'The Big Bang Theory' And 10 Other Shows That Went 10 Seasons Or More
'_The Big Bang Theor_y' has just been renewed for three more seasons meaning it will soon join the elite group of shows who have made it to the ten seasons landmark. This illustrious group is not easy to get in to, but a few other well loved series have managed to wrangle a membership. So what other long-running shows will the 'The Big Bang Theory' soon be joining the ranks of?
Friends
Can you believe that it’s been a decade since ‘Friends’ was last on our screens? Ok, can you also believe that we followed the lives of Ross, Rachel, Joey, Chandlar, Monica and Pheobe for ten seasons! Yes between 1994 and 2004 the only place to get a coffee was at Central Perk, during the show's run of 236 episodes. Even though the show ended a decade ago, thanks to constant repeats we haven’t forgotten our six favourite ‘Friends’and many out there are still hoping one day we'll find ourselves back in New York catching up with familar faces.
Cheers
'Cheers' ran for 11 seasons between 1982 and 1993, during which time we’re were all welcome to go hang out at the bar 'where everybody knows your name. Sam, Woody, Norm and Cliff were just some of the patrons of ‘Cheers’ that audience got to know during its lengthly run. Of course not everybody lasted at cheers for all 11 seasons, one particularly smart customer left Boston for Seattle after the fifth season and ended up earning his own place on the list.
Fraiser
Yes after leaving 'Cheers', Kelsey Grammer got his own show as Dr Fraiser Crane in 1993 and it ended up running for 11 seasons . With a smart and witty script plus the addition of Frasier’s brother Niles and father Martin, the show became one of America’s best loved comedies. It also often harked back to its roots, featuring many 'Cheers' cast cameos along the way. Who said spin-offs were always a bad idea?
Next page: which TV shows are next on the list?
The Simpsons
Currently in its 25th (wow!) season, 'The Simpsons' is the the longest-running American sitcom and the longest-running American animated program of all time. Created by Matt Groening, it started life as a sketch on the 'Tracy Ullman Show', before finding its place on prime time television. A cultural phenomenon all over the world, you're probably hard pressed to find a person who can’t identify Bart, Homer or even baby Maggie. After 25 years on air and over 500 episodes, remarkably audiences haven't tired yet of watching the exploits of this ever youthful small town family.
American Dad
'The Simpsons' isn't the only cartoon that’s enjoying a lengthly run. Seth MacFarlane’s ‘American Dad’ is currently in its tenth season and the sitcom will continue despite being dropped by Fox, moving to TBS in July 2014 for its 11th run. Of course an 11th season for' American Dad' puts it hot on the heels of its Seth McFarlance predecessor, 'Family Guy' which has so far racked up 12 seasons.
ER
The show that gave us George Clooney also gave us 15 seasons and over 300 episodes, making it longest-running primetime medical drama in American television history. It was also the recipient of many accolades during its 15 year run including 24 Emmy nominations, making it also the most nominated drama program in history. If that wasn't enough it also launched the career of George Clooney, though we might have already mentioned that.
Grey's Anatomy
Another medical drama that’s kept us all enthralled is ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. Since 2005 we’ve been watching the drama unfold in what is now the Grey-Sloane memorial hospital. Sure this one might feature one of the most unlikable lead characters ever, (sorry Meredith), but after 10 seasons it's still pretty gripping stuff. However the show is facing a pretty uncertain future as of late as its current season will be the last to feature main cast member Sandra Oh.
Married with Children
It may look incredibly dated now but back in the late 80s and early 90s the Bundy family were a big deal. This sitcom was Fox’s first prime time series and enjoyed an 11 season run between 1987 and 1997. The Bundy’s might just be televisions most dysfunctional family of all time, but aside from that the show is also very well remembered, thanks in no small part to the Frank Sinatra theme song.
Smallville
Telling the story of the young Clark Kent before he became Superman, this show was pitched with the rule ‘no tights no fights’ and audiences quickly responded positively. The show began in 2001, long before Superhero origin stories were the done thing and ran for 10 seasons before ending in 2011. Its decade long run on tv means it is the longest running science fiction television series ever in North America.
Two and a Half Men
Wether it's Charlie Sheen or Aston Kutcher, it doesn't matter, audiences are still enjoying ‘Two and a Half Men’. This show started in 2003 with Sheen as playboy Charlie Harper. Then a lot of off screen drama ensued and poor Charlie met an untimely death. Moving in to replace him came Walden Schmid played by Ashton Kutcher. Now without Sheen the show is still going strong and into its 11th season, proving that loosing a main cast member doesn't necessarily have to mean a sitcom’s end.