In the past decade,Netflixhas completely transformed how we consume television and made it easier than ever to binge-watch our favorite shoes from the comfort of our own heads. Witha massive library of content, Netflix has become a go-to destination for television audiences around the world to Netflix and chill whenever they want. But while the streaming giant rolls out an endless stream of new shows and movies, week after week, a special breed of series that stand out are the long-runners.
These shows often span five seasons or longer and deliver addictive, hilarious, and gripping narratives throughout to establish themselves as mainstays. But what makes these long-running shows more appealing is the comfort and familiarity they offer. You’ve already invested countless hours and weeks into the story, the characters, and their complex lives, so it’s only fittingto find entertainment and escapism in them. This list of 10 TV shows on Netflix that are longer than 5 seasons covers all genres, from historical dramas to fan-favorite sitcoms.
10‘The Crown’ (2016 – 2023)
The Crownis Netflix’s most acclaimed historical drama. It transports you to the grand halls of Buckingham Palace and tells the story of a young woman as she assumes the mantle of power and navigates the treacherous waters of royal duty while sacrificing her own life and desires. The series begins with Elizabeth ascending to the throne following the king’s sudden death and becoming Queen Elizabeth II. Each season covers an era within the changing social landscape of Britain and how the Royal Family tackles it.
Riveting Examination of Power and Privilege
The Crowncaptures the reign of one of the most iconic monarchs in modern history at a sweeping and cinematic scope. Its lavish production values, impeccable attention to historical detail, and the exceptional cast of talented actors work together to cement its status as Netflix’s greatest achievement in recent years. Led by Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, and Imelda Staunton’s unforgettable performances as Queen Elizabeth, it has earned several awards and critical acclaim, and it holds an 81% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
9‘Young Sheldon’ (2017 – 2024)
Young Sheldon
The prequel to The Big Bang Theory,Young Sheldonfocuses on the childhood of Sheldon Cooper. Back in East Texas,when Sheldon was a young genius, his inquisitive mind and social awkwardness made it almost challenging for him to navigate the turbulent waters of adolescence and growing up among those who failed to understand the extent of his intellect. Still, Sheldon had the guidance and support of his loving family: his mother, Mary, his often bewildered father, George, and his siblings, Missy and George Jr.
A Heartwarming Coming-of-Age Tale
As the audience explores the heartfelt depiction of Sheldon’s formative years, the series captures the perfect balance of humor and heart and genuine character development. While the series is a predecessor toTBBG, it can stand on its own as a beloved stable of television because of its willingness to tackle importable subjects with an empathetic lens, its attention to detail in recreating the era, and its delightful and enriched narrative.
8‘Gilmore Girls’ (2000 – 2007)
Gilmore Girls
Created by Amy Sherman-Palladino,Gilmore Girlstakes you to the quaint little town of Stars Hollow, where a mother-and-daughter duo navigate the highs and lows of life with their own refreshing brand of humor and wisdom. And their shared love of coffee. Over seven seasons, we follow Lorelai Gilmore’s many relationships and attempts to balance work and family, as well Rory Gilmore’s journey from high school to college and beyond.
A Charming and Enduring Small-Town Classic
Gilmore Girlspaints a charming and relatable picture of small-town life and explores what it’s like to grow up with dysfunctional parents, eventually find strength in female friendships, and embrace the magic of the most ordinary moments. The show also fascinates viewers with the raid-fire banter between Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel’s characters and is known for its many eccentricities. It has a dedicated fanbase and is a timeless favorite that even led to a revival/sequel titledGilmore Girls: A Year in the Life.
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7‘Grace and Frankie’ (2015 – 2022)
Grace and Frankie
Light-hearted and insightful,Grace and Frankieis a comedy drama about two women, Grace Hanson and Frankie Bergstein, whose lives are turned upside down by an unexpected revelation – that their husbands are gay and are leaving them to marry each other. This leads to an unlikely friendship between the two women. A friendship that reshapes the course of their lives in the most unpredictable but delightful ways.
A Poignant and Hilarious Drama
More than anything,Grace and Frankieis a show that explores the power of female friendships and what it’s liketo transform your golden years into the most memorableand fulfilling chapter of your life. Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin lead the show with their elegant and free-spirited personalities and share an undeniably sweet chemistry with one another. Over seven seasons, the show received praise for its refreshing and subversive portrayal of older women, the thought-provoking writing, and the many life lessons it delivered.
6‘Queer Eye’ (2018 – Present)
Netflix harbors not just sitcoms and dramas, but also genuinely enjoyable reality TV shows.Queer Eyeis among the more acclaimed and impactful ones. It follows the “Fab Five,” which is a group of experts in fashion, grooming, culture, design, and food, who make it their mission to transform the lives of people who are deserving of improving their overall image and mental well-being, one makeover at a time.
All About Self-Discovery and Empowerment
Queer Eyeis a transformative show that celebrates self-love, the power of community, and human connection. It is not just about changing yourself externally, but also laying your personal and emotional journeys bare, in front of the world, to offer inspiration to others and find empowerment in yourself. Overall, it is an irresistibly charming and emotionally cathartic, diverse, and inclusive show led by Antoni Porowski, Tan France, Karamo Brown, Bobby Berk, and Jonathan Van Ness.
5‘How I Met Your Mother’ (2005 – 2014)
How I Met Your Mother
How I Met Your Mother is a sitcom created initially for CBS by Carter Bays and Craig Thomas. Five friends living in New York City navigate their twenties and thirties as they try to find love, success, and purpose. The show is framed through one friend’s eyes, Ted Mosby, as he retells the story of how he met his wife to his children.
Another delightful and beloved sitcom,How I Met Your Motheris just what its title suggests. It follows Ted Mosby as he tells his children the epic story of how he met their mother. The series unfolds through flashbacks and dives into the tiniest details, the lives, and relationships of Ted and his close-knit group of friends, including Marshall, Lily, Robin, and Barney.
Heartfelt Comedy and Legendary Friendships
The search for love and the pursuit of happily ever after is as daunting as it is delightful and nowhere is it more apparent than inHow I Met Your Mother. The sitcom changed our collective perception of love with its humor and emotional depth, the messy and heartbreaking depiction of falling in and out of love, and the unbridled joy that comes with finally finding “the one.” Of course, it is all anchored by unforgettable performances from the stellar cast anda truly hilarious script.
4‘Suits’ (2011 – 2019)
Suitsis a legal drama set in a high-stakes corporate world, where sharp suits and sharper tongues always take the win. We follow the lives of top corporate lawyer Harvey Specter and protégé, Mike Ross, who has a photographic memory but dropped out of law school, as they navigate the halls of a prestigious Manhattan firm. The series begins with Harvey hiring Mike despite his lack of credentials and captures the many courtroom cases and office politics they tackle.
An Intellectual and Thought-Provoking Legal Drama
With its clean and stylish aesthetic, clever writing, and the most compelling legal battles,Suitshas become a television mainstay. The level of complexity and sophistication it offers sets it apart from other typical procedural dramas and earns it a devoted fanbase. Of course, at the center of it all is the friendship shared by Harvey (Gabriel Macht) and Mike (Patrick J. Adams), who not only traverse the murky waters of law but also battle personal demons and keep viewers hooked season after season.
3‘Seinfeld’ (1989 – 1998)
Created by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld,Seinfeldis a brilliant sitcom that takes you to New York City and tells the story of four neurotic, self-absorbed friends as they navigate the trials of everyday life with piercing wit and absolutely no sense of self-awareness. Often described as “a show about nothing,” this iconic ‘90s sitcom stars Seinfeld as a fictionalized version of himself alongside George Costanza (Jason Alexander), Elaine Benes (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), and Cosmo Kramer (Michael Richards).
One of the Greatest Comedies of All Time
Seinfeldwent on for nine seasons,redefined the sitcom genre, influenced television, and has now found new life on Netflix. A masterclass in capturing the intricacies of the human experience, it gets high praise for its observational humor and memorable one-liners. Through its ensemble of iconic characters and unforgettable plotlines, it resonated with audiences around the world.Seinfeldalso won numerous awards, including Golden Globes and Emmys.
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2‘Supernatural’ (2005 – 2020)
15 Seasons
Supernatural
Starring Jared Padalecki as Sam Winchester as Sam and Dean Winchester,Supernaturalcenters around the two brothers as they set out on a cross-country road trip to hunt down demons, ghosts, monsters, and other supernatural beings. The series begins with Sam and Dean first looking for their missing father, who himself was a hunter. But little did they know, their journey would span 15 seasons and establish themselves as modern-day fantasy heroes.
An Epic and Adventurous Tale of Two Brothers
Delivering a perfect blend of horror, humor, and brotherhood,Supernaturalis an epic fantasy series and also the longest-running fantasy series of all time. It features endlessly inventive monster-of-the-week episodes while also weaving a mythology centered on the main characters. It’s a comfort show for many viewers, who are in awe of the sprawling narrative and its exploration of family, free will, and the line between good and evil.
1‘Grey’s Anatomy’ (2005 – Present)
20 Seasons
Grey’s Anatomy
Set within the bustling halls of the fictional Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in Seattle,Grey’s Anatomyfollows the personal and professional lives of surgical interns, residents, and attending physicians as they save lives and get their hearts broken. At the center of it all is Dr. Meredith Grey, who navigates her career and complicated relationships while understanding love, loss, and the healing power of surrounding oneself with the right people.
The Ultimate Medical Melodrama
This medical drama has captivated audiencesfor two decades now. The seasons and episodes, whether they centered around heart-wrenching surgeries that leave you bereft or romantic arcs long enough to fill up a library, are always engrossed and filled with emotional depth.Grey’s Anatomyhas remained a staple in popular culture not only because of its longevity, but also because it finds the correct balance between delivering dynamic twists and heartfelt, character-driven moments.
