TV shows are a staple in our entertainment diet, and sometimes we just can’t get enough of them. We fall in love with the characters, the storylines, and the world they inhabit, and we want to see more and more of it. That’s why it’s always exciting when a show gets renewed for another season, and even more so when it’s renewed for several seasons. These shows have managed to captivate their audience and keep them coming back for more, episode after episode, season after season.
But with so many TV shows out there, it can be tough to know which ones are worth investing your time in. That’s where this list comes in. We’ve scoured the TV landscape to bring you the best shows that have gone on for more than 5 seasons. These are the shows that have stood the test of time with a certain je ne sais quoi, and have consistently delivered top-notch entertainment for their entire run.
Whether you’re a fan of heart-pumping action, sharp-witted comedy, or heart-wrenching drama, there’s something on this list for you. We’ve got shows that have explored every corner of the human experience, from the highs of success to the lows of failure, and everything in between. We’ve got shows that have made us laugh, made us cry, and made us think.
So if you’re looking for a new show to sink your teeth into, or if you just want to know which shows are worth a marathon viewing session, this list is for you. Get ready for some of the best TV has to offer, all with more than 5 seasons under their belts.
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20 The Sopranos: 6 Seasons
Warner Bros. Television
First up on our list is a show that redefined the crime drama genre and has become a cultural phenomenon in its own right: The Sopranos. This show follows the tumultuous life of Tony Soprano, a New Jersey mob boss trying to balance the demands of his family and his criminal organization. Along the way, we see Tony grapple with all sorts of issues, from depression and anxiety to family drama and betrayal.
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The Sopranos boasts a talented cast, led by the incomparable James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano. The supporting cast is equally strong, with Edie Falco as Tony’s long-suffering wife, Carmela, and Michael Imperioli as Tony’s volatile nephew, Christopher. This show is a must-see for fans of crime dramas, and its raw, unflinching portrayal of family and loyalty has made it a classic of the genre.
19 Schitt’s Creek: 6 Seasons
ITV Studios Global Entertainment
Next up is a show that has taken the world by storm with its sharp writing, memorable characters, and hilarious one-liners: Schitt’s Creek. This show follows the wealthy Rose family as they are forced to move to a small town called Schitt’s Creek after they lose their fortune. At first, the Roses are miserable in their new surroundings, but as they spend more time in the town, they begin to see the charm in the eccentric locals and the beauty in their simple way of life.
Schitt’s Creek is led by an all-star cast, including comedy legends Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara as the Rose parents, Johnny and Moira. The supporting cast is equally strong, with Dan Levy as their son, David, and Annie Murphy as their daughter, Alexis. This show is a must-see for fans of comedy, and its clever writing and memorable characters have made it a fan favorite.
18 This Is Us: 6 Seasons
20th Television
This Is Us is a heart-wrenching drama that follows the lives of the Pearson family across different time periods. We see the family navigate life’s highs and lows, from the joy of falling in love and starting a family to the pain of loss and grief. Along the way, we see the Pearsons confront all sorts of issues, from addiction and mental health to race and identity.
This Is Us boasts an impressive cast, led by Milo Ventimiglia as Jack Pearson, the family patriarch, and Mandy Moore as his wife, Rebecca. The supporting cast is equally strong, with Sterling K. Brown as their son, Randall, and Chrissy Metz as their daughter, Kate. This show is a must-see for fans of family drama, and its powerful performances and emotional storytelling have made it a fan favorite.
17 BoJack Horseman: 6 seasons
Via Netflix
Next up is a show that has taken the world of animated comedy by storm with its sharp writing, memorable characters, and hilarious one-liners: BoJack Horseman. This show follows the misadventures of BoJack Horseman, a washed-up actor trying to make a comeback in Hollywood. Along the way, we see BoJack deal with all sorts of issues, from addiction and depression to relationships and self-worth.
BoJack Horseman features an impressive voice cast, led by Will Arnett as the titular character. The supporting cast is equally strong, with Aaron Paul as BoJack’s loyal sidekick, Todd, and Alison Brie as his former co-star, Diane. This show is a must-see for fans of animated comedy, and its witty writing and relatable characters have made it a fan favorite.
16 Peaky Blinders: 6 Seasons
BBC
Peaky Blinders is a show that has captivated audiences with its stylish visuals, compelling characters, and intense action. This show follows the rise of the Shelby family, a gang of criminal masterminds operating in Birmingham, England during the aftermath of World War I. We see the Shelby family navigate the seedy underworld of the city, facing off against rival gangs and the authorities as they fight to become the most powerful criminal organization in the region.
Peaky Blinders boasts an impressive cast, led by the captivating Cillian Murphy as the Shelby family’s leader, Thomas. The supporting cast is equally strong, with Helen McCrory as his formidable aunt, Polly, and Paul Anderson as his hot-headed brother, Arthur. This show is a must-see for fans of crime drama, and its stylish visuals and compelling characters have made it a fan favorite.
15 How To Get Away With Murder: 6 Seasons
Disney - ABC Domestic Television
How To Get Away With Murder is a show that has kept audiences on the edge of their seats for six seasons. This legal drama follows the brilliant and enigmatic criminal defense professor Annalise Keating, played by Viola Davis in a career-defining role, and her team of ambitious law students as they become embroiled in a series of complex and dangerous cases.
With plot twists and turns at every corner, How To Get Away With Murder keeps you guessing until the very end. The show is not only a thrilling ride, but it’s also a character study, delving into the personal lives and motivations of each member of the Keating Five. And with a diverse and talented cast, including Billy Brown, Alfred Enoch, and Jack Falahee, there’s no shortage of compelling performances to keep you hooked.
14 Downton Abbey: 6 Seasons
PBS
Next up is a show that transported us back in time for six seasons of drama, romance, and social upheaval: Downton Abbey. This period piece follows the lives of the wealthy Crawley family and their servants in the early 20th century, as they navigate the changing world around them.
Filled with complex characters, lavish costumes, and stunning production design, Downton Abbey is a feast for the senses. The show explores themes of love and loss, class conflict, and the enduring strength of family, all set against the backdrop of historical events like World War I and the sinking of the Titanic. With a talented ensemble cast led by Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, and Maggie Smith, Downton Abbey is a show that will stay with you long after the final credits roll.
13 Mad Men: 7 Seasons
Weiner Bros. Productions
Mad Men is a show that took us back to the golden age of advertising for seven seasons. This critically acclaimed drama follows the professional and personal lives of the employees at the fictional ad agency Sterling Cooper, and their charismatic but troubled leader, Don Draper, played by Jon Hamm in a career-defining role.
Set in the 1960s, Mad Men is a stylish and immersive look at the advertising industry during a time of great social change. The show is known for its attention to historical detail, its complex and flawed characters, and its razor-sharp dialogue. As the characters navigate the shifting cultural landscape of the 1960s, Mad Men explores themes of identity, sexuality, and the search for happiness.
12 Buffy the Vampire Slayer: 7 Seasons
Next up is a show that combined action, horror, and humor for seven seasons: Buffy the Vampire Slayer. This cult classic follows Buffy Summers, a young woman chosen to defend the world against vampires and other supernatural threats. But as Buffy battles monsters and demons, she also grapples with the challenges of growing up, including love, loss, and the complicated relationships with her friends and family.
Starring Sarah Michelle Gellar in the title role, Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a show that has something for everyone. With fast-paced action, clever wit, and deep emotion, it’s a show that has earned a devoted following and a place in pop culture history.
11 The Good Wife: 7 Seasons
CBS Television Distribution
The Good Wife is a legal drama follows Alicia Florrick, a high-powered lawyer played by Julianna Margulies, as she tries to rebuild her career and her life after her husband, the Cook County State’s Attorney, is embroiled in a sex and corruption scandal.
The Good Wife is known for its intelligent writing, its complex characters, and its top-notch cast, which also includes Christine Baranski, Archie Panjabi, and Josh Charles. With high-stakes legal cases, personal drama, and political intrigue, The Good Wife is a show that will keep you hooked until the very end.
10 Gilmore Girls: 7 Seasons
Warner Bros Television
This charming show follows the life of Lorelai Gilmore, a young single mother, and her relationship with her daughter, Rory. Set in the small town of Stars Hollow, the show is full of witty banter, pop culture references, and heartwarming moments. The dynamic between Lorelai and Rory is the backbone of the show, and their bond is a joy to watch.
The show also has an incredible supporting cast, including Lorelai’s eccentric parents, Emily and Richard, and the lovable townspeople of Stars Hollow. With its fast-paced dialogue and lovable characters, Gilmore Girls is a comfort-watch that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy.
9 Game of Thrones: 8 Seasons
HBO
Based on the bestselling book series by George R.R. Martin, Game of Thrones is an epic fantasy drama that takes place in the fictional world of Westeros. The show follows the struggles of several noble families as they vie for control of the Iron Throne. With its sprawling cast of characters, intricate plotlines, and stunning visuals, Game of Thrones is a show that captivated audiences around the world.
From the bloody battles to the shocking twists, this show kept viewers on the edge of their seats for its entire run. With its complex characters and moral ambiguities, Game of Thrones is a show that made you think as well as feel.
8 How I Met Your Mother: 9 seasons
CBS
This beloved sitcom follows the lives of five friends living in New York City: Ted, Lily, Marshall, Robin, and Barney. The show is narrated by Ted, who is telling the story of how he met his children’s mother to them in the future. Along the way, the group goes through all sorts of ups and downs, from falling in love to falling out of it, and everything in between.
With its clever writing and lovable characters, How I Met Your Mother is a show that had viewers laughing and crying for 9 seasons. The show’s unique structure, with each episode told from the perspective of the narrator, gave it a fresh and innovative feel that kept viewers coming back for more.
7 F.R.I.E.N.D.S.: 10 Seasons
Warner Bros.
F.R.I.E.N.D.S. is a classic sitcom that follows the lives of six friends living in New York City: Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey, Rachel, and Phoebe. With its iconic theme song, lovable characters, and relatable storylines, F.R.I.E.N.D.S. became a cultural phenomenon that still has a devoted fan base to this day. The show tackled everything from relationships and career struggles to the joys and challenges of adulthood, and it did so with wit, humor, and heart.
The chemistry between the cast was electric, and each character brought something unique and lovable to the table. F.R.I.E.N.D.S. is the kind of show that you can watch over and over again and never get tired of.
6 Shameless: 11 Seasons
Warner Bros Television Distribution
This gritty drama follows the tumultuous lives of the Gallagher family, a working-class family living on the south side of Chicago. The show is led by the family’s patriarch, Frank, a alcoholic and drug-addicted con artist, and his six children, who are all struggling to make ends meet and find their place in the world. From the get-go, Shameless pulls no punches, tackling everything from addiction and poverty to mental illness and sexuality with honesty and raw emotion.
The show’s large and diverse cast is led by an incredible performance by William H. Macy as Frank, and each character is fully fleshed out and complex. The show is not afraid to go to dark places and tackle difficult subject matter, but it is also full of heart and moments of levity. Whether you’re a fan of drama or just looking for a show that will pull at your heartstrings, Shameless is a must-see.
5 Modern Family: 11 Seasons
20th Century Fox Television
Modern Family is a beloved family sitcom that follows the lives of Jay Pritchett and his extended family, including his second wife and stepson, his adult daughter and her husband and three children, and his son and his husband. Over the course of 11 seasons, this unconventional family navigates the ups and downs of life, from marriages and divorces, to new babies and career changes.
The show has received critical acclaim for its portrayal of a modern, diverse family, and for its ability to balance heartwarming moments with sharp humor. The talented cast, which includes Sofia Vergara, Ty Burrell, and Julie Bowen, have all won numerous awards for their performances.
4 It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia: 15 Seasons
Disney-ABC Domestic Television
Next up is the long-running comedy, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. This show follows the misadventures of a group of friends who own and operate a dive bar in Philly. Led by the narcissistic and egocentric Dennis, the group always seems to find themselves in hilarious and outrageous situations, often caused by their own selfish actions.
Over the course of 15 seasons, we’ve watched as the gang has tackled everything from getting rich quick schemes, to running a successful Christmas pageant. The show has gained a cult following for its irreverent humor and memorable characters, and has won numerous awards for its writing and acting.
3 Criminal Minds: 15 Seasons
Criminal Minds is a crime drama that follows a team of FBI profilers as they track down some of the most dangerous serial killers and criminals in the country. Over the course of 15 seasons, we’ve watched as the team uses their expertise in psychology and forensic analysis to catch some of the most heinous perpetrators.
The show has garnered a devoted fan base for its intricate plotlines and its portrayal of the inner workings of the FBI. The talented cast, which includes Mandy Patinkin, Thomas Gibson, and Matthew Gray Gubler, have all received praise for their performances.
2 Grey’s Anatomy: 18 Seasons
ABC
Grey’s Anatomy is a medical drama that follows the lives of a group of surgeons and their colleagues at a fictional hospital in Seattle. Over the course of 18 seasons, we’ve watched as the characters navigate the challenges of their personal and professional lives, from relationships and breakups, to life-and-death medical cases.
The show has received widespread acclaim for its portrayal of complex and diverse characters, and for its ability to balance drama with heartwarming moments. The talented cast, which includes Ellen Pompeo, Chandra Wilson, and Justin Chambers, have all received numerous awards for their performances.
1 Family Guy: 20 Seasons
Finally, we have the long-running animated comedy, Family Guy. This show follows the adventures of the Griffin family, including Peter, the bumbling father, Lois, the stay-at-home mom, and their children Meg, Chris, and Stewie. Over the course of 20 seasons, we’ve watched as the family gets into all sorts of wacky and absurd situations, often caused by Peter’s cluelessness or Stewie’s evil schemes.
The show has gained a massive following for its sharp wit and its cutaway gags, and has won numerous awards for its writing and voice acting. The talented voice cast includes Seth MacFarlane, Alex Borstein, and Seth Green.
