WHAT SHOW HOLDS THE TITLE: LONGEST RUNNING 1st-RUN, SYNDICATED TV PROGRAM??
Soul Train is a syndicated, music-related television program. In its 35-year history, the show primarily featured performances by rhythm and blues, soul, and hip hop artists, although jazz musicians and gospel singers have also appeared.
The show was known for its animated opening titles and sequences between musical performances featuring the popular cartoon train created by various cartoon studios. As a nod to Soul Train’s longevity, the show’s opening sequence (during later seasons) also contained a claim that it was the “longest-running, first-run, nationally-syndicated program in television history,” with over 1,100 episodes produced from the show’s debut through the 2005-06 season.
The series was created by Don Cornelius, who also served as its first host and executive producer, and aired first-run episodes from 1971 to 2006. Production was suspended following the 2005-2006 season, with a rerun package (known as The Best of Soul Train) airing for two years after that. Despite this, in years on air, Soul Train will continue to hold the honor of the longest, continuously-running first-run syndicated program until at least 2016, if and when its nearest competitor, Entertainment Tonight, completes its 35th season. (If ET does not complete a 35th season, Wheel of Fortune would pass in 2017 if it continues to air.)
Where did you get the Soul Train line that you always do at the Family Reunion or Wedding? Click here to find out.
