Simpsons, The (1987-present)

The Simpsons first appeared on The Tracey Ullman show in 1987 as a series of shorts.  After three years, the shorts were developed into a half-hour prime time show.  The Simpsons is the longest running American sitcom, longest running animated program, and the longest running primetime television series.  Due to this longevity, many consider the show to be the best animated series ever created.