From One Generation to the Next, These 5 Malaysian TV Series Have Been Around Longer Than You Think

You know a show ran for a long time when you can’t even remember when it first started. Malaysian TV has its fair share of series, while most end after around twelve episodes, others went on for years before officially wrapping up. Though these TV series have already come to an end, they each had impressive runs, proving that if it works, it really works.

Here are five of the longest‑running Malaysian TV series ever aired:

1. Roda‑Roda Kuala Lumpur

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Before Gerak Khas aired, Roda‑Roda Kuala Lumpur was the go‑to show for a glimpse into police work. First aired in 1998, the show’s initial lineup featured stars such as A. Galak, AC Mizal and Deen Maidin. However, it was discontinued a year later following the debut of Gerak Khas.

Roda‑Roda Kuala Lumpur was later revived in 2008 with a new cast that included Zack Kool, Lando Zawawi, Jalaluddin Hassan and Serina Redzuawan. Unlike Gerak Khas, the series focused on the daily duties of the Royal Malaysia Police’s (PDRM) traffic officers. It highlighted traffic‑related crimes such as illegal racing and dangerous driving, among others.

From its first run in 1998 to its second run, which lasted until 2013, Roda‑Roda Kuala Lumpur aired a total of 186 episodes, making it one of the longest‑running TV series in Malaysia.

2. Tanah Kubur

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Famous for its unforgettable tagline, “setiap yang hidup pasti akan merasai mati” (every living thing must experience death), Tanah Kubur was one of those Malaysian TV series that truly stuck with viewers. Its impact came largely from its storytelling and the memorable character Tok Adi, played by actor Nasir Bilal Khan.

Produced by Opera Klasik, Tanah Kubur tells the story of a gravedigger who encounters various incidents involving bodies that need to be buried, with each episode carrying strong moral messages grounded in Islamic teachings. During its five years on air, from 2011 to 2016, the series built a loyal following and went on to span an impressive 197 episodes.

3. Mahligai Gading

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Aired from 2004 to 2006, Mahligai Gading is regarded as the longest television drama ever produced by RTM, spanning a total of 312 episodes. The series featured a cast that included the late legendary actor Jins Shamsuddin, Azhar Sulaiman, Ridzuan Hashim and Norlia Ghani.

Often described as the “1Malaysia drama” for its multi‑racial cast, the series tells the story of three friends who, after reconnecting later in life, attempt to arrange marriages between their children in hopes of reuniting their families. However, they soon realise that the younger generation prefers to choose their own paths. 

Mahligai Gading also made headlines for having three cabinet ministers at the time appear during its filming in Seri Kembangan, Selangor.

4. Idaman

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Produced by Antah UTV and aired on Astro, Idaman is a television drama that explores themes of greed, power and the pursuit of luxury in the business world. The story revolves around a tragedy during a fashion show, where a model is shot dead, an incident that later becomes the starting point of a deeper mystery involving family secrets and the boutique’s owner, Datuk Mansor Ghazali.

Aired for two seasons from 1998 to 2001, the series starred well‑known local actors such as Jalaluddin Hassan, Deanna Yusoff, Bell Ngasri, Janet Khoo and Dian P. Ramlee. Idaman is recognised as one of Malaysia’s longest‑running television dramas, spanning 312 episodes.

5. Gerak Khas

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For those who grew up in the late 1990s and early 2000s, chances are you’ve come across, or even become a fan of, Gerak Khas. The series centred on various crimes committed in Malaysia and how the police investigated and handled these cases.

Directed by Datuk Yusof Haslam, Gerak Khas boasted a star‑studded cast that included Datuk Yusof Haslam himself, Abby Abadi, Norman Hakim, Salina Saibi, Erra Fazira and Deen Maidin. The series aired from 5 April 1999 to 27 March 2021, spanning 20 seasons and 1,054 episodes, making it the longest‑running drama series in Malaysian television history.

Featured Image Credit: iQiyi, HibGlam