7 Classic TV Shows That Stayed True to Their Original Concepts

Maintaining a TV show's original premise throughout its entire run is quite a challenge. Many shows tend to deviate from their main idea as they progress, especially when writers struggle for fresh ideas. Some genres like sitcoms or procedurals have a set formula that allows them to stay consistent. On the other hand, some long-standing series are built on broad concepts that can keep them going for years without technically straying from their original concept.

Keeping a show's original premise intact becomes even harder when key actors depart, forcing writers to rethink the storyline without them. Sometimes, a show continues long past its prime, losing what made it successful in the first place. Nevertheless, some writers manage to craft stories that captivate audiences for many seasons.

Seinfeld (1989-1998)

Seinfeld was always about showing the cast being terrible people.

Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer in a car in Seinfeld - Seinfeld was always about showing the cast being terrible people. - Seinfeld (1989-1998)

The sitcom Seinfeld, known for its unique genre, follows four main characters who are often portrayed as behaving poorly. Unlike other sitcoms, Seinfeld maintains its original premise by focusing on the day-to-day lives and misadventures of this tight-knit group. While the characters may experience changes in relationships or careers, the core of the show always revolves around them. It is not until the series finale that the status quo is disrupted, with the main characters facing consequences for their actions as they go to jail. This departure from the usual pattern challenges the long-standing tradition of them getting away with their bad behavior.

American Horror Story (2011-Present)

AHS is still telling original horror stories.

Sarah Paulson as Ally wearing a cloak looking the mirror in American Horror Story season 7 - AHS is still telling original horror stories. - American Horror Story (2011-Present)

It is not clear if American Horror Story season 13 will be the end, but the premise could carry the show for many more years.

The anthology series format of American Horror Story allows the writers to deliver on their promise of a new horror story each season. This format also keeps the show fresh and exciting for viewers. Recurring actors like Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters playing different characters adds a sense of continuity to the series.

American Horror Story often centers the plot of each season around a specific horror trope, keeping the themes diverse and engaging. As the show continues to captivate audiences, fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming season 13. While it's uncertain if this will be the final season, the premise of the show has the potential to sustain it for many more years.

Friends showed the lives of the group of six for ten years.

Monica introduces Rachel to Chandler, Phoebe, and Ross in the Friends pilot - Friends showed the lives of the group of six for ten years. - Friends (1994-2004)

Criminal Minds is a TV series that has been airing since 2005. The show follows a team of FBI profilers as they solve criminal cases by delving into the minds of the perpetrators. Each episode focuses on a different case, keeping viewers engaged with new storylines and mysteries. The team members, with their unique skills and personalities, work together to catch the criminals and bring them to justice. Criminal Minds has captivated audiences for over a decade with its intriguing plots and compelling characters.

Criminal Minds is an investigation procedural that stands out.

Reid, Hotch and JJ in Criminal Minds season 2. - Criminal Minds is an investigation procedural that stands out. - Criminal Minds (2005-Present)

Game Of Thrones is a popular and beloved fantasy TV series that aired from 2011 to 2019. Despite its controversial final season, the show has left a lasting impact on its viewers. The series is based on the "A Song of Ice and Fire" novels by George R.R. Martin and follows the power struggles among noble families in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos.

The show gained immense popularity for its complex characters, intricate political plots, and epic battles. Fans were captivated by the twists and turns of the storyline and the unpredictable fates of their favorite characters. Game Of Thrones also became known for its stunning visuals, intricate costumes, and impressive set designs, which brought the world of Westeros to life on screen.

Despite its ending, Game Of Thrones remains a cultural phenomenon, with dedicated fans rewatching the series and debating its merits and flaws. The show's impact on popular culture is undeniable, and its legacy will continue to be felt for years to come.

Game of Thrones' broad premise never changed.

Jon Snow (Kit Harington) and Ned Stark (Sean Bean) in the last time they see each other in Game of Thrones - Game of Thrones' broad premise never changed. - Game Of Thrones (2011-2019)

Game of Thrones is often summarized as the story of noble families in Westeros battling for the throne. This central theme remains consistent throughout the series, even as the main characters evolve. Everything that unfolds, including the controversial conclusion of the show, revolves around the characters' quests to seize power.

In addition to the power struggles among the noble families, Game of Thrones also incorporates the looming threat of the White Walkers. Although it takes time for this storyline to develop, the presence of the White Walkers persists. The writers strategically include scenes involving them each season to emphasize that this threat is still a significant part of the overall narrative.

How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014)

How I Met Your Mother was always leading up to Ted meeting the mother.

Ted and Tracy under the yellow umbrella in How I Met Your Mother - How I Met Your Mother was always leading up to Ted meeting the mother. - How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014)

The storyline remains consistent throughout the series. Ted shares with his kids the weekly adventures he experiences, always ensuring them that it will lead to him meeting their mother - and indeed, it does.

How I Met Your Mother is a sitcom that focuses on a small group of characters, with the premise of leading up to Ted telling his children the story of how he met their mother. Throughout the series, Ted shares adventures with his kids, reassuring them that it will all lead to him meeting their mother.

However, the problem with the How I Met Your Mother finale is that it reveals a hidden story. It shows Ted actually trying to find out if his kids would be okay with him dating Robin, adding complexity to the original premise. The series stays fairly stable, with Ted eventually meeting their mother as promised.

Law & Order (1990-Present)

Law & Order's procedural format means the premise never has to change.

Kincaid, Briscoe, Schiff, and Logan in the original Law & Order - Law & Order's procedural format means the premise never has to change. - Law & Order (1990-Present)

Law & Order has remained unchanged for over 20 years, leading to the creation of several spinoffs that showcase the different cases handled by law enforcement officers and lawyers. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, for instance, has been on air for an impressive 25 years. With hundreds of cases and memorable performances by actors who have become Hollywood stars, the franchise's iconic formula continues to resonate with audiences. As long as there are real-life cases to draw inspiration from, the show's success is guaranteed.

House (2004-2012)

House's premise stays the same because it centers on one person.

Hugh Laurie as House in House M.D. Leaning over a Table - House's premise stays the same because it centers on one person. - House (2004-2012)

In theory, medical shows tend to follow a similar format regardless of how long they run. However, Grey's Anatomy initially focused on medical interns but has since evolved beyond that premise. On the other hand, House maintains consistency by revolving around the character of one person.

Dr. Gregory House's personal life is filled with dramatic plots that could potentially steer the show away from its usual procedural style. Despite this, House continues to diagnose patients regularly, even while behind bars. Focusing on a central character like House is a successful strategy for maintaining a consistent premise throughout a long-running series.

Editor's P/S:

The article provides insightful examples of how different TV shows have maintained or deviated from their original premises throughout their runs. It highlights the challenge of preserving the core concept while keeping the content fresh and engaging. The examples of Seinfeld, American Horror Story, Criminal Minds, Game of Thrones, How I Met Your Mother, Law & Order, and House demonstrate the various approaches used by writers to achieve this balance.

The article also explores the impact of key actor departures and the potential for a show to continue past its prime. It acknowledges that while some shows manage to maintain their quality over many seasons, others may lose what made them successful in the first place. Overall, the article provides a thought-provoking analysis of how TV shows navigate the challenge of maintaining their original premises while adapting to changing circumstances and audience expectations.