Sci-fi and fantasy shows hold a special place in the hearts of fans, but which series are the longest-running of all time?
Here are the top ten longest-running sci-fi and fantasy shows of all time:
10) Misson Impossible (1966-73, 1988-90, CBS/ABC, 9 Seasons, 206 Episodes)
The super-spy series covered several different genres, sci-fi being one of them. The original run included seven seasons between 1966 and 1973. Major crossover sci-fi actors such as Leonard Nimoy, Martin Landau, and Barbara Bane made an appearance in the series. Mission Impossible returned in the 80s for a short-lived sequel. Peter Graves reprised his role as Jim Phelps, leading a new group of spies. This sequel would later be rebooted as a major film franchise starring Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt.
9) Stargate SG-1 (1997-2007, Showtime/Sci-Fi Channel, 10 Seasons, 214 Episodes)
“Stargate: SG 1” used to hold the title of the longest-running genre entry in the U.S. The military sci-fi adventure show is based on the 1994 film “Stargate”. It takes place within Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s “Stargate” franchise. The series was incredibly successful, especially in Europe and Australia, spawning a variety of spin-offs and merchandise. “Stargate: SG 1” ranks among the sci-fi TV classics.
8. Smallville (2001-11, The WB/The CW, 10 Seasons, 217 Episodes)
This Superman sequel was a huge hit, despite coming before the big superhero boom. In fact, it could be argued that the series paved the way for comic studios, such as Marvel and DC. Even though the Arrow-verse has produced more total seasons across multiple shows, no one entry in that franchise has matched Smallville’s run. “The Flash” came the closest at 9 seasons and 184 episodes.
7. The Walking Dead (2010-2022, AMC, 11 Seasons, 177 Episodes)
For a time, it seemed like “The Walking Dead” show would carry on forever. This post-apocalyptic zombie adventure enjoyed multiple years as the top-rated scripted show on TV. During the show’s 7th season, however, the viewership was on a steady decline. AMC has continued the series beyond the comics through spin-offs, despite the mixed reception of some seasons.
6. The X-Files (1993-2002, 2016-18, FOX, 11 Seasons, 218 Episodes)
The X-Files is a sci-fi drama series created by Chris Carter, surrounding FBI Special Agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson). This duo investigates the “X-Files” – unsolved cases involving paranormal phenomena. It became the longest-running non-anthology sci-fi series thanks to two revival seasons.
5. The Twilight Zone (1959-63, 1985-89, 2002-03, 2019-2020, CBS/UPN/CBS All Access, 11 Seasons, 284 Episodes)
This sci-fi horror series was created and presented by Rod Sterling. Each episode is a standalone story in which characters deal with disturbing or unusual events, described as entering “The Twilight Zone.” Its cultural impact is immense, with many references to the show in pop culture, including “The X-Files,” with one of the characters named after one of “The Twilight Zone” writers Richard Matheson.
4. American Horror Story (2011-Present, FX, 12 Seasons, 132 Episodes)
“American Horror Story” is a horror anthology TV series created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk. It is the first instalment in the “American Story” franchise. The seasons of AHS are self-contained miniseries following different sets of characters in a new setting within the same fictional universe. Part 2 of Season 12 is set to release in September 2024.
3. Futurama (1999-2003, 2008-13, 2023-Present, FOX/Comedy Central/Hulu, 12 Seasons, 160 Episodes)
“Futurama” is the first and only animated entry in our list, created by Matt Groening (“The Simpsons”). The series follows slacker Philip J. Fry who is cryogenically frozen for 1000 years. After his revival, Fry works at the interplanetary delivery company with one-eyes mutant Leela and robot Bender. Like “The Simpsons,” it is possible that “Futurama” could reach over 700 episodes, bumping it up to the second spot.
2. Supernatural (2005-20, The CW, 15 Seasons, 327 Episodes)
“Supernatural” follows the story of two brothers, Sam Winchester (Jared Padalecki) and Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles) as they hunt demons, ghosts, monsters, and other supernatural beings. When seasons 1-6 streamed on Netflix, it became a hit for streamers. Not many TV series reach the height of 15 seasons, with the internet latching onto their favourite characters from the show.
And the number one longest-running of the sci-fi and fantasy shows is…
1. Doctor Who (1963-89, 2005-Present, BBC, 38 Seasons, 871 Episodes)
“Doctor Who” is a British sci-fi show first broadcast by the BBC in 1963. The series follows The Doctor, part of a humanoid species called The Time Lords, who travels the universe in a time-traveling spaceship called The TARDIS. A new actor plays The Doctor in each season, though there have been crossovers. The original series ran for 26 seasons and 694 episodes – with Paul McGann playing the final The Doctor. The show was rebooted in 2005 with Christopher Ecclestone, and a 14th season premiering in May 2024.
How many of these sci-fi and fantasy shows have you watched? Which is your favourite? Will anyone steal the top spot from Doctor Who? Follow us for more TV trivia and news.