With streaming platforms offering full libraries at our fingertips, long-running television series have become ideal for deep-dive viewing. Whether you’re in it for character development, layered storytelling, or the comfort of returning to a familiar world, shows with six or more seasons offer an immersive experience that shorter series often can’t match.
These shows often build dedicated fan communities, spark conversation long after their finales, and deliver the kind of storytelling depth that only comes with time.
Friends
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Friends ran for 10 successful seasons and remains one of the most iconic sitcoms of all time. Set in New York City, it follows six close-knit friends as they navigate relationships, careers, and adulthood with humor and heart. Its cultural impact is undeniable, with memorable catchphrases, timeless episodes, and an ensemble cast that launched several major acting careers. Even decades later, Friends continues to find new audiences through streaming platforms, proving its lasting charm and universal appeal.
Mad Men
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Mad Men is a richly layered drama set in the 1960s world of Madison Avenue advertising. It follows Don Draper, a charismatic yet deeply flawed ad executive, as he navigates a rapidly changing social and cultural landscape. The show is known for its meticulous period detail, complex characters, and sharp social commentary. Over seven seasons, it explored themes like identity, ambition, and the American Dream.
Peaky Blinders
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Led by the ambitious and cunning Tommy Shelby, Peaky Blinders is a gritty British crime drama that follows the rise of the Shelby family in post–World War I Birmingham. With six intense seasons, the show masterfully blends historical fiction with modern flair, making it a must-watch for fans of sophisticated crime storytelling.
This Is Us
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One of the best series of all times. This Is Us is a heartfelt family drama that weaves together timelines and generations to explore love, loss, and identity. The story centers on the Pearson family, using emotional flashbacks and future glimpses to enrich its characters. Known for its deep emotional impact and strong performances, the show became a modern network-TV classic over six powerful seasons.
Criminal Minds
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Criminal Minds follows the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) as they profile and track down the country’s most dangerous criminals. Known for its psychological depth and dark subject matter, the series delves into the minds of both killers and the agents who hunt them. With a strong ensemble cast and self-contained yet interconnected episodes, it kept audiences engaged across its long run. Its success led to spin-offs, books, and a 2022 revival, Criminal Minds: Evolution.
Gossip Girl
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Set and filmed in Manhattan, Gossip Girl follows the glamorous and scandal-filled lives of Upper East Side privileged teens attending a private prep school. Narrated by an anonymous blogger known only as “Gossip Girl,” the series mixes romance, betrayal, and social intrigue. With its iconic fashion, dramatic plot twists, and memorable characters like Serena van der Woodsen, Chuck Bass and Blair Waldorf, it became a cultural phenomenon. Over six seasons, the show helped define a generation of teen drama and remains a binge-worthy favorite for fans of stylish storytelling and high-stakes drama.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
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Brooklyn Nine-Nine is a beloved ensemble comedy centered on the detectives of the fictional 99th precinct in Brooklyn. Known for its sharp wit, diverse cast, and heartfelt moments, the show balances humor with meaningful social themes. Andy Samberg leads as the goofy yet talented Detective Jake Peralta, supported by a memorable team of quirky characters. Over eight seasons, it earned critical praise for its clever writing and positive representation.
The Blacklist
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The Blacklist follows Raymond “Red” Reddington, a charming criminal mastermind who mysteriously turns himself in to the FBI and offers to help catch other high-profile criminals. With twisting plots and a slow-burning central mystery, the show kept viewers on edge for ten seasons, thanks in large part to James Spader’s magnetic performance.
