Battle of the Binge: 10 Longest TV Series You Can Watch Right Now
Sometimes you just need something playing on the background.
The Virginian (1962-1971)
The Virginian, running for nine seasons with a total of 249 episodes, is one of the longest American TV shows of its kind. This good old western, set in the 1890s, takes us on a journey to the Shiloh Ranch in Wyoming Territory where The Virginian, whose real name is never revealed, upholds justice in a land where the laws of civilization are still finding their footing.
He's a man of few words but plenty of action, and you'll get to watch him grapple with everything from cattle rustlers to outlaws, all the while trying to keep the peace at Shiloh Ranch. Sounds like a pretty decent way to spend a few (hundred) hours, don't you think?
Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955-1965)
If you're a fan of suspense and mystery, then boy, do I have the show for you. Alfred Hitchcock Presents, a series that ran for ten seasons with a total of 361 episodes, features tales of suspense, horror, and the macabre, all (!) introduced by the master of suspense himself, Alfred Hitchcock. Each episode is a standalone story, which means you can jump in anywhere, and you'll find all sorts of plots from murder mysteries to psychological thrillers.
Wagon Train (1957-1965)
Are you up for a journey across the wild frontier? If so, Wagon Train, which aired for eight seasons and 284 episodes, might just be your ticket. Following the adventures of a group of settlers traveling across the American West in a wagon train, this series presents a new story with each episode as the group encounters various challenges and meets different characters along the way. With its episodic structure, you can start anywhere and still enjoy the ride.
Have Gun – Will Travel (1957-1963)
Have Gun – Will Travel, a series that ran for six seasons and a whopping 225 episodes, tells the story of Paladin, a well-educated gunfighter who hires out his services to those in need. Operating out of the Hotel Carlton in San Francisco, Paladin isn't your typical gunslinger. He's a man who likes fine wine, chess, and classical literature.
But when duty calls, he's ready to hop on his horse, don his all-black outfit, and ride off into the sunset to help those who can't help themselves. This one's definitely worth a watch if you're a fan of heroes who can quote Shakespeare while taking down the bad guys.
The Fugitive (1963-1967)
This one is definitely a series that'll keep you on the edge of your seat. The Fugitive, a four-season long, 120-episode chase thriller, is centered around Dr. Richard Kimble, a man wrongly convicted for the murder of his wife. On his way to death row, Kimble's train crashes, providing him with a chance to escape and go on a desperate quest to find the one-armed man he believes to be the real killer. This show will take you on a rollercoaster ride of close calls and narrow escapes, all set against the backdrop of 1960s America.
Gunsmoke (1955-1975)
Just imagine, you're in the dusty streets of Dodge City, Kansas, it's the late 19th century, and Marshal Matt Dillon, the long arm of the law, is keeping the peace in this rough and tumble frontier town – welcome to Gunsmoke, a series that ran for an astonishing 20 seasons with a total of 635 episodes.
Each week, you're drawn into a world of cattle rustlers, gunfights, and Old West drama, but there's also this sense of realism that other Westerns often lack, and it's this grittiness, this depiction of life on the frontier, warts and all, that sets Gunsmoke apart. The relationships, particularly between Dillon and saloon owner Miss Kitty Russell, adding a layer of human connection to the gunpowder and grit.
Bonanza (1959-1973)
Can you picture the open range, the smell of cattle in the air, and the towering figure of Ben Cartwright, patriarch of the Cartwright family and owner of the Ponderosa Ranch? If so, you've just entered the world of Bonanza, a TV show that ran for 14 seasons with 431 episodes. The series focuses on the trials and tribulations of the Cartwright family, with the strong but fair Ben guiding his three sons – each from a different marriage – through the challenges of life in the Old West.
Don't be fooled, though, cause Bonanza isn't just about cattle drives and gunfights, oh no, it explores a range of social issues, too, from racism and social justice to the complexities of family relationships, all while offering up a fair share of action and adventure.
Perry Mason (1957-1966)
Perry Mason was a TV series that spanned nine seasons with a total of 271 episodes. Each episode is a mystery that Mason, aided by his secretary Della Street and private investigator Paul Drake, must solve to defend his often wrongfully accused clients.
The real thrill, though, lies in the courtroom scenes where Mason, through relentless questioning and a keen understanding of human nature, manages to reveal the real culprits. If you've got an appetite for legal drama with a side of whodunit, Perry Mason might just be your next big binge.
Hawaii Five-O (1968-1980)
Let's go somewhere a bit more tropical, shall we? Picture Hawaii, beautiful beaches, stunning sunsets, and Detective Steve McGarrett leading an elite state police unit known as Five-O. For 12 seasons and 279 episodes, Hawaii Five-O treated viewers to an intriguing mix of crime-fighting action and beautiful Hawaiian scenery. McGarrett and his team tackle everything from international espionage to murder, all while delivering iconic catchphrases like "Book 'em, Danno!"
Dragnet (1951-1959, 1967-1970)
Imagine being on the beat in 1950s and 1960s Los Angeles, following the tireless work of Sergeant Joe Friday and his partners as they solve case after case in the City of Angels. Welcome to Dragnet, a series that aired for eight seasons over two runs with a total of 276 episodes.
Famous for its fast-paced, just-the-facts-ma'am style of storytelling, Dragnet presents a new case each episode, taking you from the crime scene to the detective bureau, and finally to the courtroom. The show's straightforward, procedural style gives it a sense of realism that's hard to resist, making you feel like you're right there, working the case alongside Friday.