We already knew “NCIS” was the most popular television drama, and that it regularly places among the most-watched series overall. But this week the show reaches a new milestone: It will air its 300th episode. It’s a milestone that only 12 previous series have ever managed to hit — even a show as beloved as “MASH” bowed out with only 257 episodes to its credit. That other TV mainstay, “Grey’s Anatomy,” with 269 episodes to its name by the end of this season, still has another year and a half to go to reach the mark. So the achievement of “NCIS” executive producer Gary Glasberg and the cast headed by Mark Harmon cannot be played down — even if the procedural drama doesn’t draw the buzz of its younger TV brethren. Here’s a look at the other series that belong to that elusive “300 Club.” 1. “Gunsmoke” (1955-75) Network: CBS
Episodes: 635
Stars: James Arness, Amanda Blake
The hook: Sheriff Matt Dillon’s word was law in this landmark Western series. 2. “The Simpsons” (1989-Present) Network: Fox
Episodes: 589
Stars: Homer and Marge Simpson
The hook: The adventures of Homer and Marge and their kids continue to drive Fox’s Sunday lineup. 3. “Lassie” (1954-71) Network: CBS
Episodes: 547
Stars: Lassie
The hook: The ultimate rescue dog and a boy’s best friend, Lassie made Rin Tin Tin look like an amateur act. 4. “Law & Order” (1990-2010) Network: NBC
Episodes: 456
Stars: Sam Waterson, Jerry Orbach
The hook: The first meat-and-potatoes Dick Wolf legal series, “L&O” thrived because its plots were ripped from the headlines. 5. “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet” (1952-65) Network: ABC
Episodes: 435
Stars: The Nelson Family
The hook: Teen idol Ricky Nelson, who sang with his band on the show, is one of the big reasons this sitcom hit such heights. 6. “Bonanza” (1959-1973) Network: NBC
Episodes: 435
Stars: Lorne Greene, Michael Landon
The hook: “Bonanza” was “Gunsmoke” with sex appeal. As Little Joe, Michael Landon was a big draw on Sunday nights. 7. “Law & Order: SVU” (1999-Present) Network: NBC
Episodes: 383
Stars: Mariska Hargitay, Christopher Meloni, Ice-T
The hook: This, the most successful “L&O” spinoff, keeps chugging along like certain subways you’ve been in — you know the end of the line is in sight, you just don’t know if you’ll ever get there. 8. “My Three Sons” (1960-1972) Photo: Courtesy Everett CollectionNetworks: ABC, CBS
Episodes: 380
Stars: Fred MacMurray
The hook: Fred MacMurray’s comedy found a loyal audience on two different networks. 9. “Dallas” (1978-1991) Po: Lorimar Television / Courtesy: Everett CollectionNetwork: CBS
Episodes: 357
Stars: Larry Hagman, Linda Gray, Patrick Duffy
The hook: The ultimate prime-time soap, “Dallas” was in a class by itself, with Larry Hagman perfect as villain J.R. Ewing. 10. “Knots Landing” (1979-1993) Network: CBS
Episodes: 344
Stars: Michele Lee, Joan Van Ark, William Devane, Donna Mills
The hook: This sob-sister soap was never flashy like “Dynasty” or “Dallas,” but did star the ultimate soap actress, Joan Van Ark. 11. “CSI” (2000-15) Network: CBS
Episodes: 335
Stars: William Peterson, Marg Helgenberger. George Eads
The hook: The forensics-oriented crime procedural gave birth to another CBS franchise and outlived its children. 12. “ER” (1994-2009) Network: NBC
Episodes: 331
Stars: Anthony Edwards, George Clooney, Noah Wyle
The hook: The revolutionary medical drama launched the film career of George Clooney. 13: “NCIS” Network: CBS
Episodes: 300
Stars: Mark Harmon, Michael Weatherly
The hook: As Jethro Gibbs, Mark Harmon is the strong-but-silent savior of us all.
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Can you believe these TV shows lasted this long?
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