Answer-first status summary
Will & Grace originally ran for 8 seasons from September 1998 to May 2006 on NBC, and later returned for additional seasons: 1 revival season in 2017 and 4 revival seasons from 2018 to 2020, bringing the total on-air span to about 11 seasons across two distinct eras. Counting only original air dates, the show was on for roughly 8 years; including revivals, it remained on through 2020, spanning roughly 12 calendar years with breaks between.
This status clarifier explains the distinction between original run years and revival years, why the numbering of seasons can be confusing, and how long the show has been off the air since its latest finale.
What people usually mean when asking how long Will & Grace was on
Because the show has had a multi-stage airing history—original episodes, cancellation, then a revival and more revivals—there are multiple valid answers:
- Original NBC run: 8 seasons, about 8 years (September 1998 to May 2006).
- Revival run on NBC: 5 additional seasons across 2017 to 2020 (Season 9 in 2017, Seasons 10–13 from 2018 to 2020).
- Total years the show was actively airing new episodes: closer to 11 seasons, with gaps between the original finale in 2006 and the revival start in 2017.
Because people often conflate these periods, the next sections break down the original timeline, the revival decisions, and the current status.
Timeline of the original run (1998–2006)
Will & Grace premiered on NBC on September 21, 1998, and concluded its initial order on May 18, 2006. The show went through seasons at a typical network pace, with most seasons airing in the fall-to-spring schedule common for comedies, and occasional midseason starts or breaks. Below is a concise overview of the original run by season.
Original seasons at a glance
| Season | Year Span | Episodes | Notable context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1998–1999 | 25 | Premiere and early establishment of core characters. |
| 2 | 1999–2000 | 24 | Continued character and relationship development. |
| 3 | 2000–2001 | 25 | Midpoint of original run; stable ratings. |
| 4 | 2001–2002 | 26 | Moved into fall; more serialized storytelling elements. |
| 5 | 2002–2003 | 25 | Strong mid-2000s performance; syndication discussions begin. |
| 6 | 2003–2004 | 25 | Continued popularity; ancillary markets pick up. |
| 7 | 2004–2005 | 22 | Approach to finale planning; cast renegotiations. |
| 8 | 2005–2006 | 24 | Series finale in May 2006; NBC shifts schedule. |
Why the confusion around season numbers
Some viewers see “Season 9” start in 2017 and wonder whether the original numbering was reset. In reality, the revival adhered to the original season count where feasible: NBC’s 2017 order was labeled Season 9, and subsequent revival seasons continued the numbering (10, 11, 12, 13). This continuity helps clarify that the revival was a continuation rather than an entirely new show, even though there was a long gap between production and air dates.
The revival and return (2017–2020)
After 11 years off the air, Will & Grace returned with a Season 9 in 2017. This was initially planned as a limited series, but it was expanded and followed with Seasons 10 through 13 from 2018 to 2020. The decision to revive the show reflected both enduring audience interest and the broader trend of legacy comedies being re-energized on their original networks.
Current status: Is the show still on or coming back?
As of now, there are no announced plans for new seasons or episodes. The final episode of the revival aired in 2020, and the show remains off the air. Industry trade reporting has not indicated active development, though cast interviews periodically express openness to another return. Barring new announcements, the status is considered concluded.
Key dates at a glance
| Date or Period | Event | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| September 21, 1998 | Original series premiere | Launched a multi-season run on NBC. |
| May 18, 2006 | Original series finale | Ended the first run after 8 seasons. |
| September 28, 2017 | Revival premiere (Season 9) | Marked the show’s return after an 11-year hiatus. |
| April 23, 2020 | Final episode of Season 13 | Last new episode to date; show remains off air. |
Frequently asked questions
Below are concise answers to common questions about how long Will & Grace has been on and its current state.
- How many years was Will & Grace originally on? About 8 years across 8 seasons, from 1998 to 2006.
- How many seasons are there in total including revivals? 13 seasons in total when combining the original 8 with the revival seasons (9 through 13).
- When did the revival start and end? The revival began in 2017 and concluded in 2020 with its final season.
- Is Will & Grace coming back? There are no active announcements for new seasons as of now; the show is currently off the air.
Wrap-up
In summary, Will & Grace originally aired for about 8 years, from 1998 to 2006, and later returned for 5 additional seasons between 2017 and 2020. The distinction between these periods matters for understanding its full on-air history and current status.