The longest-running TV series

There are shows that defy time and generation leaps.

Here we look at five shows that have stood the test of time, and our patience!

Coronation Street

First aired in December 1960, this is the longest- running soap opera in the world. Fifty years on, the lives and loves of the residents of Weatherfield continue to enthrall audiences in Britain and elsewhere in the world.

Premiered on March 23, 1987, this is the second most-watched soap in the world with an audience of around 26.2 million viewers.

Dubbed in over 20 languages, it is telecast in more than 30 countries.

The Simpsons has been on air for over 20 years now, entertaining audiences world wide.

Since its debut on December 17, 1989, the show has broadcast 464 episodes.

The Simpsons film was released worldwide in 2007, and grossed $527 million.

Probably the most popular sitcom ever.

Debuting in 1994, it continued as a fixture on primetime NBC for 10 long years.

So big a cult was it that for the final season, NBC paid producer Warner Bros $10 million for each of the 18 episodes -- the highest ever.

The Virani family saga was a game changer on Indian TV, setting off a trend of saas-bahu soaps.

Beginning October 3, 2000, the soap aired for eight long years before it was taken off Star Plus in May 2009.