4 Years Later, Netflix’s Longest-Running Series Is Still One Of Its Best

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Even though Netflix’s longest-running show finished four years ago, it remains one of their top original series. It’s remarkable that any show lasts so long on the platform, particularly when you consider how many Netflix originals have been canceled.

Many Netflix shows, including The Society, I Am Not Okay With This, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, Shadow and Bone, 1899, and Mindhunter, were unfortunately canceled after just one season. However, one show has consistently been renewed and remains a highlight of Netflix’s offerings.

Grace & Frankie Is Netflix’s Longest-Running Show

Running for seven seasons and 94 episodes (2015-2022), Grace and Frankie is Netflix’s most enduring series. The show follows Grace Hanson, a meticulous woman played by Jane Fonda, and Frankie Bergstein, her bohemian counterpart played by Lily Tomlin. Their lives are dramatically changed when they discover their husbands, Robert (Martin Sheen) and Sol (Sam Waterston), are in love and leaving their wives to be together. Despite initially disliking each other, Grace and Frankie unexpectedly become close friends and learn to adjust to their new circumstances.

When season 7 of Virgin River premieres on March 12, 2026, it will be tied with Grace and Frankie as the longest-running original series on Netflix. An eighth season is already planned, which will make Virgin River the new record holder. However, even with eight seasons, Virgin River will have a total of 84 episodes, still fewer than the 94 episodes of Grace and Frankie.

Grace & Frankie Is Still One Of Netflix’s All-Time Best Series

Saeed Adyani/©Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection

Since Grace and Frankie wrapped up in April 2022, Netflix has released plenty of new shows, but few have reached the same level of quality as the seven-season comedy. Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Sam Waterston, and Martin Sheen consistently deliver both heartwarming and funny performances, and they handle the show’s more serious moments beautifully. The series stands out because it celebrates getting older, rather than making fun of its older cast, and it doesn’t shy away from the difficulties that come with age.

One key to the show’s success on Netflix is its length. With seven seasons and 94 episodes, viewers have plenty of time to connect with the characters and truly follow their growth, making their changes feel natural and believable. This extended format allows Grace and Frankie’s friendship, and Robert and Sol’s self-discovery, to feel authentic and earned.

Though the show centers on Grace, Frankie, Robert, and Sol, their grown children play a significant role in enriching the story. These characters—Brianna, Mallory, Coyote, and Bud—allow the series to delve into how the challenges and joys of aging impact the entire family across different generations. Each of them is a well-developed individual with their own compelling storylines and relationships.

While Grace and Frankie focuses on its characters, the show isn’t afraid to take its plot in surprising and funny directions. One minute Grace and Frankie are pitching a special toilet for seniors on Shark Tank, and the next they’re trying to keep money hidden from the FBI. These wilder storylines are grounded by more everyday situations, like when Grace and Frankie throw out their backs or when Sol deals with Robert’s memory loss.

The show Grace and Frankie demonstrates why Netflix should create more shows that last for several seasons. Allowing quality shows to develop over time builds a larger audience, increases viewership, and ultimately attracts more subscribers.

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2026-03-13 00:08