what is the longest running television show

The answer to the question "what is the longest running television show?" depends on the criteria used to define "longest running." Here are some lists of the longest-running American television shows, ranked by different criteria:

• Longest-running scripted American television programs: According to Variety, the top 3 longest-running scripted American television programs are:

  1. General Hospital (60 seasons)
  2. Guiding Light (57 seasons)
  3. Days of Our Lives (57 seasons)

• Longest-running scripted American primetime television series: According to Wikipedia, the top 3 longest-running scripted American primetime television series are:

  1. The Simpsons (34 seasons)
  2. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (24 seasons)
  3. Gunsmoke (20 seasons)

• Longest-running American television series: According to Wikipedia, the top 3 longest-running American television series are:

  1. Meet the Press (73 years)
  2. The Tonight Show (68 years)
  3. Today (69 years)

• Longest-running American TV shows ever: According to Screen Rant, the top 3 longest-running American TV shows ever are:

  1. The Simpsons (32 seasons)
  2. Gunsmoke (20 seasons)
  3. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (21 seasons)

• Longest Running TV Shows of All Time: According to BuddyTV, the top 3 longest-running TV shows of all time are:

  1. All My Children (43 years)
  2. One Life to Live (48 years)
  3. Saturday Night Live (48 years)

Therefore, the answer to the question "what is the longest running television show?" depends on the criteria used to define "longest running."