What’s the Oldest TV Show Still Running Today?

The Answer: Meet the Press (1947–Present)

The title of the world’s oldest TV show still running today goes to the American political program Meet the Press, which first aired on November 6, 1947, on NBC. Created by journalist Martha Rountree, it began as a television adaptation of a radio show and became the gold standard of Sunday morning political talk. Remarkably, it has never gone off-air since its debut, earning its place in television history not by dazzling effects or prime-time stardom but through unshakable relevance and a commitment to journalism. Today, Meet the Press remains a staple of political discourse, airing weekly with rotating hosts over the decades, and is considered the definitive model for press-meets-politician programming around the world.

How It Began: Humble Origins in a Changing World

In 1947, the world was still reeling from the aftermath of World War II. The Cold War was just beginning, television was still a novelty, and the idea of tuning in weekly to watch politicians field tough questions was unheard of. Enter Meet the Press—a bold experiment that brought hard journalism directly into people’s living rooms.

The very first guest was James Forrestal, then U.S. Secretary of Defense. Rountree, along with Lawrence Spivak (a fellow journalist and eventual co-producer), aimed to challenge the powerful with pointed, relevant questions in a panel format. From the start, the show’s purpose wasn’t entertainment—it was public service journalism, delivered with the gravity of a courtroom and the consistency of a ticking clock. In a time before teleprompters and digital editing, everything was live. The risks were real. Mistakes couldn’t be edited out, and the stakes—public opinion, policy, and political careers—were high.

Surviving the Generations: Adapting to the Medium

It’s rare for any TV show to make it past a single decade. Most fade due to shifting viewer interests, declining ratings, or loss of creative energy. But Meet the Press succeeded where others didn’t because it embraced evolution without sacrificing integrity.

In the 1950s and ‘60s, it transitioned seamlessly from black-and-white to color. In the ‘70s and ‘80s, it became a reliable space for Cold War analysis, domestic political confrontations, and even cultural reckonings. By the time the internet age arrived in the late 1990s, Meet the Press was already a legacy institution, but not one to sit still. It began streaming online, expanding to social media, and adapting its interview formats to match the pace of modern media.

Its weekly Sunday morning time slot remained unchanged—a ritual of sorts for policymakers, journalists, and political junkies alike. With each decade, the show added new generations of hosts who brought fresh perspectives while keeping the core mission intact: ask the tough questions and let the public see the answers unfold live.

Legacy of Hosts: From Pioneers to Powerhouses

Over its 75+ year run, Meet the Press has seen a parade of respected hosts, each leaving a distinctive mark on its legacy. Martha Rountree—the only woman to ever create and moderate the show—was a trailblazer. Her firm but fair style laid the groundwork for what political journalism could become.

Later came Lawrence Spivak, who added gravitas and became synonymous with the show for decades. Tim Russert, arguably the most iconic modern-era host, transformed Meet the Press into must-watch television during his tenure from 1991 until his untimely death in 2008. His earnestness, detailed preparation, and infamous whiteboard became legendary in the political arena.

In the years since, figures like David Gregory and Chuck Todd have held the reins, adapting to a fractured media landscape where polarization and disinformation challenge journalism’s core principles. Today, Kristen Welker serves as the show’s moderator, making history as the first Black woman to host the iconic program.

Why It Still Works: Substance Over Spectacle

One of the key reasons Meet the Press continues to thrive is its steadfast devotion to substance. In an age of viral clips, cable news shouting matches, and algorithmic echo chambers, Meet the Press remains measured, deliberate, and deeply informed.

There’s no laugh track. No buzzer sounds. No fancy graphics racing across the screen. Just a guest, a moderator, and questions that matter.

The show’s enduring popularity proves that there is still a significant audience hungry for fact-driven, long-form conversation in the middle of soundbite culture. While other political talk shows veer toward spectacle, Meet the Press quietly insists that integrity and accountability never go out of style.

Influence Beyond Borders

Though it is distinctly American in origin, Meet the Press has inspired countless international equivalents. Countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Germany developed their own versions of political Q&A broadcasts, modeled after its simple yet powerful format.

The show’s influence has even extended to pop culture. It’s been parodied on Saturday Night Live, referenced in Hollywood films, and cited in political memoirs and journalism textbooks alike. It is the elder statesman of news television, respected even by those who may not agree with its guests or the opinions expressed.

Its reach and reputation go beyond ratings. It is often considered the final word in political interviews, where statements made are dissected for days across newsrooms and social platforms. When Meet the Press talks, the political world listens.

The Ratings Game: Holding Steady in a Shifting Landscape

In today’s fragmented TV environment, where traditional cable news competes with podcasts, livestreams, and Twitter threads, Meet the Press might not always win the ratings war. But it has never aimed for mass appeal in the way sitcoms or reality shows do.

Its viewership remains loyal, educated, and highly engaged—a valuable audience in both journalism and politics. Even as networks pivot toward digital-first formats, Meet the Press maintains strong numbers across streaming platforms, YouTube clips, and social media engagement.

This transition to multi-platform distribution is another reason why it remains the oldest show still running. Instead of clinging to the past, it evolves with the times without compromising its core identity.

A Chronicle of American History—In Real Time

Think about this: Meet the Press has covered 15 U.S. presidents, multiple wars, civil rights movements, economic collapses, political scandals, global pandemics, and every presidential election since 1948. It has been there for Watergate, 9/11, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the rise of social media, and the storming of the Capitol. The show has functioned not just as a witness to history but as a participant in the national conversation. Politicians have launched campaigns on it. Scandals have broken during its broadcasts. Policies have shifted after public blowback from remarks made on the show. It has become a mirror of American democracy, reflecting both its strengths and its flaws.

Not Just the Oldest, But One of the Most Trusted

In a world where trust in media has plummeted, Meet the Press continues to be one of the most respected names in journalism. That trust wasn’t inherited—it was earned. Through transparent reporting, intelligent questioning, and a nonpartisan approach, it has maintained credibility through some of journalism’s darkest hours. This consistency has kept it not just alive but relevant, offering younger journalists a blueprint for how to conduct interviews and moderate difficult conversations without descending into hostility or partisanship.

The Future: Can It Keep Going?

Given its track record, there’s no reason to believe Meet the Press won’t continue for decades more. As long as democratic societies value truth, accountability, and dialogue, there will be a place for this kind of programming. The show has already begun integrating new voices, digital-first reporting, and shorter online segments to complement its full-length interviews. With the rise of AI-generated news, deepfakes, and politically weaponized misinformation, shows like Meet the Press may become even more important in the fight for facts and transparency.

A Living Legacy in Broadcast History

So, what’s the oldest TV show still running today? It’s not a sitcom, a game show, or a cartoon. It’s Meet the Press—a sober, steadfast reminder that journalism matters. In an industry built on ratings, trends, and reboots, it has remained remarkably unchanged in its mission: hold the powerful accountable and inform the public. From its very first black-and-white broadcast in 1947 to today’s digital interviews streaming around the world, it continues to ask the questions that shape nations. As long as there’s a free press and an audience who cares, Meet the Press will keep asking—and we’ll keep listening. That’s the power of television, not just to entertain but to endure. And in that way, Meet the Press isn’t just the oldest show still running—it’s one of the most important.