalleled adventure that’s still going strong for a reason, continuously proving that the journey is more important than the destination. One Piece first set sail in 1999, adapting the eponymous manga by Eiichiro Oda.

The story follows Monkey D. Luffy, a young pirate with a big goal, which is to find the legendary treasure, called the One Piece, and become the King of the Pirates. It kicked off during the golden era of anime, but while many of its peers ended, One Piece never slowed down. Over the years, it has evolved into one of the best-executed stories in anime history, and it's never too late to join Luffy and the Straw Hat pirates in their decades-old adventure.

8 Criminal Minds (2005–present)

18 Seasons

CBS’ Criminal Minds has been holding down the thriller genre on TV for nearly two decades, making it easy to see why it’s become synonymous with prime-time crime drama. It follows the Behavioral Analysis Unit, a specialized team of FBI profilers who study the minds of the most twisted criminals to track them down before they strike again.

For the first 15 seasons, the opening scene of Criminal Minds featured mugshots of real-life serial killers, including John Wayne Gacy, Charles Manson, and Richard Ramirez.

Each episode of Criminal Minds delves into real-life criminal psychology, practically making the viewer feel like they’re in the lead. However, it’s not all just mind games and puzzles. The series is equally built around its tight-knit team, birthing some of TV’s most iconic faces of all time. With Criminal Minds’ disturbing unsubs and a variety of cases, it’s a show you can dive into at any point and still get hooked. Though it was set to end in 2020, it was rebranded as Criminal Minds: Evolution, continuing the thrill.

7 South Park (1997–present)

30 Seasons

South Park has never shied away from pushing boundaries or tackling taboo topics, which is likely the reason it’s been going strong for over 20 years on air. The cartoon about four foul-mouthed kids, Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny, from a small Colorado town has been shocking viewers and satirizing society since 1997, and it’s totally worth starting just now.

Title	IMDb Rating
South Park	8.7 / 10

Each episode parodies everything from pop culture to current events, and because of the quick turnaround, they’re always timely and extremely relevant. While it has gone through its fair share of phases and has managed to stay interesting decades after premiering, South Park broke an unwanted 27-year record in 2024, which marked its quietest year to date. Still, with its dark humor, legendary characters, and frequently outrageous lines, the animated sitcom continues to be a source of endless, binge-worthy entertainment.

6 Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000–2024)

12 Seasons

If there’s one show that does socially uncomfortable humor better than anything else, it’s Curb Your Enthusiasm. In this largely improvised series, Larry David, the series’ creator who also plays an exaggerated version of himself, navigates life in Los Angeles, where he finds himself constantly at odds with norms, expectations, and his own awkward impulses. Larry will offend friends, strangers, celebrities, or even people he’s just met over the smallest of things, making him one of TV’s most compelling characters.

With a couple of multiple-year breaks, Curb Your Enthusiasm officially ended in 2024 with 12 seasons under its belt, but it will always remain relevant, hilarious, and original. From its guest stars to iconic recurring bits, the show has continuously managed to create comedy that doesn’t need a laugh track to work. There’s no wrong way to experience Larry David’s world, so don’t let the fact you’re years behind stop you.

5 Doctor Who (1963–1989, 2005–present)

26 Seasons

Doctor Who is one of the most iconic sci-fi series ever made. Originally airing in 1963, it quickly became a cultural phenomenon in the UK during its first run. The show was groundbreaking, introducing audiences to the Doctor, a time-traveling alien with the ability to regenerate into a new form. After it ended in 1989, the series took a lengthy break, but it was far from forgotten.

In 2005, Doctor Who was revived, bringing Time Lord back to TV for a new generation. With new doctors, new storylines, and a loyal fanbase that keeps growing, it proved to be a legacy worth diving into at any point. As it’s never been about continuity, audiences can easily start with any of the legendary Doctors and get the gist. While Doctor Who’s modern era has struggled with several harsh realities, it’s a series that’s always ready to take on new fans.

4 Law & Order: SVU (1999–present)

26 Seasons

Out of the handful of spin-off series that the original Law & Order produced, Law & Order: Special Victim Unit is the only show still on the air, and for good reason. It quickly carved out its own identity, focusing on sex crimes, abuse cases, and deeply personal investigations that set it apart from typical police procedurals of '90s TV.

When SVU debuted, it took the classic Law & Order formula and gave it a more emotionally intense focus. It clearly worked, as the show is just as good now as it was back in 1999. Thanks to its amazing cast (Mariska Hargitay’s Olivia Benson has been off the charts since the beginning) and a steady stream of standout guest stars, SVU keeps its storylines gripping. It’s reliable and well-crafted, and viewers can jump in at almost any point without feeling lost.

3 The Simpsons (1989–present)

36 Seasons

Cementing its place as the cornerstone of TV comedy, The Simpsons has delivered some of the most rewatchable episodes, and pretty much every episode can be your first without issues. As the longest-running animated series ever, it shaped pop culture and influenced cartoon sitcoms like Family Guy and Bob’s Burgers. However, the best part is that viewers can start watching anytime, no matter how late they are to the party.

Title	IMDb Rating
The Simpsons	8.7 / 10

Over its nearly 40-season run, Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie have become so much more than just cartoon characters. Whether one has joined their antics back in 1989 or is just picking them up now, the wacky Springfield family won’t fail to entertain audiences of all ages. The show is episodic, so any of the 750+ titles works well as the starting point. What’s clear, though, is that The Simpsons is comedic gold and has been a fan favorite for decades for a reason.

2 It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005–present)

18 Seasons

When It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia first aired in 2005, it somewhat flew under the radar. Nonetheless, over the years, it has morphed into one of the longest-running and most beloved sitcoms on TV. The plot centers around a group of wildly dysfunctional friends, called the Gang, who own a dive bar in Philadelphia. While it may not sound like much, allow any of the 170+ episodes to change your mind.

The thing is, this show thrives on dark humor, absurd situations, and comedic chaos. While It’s Always Sunny’s gang has changed since the first season, they’re still equally ridiculous and as irreverent as ever. As it's a procedural comedy, almost any episode will get you on track, but it's recommended to start from the beginning so that you don't miss any of the magic of the show’s running gags, such as the duct tape just keeps sprouting legs and running off.

1 Grey’s Anatomy (2005–present)

21 Seasons

Created by Shonda Rhimes, Grey’s Anatomy stands out as one of the most iconic and longest-running medical dramas of all time. Premiering in 2005, the series features Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) and the doctors at Seattle Grace Hospital (later Grey Sloan Memorial) at its core, mixing drama, romance, and medical cases that have kept millions hooked for nearly two decades.

Despite a lot of the original cast having been written off, the series keeps finding ways to keep things exciting. While several Grey’s Anatomy storylines have hurt the show, its infamous big twists are more than worth the journey. With 20 seasons to its name and plenty of changes through the years, the show remains a comfort watch for many, so viewers shouldn't be surprised if it pulls them in right from the first scene.

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