extremely popular long-running TV show
Refers to a TV program that has achieved exceptionally high ratings and longevity, often becoming a cultural phenomenon. The term お化け (ghost/monster) here metaphorically suggests something extraordinary or monstrous in scale.
That drama had such high ratings that it was called a monster hit show.
This variety show is a long-running monster hit that has been on the air for 20 years.
人気番組 is a popular show in general, but お化け番組 implies an exceptionally high level of popularity sustained over a long period.
Standard kanji spelling for this compound.
Kana spelling for the first part is also seen.
Compound of お化け (ghost, monster, something extraordinary) and 番組 (program). The use of お化け metaphorically indicates something monstrously large or phenomenal, referring to the show's outsized ratings and longevity.