1st place – Guiding Light

The absolute record-holder among TV series is the American soap opera that began on radio in 1937 and transitioned to television in 1952. Overall, the show ran for 72 years, ending only in 2009. Guiding Light owed its long-lasting success to its focus on relevant topics, offering viewers complex stories and exciting plot twists.

2nd place – Coronation Street

Coronation Street is the longest-running show in British television history, first airing in 1960 and continuing to this day, meaning it has been on the air for 63 years. This soap opera portrays the daily lives of the residents of a fictional street in Manchester, showcasing their everyday struggles, conflicts, and joys. Coronation Street quickly gained popularity due to its ability to reflect the social and cultural changes in the country.

3rd place – General Hospital

General Hospital is one of the longest-running American soap operas, airing for over 60 years. It debuted in the spring of 1963 and is still running. The show focuses on the lives of the medical staff and patients in a hospital in the fictional town of Port Charles. General Hospital captivates audiences with its dramatic storylines, intriguing romances, and thrilling medical cases.

4th place – Days of Our Lives

Days of Our Lives is an American soap opera that will celebrate its 58th anniversary this year. The series premiered in the fall of 1965 and continues to air today. Set in the fictional town of Salem, the show explores the complex lives of its residents, revealing their joys and sorrows. Fans love Days of Our Lives for its captivating storylines, which include love dramas, family conflicts, and hidden intrigues.

5th place – As the World Turns

As the World Turns is an American soap opera that debuted in the spring of 1956 and remained on the air until 2010, running for a total of 54 years. The series followed the lives of residents in the fictional town of Oakdale, immersing viewers in a world of complex family relationships, intrigues, and personal dramas. It gained popularity thanks to its diverse storylines, covering all aspects of life—from love and betrayal to battling illnesses and life’s challenges.