Top 10 Unbreakable TV Shows

TV shows come and go -- except for the special ones that never seem to go off the air. We're not talking reruns; we're talking new episodes for decades. Surviving the volatile prime-time lineup for any length of time is an achievement. See which series are the longest-running ones in history. -- By Raven Snook

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10. 'The Simpsons' (1989 - present)
Why Unbreakable: Spawning multiple catchphrases, iconic characters and a 2007 hit movie, FOX's pop-culture cornerstone satirizes overall society. It's the longest-running sitcom and animated program. Ay caramba!

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9. 'COPS' (1989 - present)
Why Unbreakable: Watching law enforcement officials grapple with the bad, the worse and the ugly is shockingly riveting. Call it low-concept or low-rent. FOX's crime doc series is cheap to produce and people are guilty ... of watching.

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8. 'America's Most Wanted' (1988 - present)
Why Unbreakable: Real-life victim John Walsh takes a big bite out of crime as the host of this FOX series, which profiles on-the-loose criminals. More than 1,000 fugitives have been caught due to the show. Now that's arresting TV.

FOX

7. 'Gunsmoke' (1955 - 1975)
Why Unbreakable: The longest-running drama of all time, CBS' gritty saga about a small-town marshal trying to keep the peace inspired countless imitators and outlived them all. It began on radio but hit TV with guns blazing.

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6. '48 Hours' (1988 - present)
Why Unbreakable: CBS' doc series initially examined a single topic over a two-day period, but the show's format and focus changed over the years. In 2004, 'Mystery' was added to its title as reporters delve into real-life enigmas.

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5. 'The Red Skelton Show' (1951 - 1971)
Why Unbreakable: Though dubbed a variety show, its comic star, Red Skelton, relied mostly on his own repertoire of kooky characters. Originally a radio series, it aired briefly on NBC, but CBS was the beloved vaudevillian's main home.

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4. 'The Ed Sullivan Show' (1948 - 1971)
Why Unbreakable: Despite his stiff delivery, Ed Sullivan (aka "Old Stone Face") was a tastemaker. His CBS variety show featured diverse acts including the Jackson 5, George Carlin and The Beatles first live U.S. appearance.

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3. '20/20' (1978 - present)
Why Unbreakable: ABC's answer to '60 Minutes,' this newsmagazine favors people over politics. Anchors such as Hugh Downs, Barbara Walters and John Stossel tackle unique human interest stories with compassion.

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2. 'Monday Night Football' (1970 - present)
Why Unbreakable: Many guys wouldn't know how to start their week without this ABC staple (on ESPN since 2006). Original commentators Keith Jackson, Don Meredith and Howard Cosell generated more scrimmage than most games.

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