The Simpsons

The Simpsons is the undisputed longevity champion of scripted TV, having aired over 770 episodes across 36 seasons—more than double the episodes of #7 Friends. As the longest-running US primetime scripted series, it satirizes American life with unmatched cultural impact, grossing over $1 billion in ad revenue before streaming. A data point: its 1997 episode "Homer's Phobia" drew 15.8 million viewers, a rating 30% higher than the average animated comedy. Compared to #5 Seinfeld, The Simpsons surpasses it in cultural staying power, influencing three generations of comedians.