June 10th, 2011
09:48 AM ET
Feeling nostalgic: 12 TV theme songs you lovedAndrew Gold, who’s responsible for the 1970s hit “Lonely Boy” - which was featured in flicks like “Boogie Nights” and “The Waterboy” - died on June 3. The 59-year-old singer-songwriter also penned “Thank You for Being a Friend,” the song that introduced NBC’s “The Golden Girls” throughout the show’s seven seasons. Not only is “Thank You for Being a Friend” easily recognized as the sitcom’s theme song, it also tends to get stuck in your head - the true test of a genius opening tune. In what proved to be a truly daunting task, we narrowed down a list of about 50 memorable TV show theme songs to the 12 listed below: “Cheers” “Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name,” or at least where you can listen to a really catchy theme song. Luckily, at Cheers, you can do both.
“All in the Family” Remember listening to Edith and Archie Bunker sing the “All in the Family” theme song? “Those were the days.” (Pun intended.)
“Sesame Street” “Can you tell me how to get” the “Sesame Street” theme song out of my head? Didn’t think so.
“Happy Days” Not even The Fonz’s special way with a jukebox could get this tune out of your head. Ayyy!
“Brady Bunch” “Here’s a story of” an earworm jingle that will stay in your head long between episodes - whether you like it or not.
“Welcome Back, Kotter” “Welcome Back, Kotter” might not have lasted long on the air, running only for four seasons, but the sitcom’s theme song by John B. Sebastian managed to stick with us.
“The Addams Family” “They’re creepy and they’re kooky” and they all snap really well.
“The Jeffersons” Whether you’re “moving on up to East side” or not, you probably still have the tune from “The Jefferson's” ringing in your ears.
“The Flintstones” “When you’re with the Flinstones, you’ll have a yabba dabba doo time” and most likely get their theme song stuck in your head.
“The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” Will Smith’s “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” theme song might be the actor-rapper-producer’s finest contribution to the entertainment industry - if you don’t count “Bad Boys II.”
“Gilligan's Island” Three hours isn’t just the length of a tour on the S.S. Minnow - weather permitting. It’s also the amount of time you’ll have the “Gilligan's Island” theme song stuck in your head after listening.
“Laverne & Shirley” Don’t pretend you didn’t used to skip down the street chanting “Schlemiel! Schlimazel! Hasenpfeffer Incorporated!”
What did we miss? Share your favorites in the comments below.
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What about The Monkees
I didn't see "The Twilight Zone" on here...both versions are great. And if we're including cartoons what about JEM ??
Jay, I was going to say Different Strokes...
Andy Griffith is classic, I still whistle it.
Anyone know this one? "you take the good, you take the bad, take them both then you have the FACTS OF LIFE"
What happened to "Good Times," "Shaft," "Fraggle Rock," "Muppet Babies?" I'm sure you forgot a lot more.
Wow, those good ole' memories! At our family reunion we would play 'Name That Tune' and I would get the CD from the library that had all these old theme songs on it....we had a blast! It took everybody back down memory lane, when life was so much simpler. You know, back when we only had 4 channels and when Knight Owl with his big glasses came on, then the Star Spangled Banner played, it was bed time. Well, a couple of my favorites were Golden Girl, Love Boat, Different World, Dallas, Knots Landing, Chalies Angels, let's not forget all the stories in the daytime, but my favorite, favorite was Welcome Back Kotter, something about that song is so smooth, I love it. Well, thanks for the memories!
Hey, what about "Be-witched" and "I dream a Genie". I also like "Miami Vice" and dreamt as a child to drive a fast boat! One more "Knight Rider" got me all excited as a young boy wishing to have a talking car.
Spiderman! first came to mind, then "I Dream of Jeannie."
THE NANNY!!!!!
duhhhhhhhh...FRASIER!
The theme song for Frasier is great, although I didnt know Kelsey Grammer could sing...
Beverly Hill Billys – Gilligans Island – Happy Days!!!!!!!!
gimme a break
What about MONK? "It's a Jungle Out There" by Randy Newman
LYRICS:
It's a jungle out there
Disorder and confusion everywhere
No one seems to care
Well I do
Hey, who's in charge here?
It's a jungle out there
Poison in the very air we breathe
Do you know what's in the water that you drink?
Well I do, and it's amazing
People think I'm crazy, 'cause I worry all the time
If you paid attention, you'd be worried too
You better pay attention
Or this world we love so much might just kill you
I could be wrong now, but I don't think so
It's a jungle out there
My 2 favorites are The original Hawaii Five-O theme song and Mission Impossible's.
two words.....FAMILY MATTERS and RUGRATS!!!
Anybody remember the kids show called "Todays Special"
Greatest show ever...took me like 5 years to remember the name of it though..would always get the melody stuck in my head and one day it dawned on me!
They forgot BOY MEETS WORLD!
How come no one says Andy Griffith? Ok there are no lyrics, but that whistling is catchy
Now we go back in time my fav were Flipper and F-troop.To this day i still sing flipper theme/Lets face it he was faster then lightning,and was smarter then me.hehe
What about Northern Exposure?
Hawaii 50 ( original and new)
All Law & Order themes
24
scooby doo anyone?
Oh YES, STAR TREK and MISSION IMPOSSIBLE TV – and most of the non dirty lists are all good ones. AND Let's not for get the #1 I LOVE LUCY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love the old school themes from the 60's 70's to today. What about The Nanny??? And I Love Lucy?? We learned the words to the theme song in her Birthday episode. It was Ricky's gift to her-..
Bossom Buddies, the Billy Joel song My Life.
The theme from "Now and Then". Great hip and evocative.
the Dukes of Hazzard and Simon and Simon
2 WORDS: FAMILY TIES!!!!
OMG and no one mentioned BEWITCHED...as soon as you hear the song you think SAMANTHA!!
how about pink panther
Paladin ( Have Gun, Will Travel)
I can't believe no one has mentioned the tune from the Andy Griffith show! I mean everyone knows it!
How can anybody not put Hawaii 5-O down? Also liked the ROckford files!
I am voting for Cops!
How has no one mentioned Saved by the Bell?
Maybe because it sucked donkey wang
How has no one mentions Saved by the Bell?
Wow! Some of you are showing your (and my) age!! lol
What happened to Good Times; 227; Maude; The Mary Tyler Moore Show: all these shows had good theme songs.
I myself love that 70's shows theme song
It might be early to call this one a "classic", but I have to add Game of Thrones. FREAKING EPIC.
How about I Love Lucy....and who doesn't whitle the theme to the Andy Griffith show every time it comes on?!?!
I would have included
The Wonder Years
Hawaii Five-O
I didn't go through all the comments, but I had yet to see anyone mention Salute Your Shorts...an originial, uber-memorable song made for the show, sung by the cast. I'll always be able to recall how that tune goes.
Come to think of it, most of the shows on old school Nickelodeon had awesome theme songs..I could go on forever:
All That, Hey Dude!, What Would You Do, Wild and Crazy Kids, Rocko's Modern Life, Doug, Hey Arnold!, The Angry Beavers. Hell, I can sing pretty much every word to CatDog..."Alone in the world is a little CatDog!"
I'm not including Rugrats in my list (I realize its classic but it was never my favorite show). But, I think SpongeBob Squarepants should get a nod since its so catchy. And I think everyones suggestions are on point, but it seemed like Nick wasn't getting any love!
It's been written by other people, and I want to put it in writing again: HAWAII FIVE-0 Theme song. The song was a lot better than the Aloha-hoi and Hawaiian Eye music that had been associated with the 50th state prior to it's release and was an instant classic thanks to The Ventures (and a very good tv show as well). Magnum P.I. (another Hawaiian tv show) also had a memorable tv theme song as well. There have been a lot of tv shows with a lot of great music associated with them since the 1940s (when tv started becoming popular in the USA).
Daniel Boone
What about Bosom Buddies (Tom Hanks) still played on the radio every so often
For instrumentals, the theme from Falcon Crest wins, hands down!
No one at all mentioned Rosanne. Maybe th show over shadowed the them song but...
If what doesn't kill us is making us stronger
We're gonna last longer
Than that greates wall in China....
...Well there's one thing that I've learned
While waiting for my turn
Is that in this life some rain falls
But we also get some sun
And we'll make out better than OK
Hear what I say
Hear what I say?
Was I the only kid who watched "Walt Disney" on Sunday nights at 7pm and heard "When you wish upon a star?" Then Tinker Bell did her little swooping thing at the end. I hear Glenn Miller's version often on my iPod and it takes me right back. I looked at this entire list and did not see a single mention of this song so maybe it's just me.
Good Times and Stanford and Son!!!
Nanny and the Professor
My favorite: The Waltons. The Muppet Show is pretty good too.
The Wonder Years
"Facts of Life", "St. Elsewhere".
Joan of Arcadia is one that I haven't seen in all the above comments.
Animaniacs
Chico and The Man (sweet)
"Linus and Lucy" -our list should include songs that are immediately attributed to a particular or regular character, show or special.
M*A*S*H -for those that claim that instrumentals are not included -better reread these posts. This theme song HAS lyrics.
3rd Rock From the Sun (love the guitar!)
Room 222, Speed Racer, Underdog, Super chicken, George of the jungle,Zoom,fat albert, fame.
"kiss my grits" alice!
How about bosom buddy, american hero, taxi,
The Greatest American Hero theme...
Sigmund and the sea monsters
Underdog
Gigantor
Black sheep squadron
Hawaii 5-0, 1960's version
Star Trek Enterprise - It's Been A Long Time
Threes company theme song
The Jetson's!
One of my favorites: theme from Hill Street Blues !
Saved by the Bell!
Um...How about Perfect Stranger? David Pomeranz is the man!
flinstones, jetsons, hey dude, family matters, step by step, full house, green acres, wonder years, blossom, the facts of life, mr ed, bewitched, saved by the bell.... just to name a few!!
Green acres,That Girl, Mannix. ,cannon, Barnaby Jones,Jeannie,Bewitched,Mork &Mindy,Too Close For Comfort,3`s Company.5-O...Shall I Go On?
Lady Godiva was a freedom rider; Isadora was the first bra burner........
C'mon, what about the theme to Maude? It was campy and soulful and just plain fun. It is a bit dated at this point, but so are many of the other choices listed. Sanford and Son's theme was usually the best part of that kinda crappy, but lovable, show. The Jeffersons was probably my favorite.
Too many '70s shows. How about Petticoat Junction, I Love Lucy, The Beverly Hillbillies, My Little Margie, I Married Joan, and Love Nest from Burns and Allen, to name a few earlier themes.
Three's company should have definitely been on this list along with the theme from GOOD Times
Martin also
Good Times
Good Times was one of the best!
Wut about the A-TEAM and I havnt heard this since I wuz like 5 and I still remember it- Sha-Na-Na. "Good nite sweetheart yeah its time to go"
Happy Days
The Mary Tyler Moore Show theme.....of course!
This list nailed it!
The greatest American hero."Believe it or not, I'm walking on air, never thought I could feel so free....."
I can't believe the "Friends" theme song didn't make this list
It's one of my favorites!
The Fall Guy. Definitely catchy.
Loved the ' western' themes from way back: Colt 45, Sugarfoot, Cheyenne, Rawhide (ahhh Frankie Lane), Maverick....
In my opinion they completely missed the greatest theme song (from the greatest show) EVER.........The Andy Griffith Show!! Who hasn't whistled that catchy tune at least a couple of times in their life?
Go go Power Rangers you mighty morphing Power Rangers, but Walker Texas Ranger should definitely have been on there I mean come on its Chuck Norris
So many have been mentioned are great themesongs and bring back great memories. My list would be;and in no particular order:Mash, The Beverly Hillbillies, The Courtship of Eddie's Father, Andy Griffith, Mary Tyler Moore, The Odd Couple, The Partridge Family, The Munsters, The Monkees, Mission Impossible, Hawaii Five-O, And one soap opera theme that has I think been mostly forgotten, although it was mentioned maybe once or twice: Dark Shadows. That music can send chills up your spine!
OMG.....these posts bring tears to my eyes.....I miss the good ole days!!!!!! We tend to forget how great those shows were compared to the crap on tv today. Wow....miss those days and the great songs. Thanks guys for reminding me of those great times.
Puhleeze, this should have been on the list!
Bewitched, bewitched, you've got me in your spell.
Bewitched, bewitched, you know your craft so well.
Before I knew what you were doing, I looked in your eyes.
That brand of woo that you've been brew-in', took me by surprise.
You witch, you witch, one thing that's for sure,
That stuff you pitch – just hasn't got a cure.
My heart was under lock and key, but somehow it got unhitched.
I never thought my heart could be had;
But now I'm caught and I'm kind of glad to be Bewitched.
Bewitched-Bewitched.
(Best version, imo is Steve Lawrence's verison of Bewitched theme song)
U guys r crazy 4 4getin these ...Maude,married with children,and the nanny
Scooby Doo!
A few 'missing-in-braincell-filling' action:
- The Odd Couple (Mancini: "that request, came from his wife")
- The Munsters (who lived at 1313 Mockingbird Lane?)
- The Mod Squad
- Bewitched
- Leave it to Beaver (starring...)
And from Saturday mornings with a plate of pop-tarts on your lap and a glass of Tang in your hand...
- Bullwinkle
- The Tick (bum-ba, dada deedah...)
- Johnny Quest
Vote for future theme song nostalgia: Big Bang (math, science, history...)
Jphnny Yuma was "The Rebel", he rolled through the west. Loved that one!
Who chose these videos?
Until now, I had never even heard of that version of the Sesame St. theme song. With the bulk of these theme songs being from the 70's-era youd think they would have used a) the actually memorable Sesame theme, and b) a version of the Kotter opening that wasn't recorded on a camcorder set up in front of a tv.
And where's hawaii five-o?
The Saint, The Pursuaders, Maple Leaf Wrestling & Saturday afternoon baseball before Fox. And I remember the Big Blue Marble.
I love the NCIS theme song. Also very suprised that Growing Pains theme song didn't make it. "Show me that smile again"
Bosom buddys...Charlie angels.....knight rider.:.
Mary tyler moore show, one day at a time
Spin City
News Radio
Carol Burnett Show
Dean Martin Show
Dallas
I Spy
Still love the Theme songs from Frasier, Seinfeld, Friends and Two and a Half Men! Where are they???
MIKE POST deserves recognition here for having written more of these memorable TV theme songs than perhaps any other person on the planet. He is the MAN when it comes to popular TV theme songs. Thanks, Mike!
Just for the record the original theme of M*A*S*H did have words but the censor's of the 70's would not let them be sung on TV.
and "american dad" (good morning usa.... Ive got a feelin that its gonna be a wonderful day....
"danger mouse" was also a good one
another one my mom and i used to sing constantly was "branded".... What do you do when youre branded... And youre full of shame.... What do you do when youre branded... Then you fight for your name...
the show didnt last very long (but it shouldve lasted a lot longer imho cuz i at least found it clever and funny) but what about the theme to "mission hill"? It was the instrumental version of "italian leather sofa" by cake... "hes got a gold watch... She got a silk dress... And healthy breasts.... That bounce on his italian leather sooo-faaaa" (yes i am a fan of cake too)
X-Files....
Wish you had this: Friends, Three's company, Who's the boss
There were some great game show instrumentals too: the Newlywed Game, the Dating Game and the Price is Right.
The Mod Squad!
No one mentioned ThatGirl with Marlo Thomas!!
3's Company
WKRP in Cincinnati
does anyone remember Mr. Ed? a horse is a horse of course, of course
You forgot Good Times.
How in the world do u overlook Good Times..
How about "the beverly hillbillies theme" and the theme from "family ties"? Don't forget "green acres"
Flipper, Bonanza, Bionic Woman, Firefly, Family Guy, Space 1999(season 1), The Heights, Late Night With David Letterman, NBC Nightly News, ABC Monday Night Football, Eight Is Enough, Star Trek, ST Next Generation, American Bandstand
Family ties,wonder years
How about Doogie Howser M.D. and Street Hawk?
Anyone...?
Welcome Back Kotter and Fresh Prince are the two that definitely should not been on the list. I would have had the Growing Pains theme, Friends, or Mary Tyler Moore Show theme instead.
LOVE BOAT!!! "Love, exciting and new...!!!"
I always liked the theme to "Quincy, ME." And "Murder, She Wrote." And, no, I'm not 100!!
Charles in Charge!! Married with Childern is a classic too
Scooby Doo is one anybody who watched cartoons will know and can sing for hours.
love and marriage:)love and marriage..,or bad boys bad boys watcha gunma do what ya going to do when they come for you..this was filmed live with the men and woman of law enforcement..
WHERE IS THE NANNY!?
Did anyone mention the Midnight Caller theme. It was jazzy, but cool.
Has everyone forgotten about "The Monkees" and "The Partridge Family"?
I can't believe nobody mentioned Cops!!
How can you not have Hawaii 5-0?!?!?!?!?!
Great list but missing Beverly Hillbillies and WKRP
how about the original power rangers? lol
Greatest American Hero
I'd add the A-Team and Dallas theme songs. Both were great! And the Smurfs or Scooby Doo–who could forget those?
Thanks John for the bringing back memories. The Rockford files was an awesome theme song. I still have it on 45. Us older folks know about those. Wish I had a record players. Might have to make one with a cone shaped construction paper and stick pin to spin it one more time.
How dare you leave out Flatt & Scruggs and the Clampets!
Barney Miller
Hawaii Five-O
The Odd Couple
Miami Vice
Hockey Night in Canada
King of Kensington
The Beachcombers
the growing pains theme song. It tends to get stuck in your head when you hear it only once
Petticoat Junctiion Theme Song
QUINCY!!!!!
Mickey Mouse Club
I love Lucy
Odd Couple
Pinky and the Brain
I'd say that The Big Bang Theory's theme song is about the best one around these days.
The Greatest American Hero...
How about Hee Hee Hee Haw Haw?
Doctor Who
Hawaii Five O
I Love Lucy, Malcom in the Middle, MASH, Family Ties, Munsters, Batman, Emergency, The Jefferson's, Alice. These are just a few. Such a highly personal list who's to say what's the best. How about Beverly Hillbillies? Jeez, that suckers in my head for the duration.
Oh, and One Day a Time
Alice and Three's Company
Reading Rainbow!!!
and Mr. Roger's Neighborhood... won't you be my neighbor!
Johnny Sokko and Ultraman
Wiseguy
Northern Exposure
Coach
Mr Ed
Friends!
Hey dont forget bad boys from cops and i have hawaii 50 for my ring tone. And happy trails to you all.
Full House, Family Matters, Step by Step, Boy Meets World, Keenan and Kel.
No one has mentioned PHYLLIS! It was a great theme song and hilarious kicker on the end.
Saturday Night Live theme
Slowwwww newsssss dayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
Phyllis.
Closing song of The Porky Pig show.
And grrrr: now I've got the Charles In Charge theme stuck in my head!!
More than even once a week-the "Jeopardy" final question, every day X 5 !
I dunno...the Walker, Texas Ranger theme was pretty sweet once Chuck Norris began singing it...
Have any of the writers ever heard the X Files or Roswell theme song?
Watch out for that Treeeeee!!! George of the Jungle
What about the simpsons?!!!!! common now, how can you forget the simpons?
M*A*S*H
ady Godiva was a freedom rider
She didnt' care if the whole world looked.
Joan of Arc with the Lord to guide her
She was a sister who really cooked.
Isadora was the first bra burner
And you're glad she showed up. (Oh yeah)
And when the country was falling apart
Betsy Ross got it all sewed up.
And then there's Maude.
And then there's Maude.
And then there's Maude.
And then there's Maude.
And then there's Maude.
And then there's Maude.
And then there's
That old compromisin', enterprisin', anything but tranquilizing,
Right on Maude.
The Jeffersons
What is wrong with everyone... "Growing Pains"... duh!
Thank You every one!!! Did we miss any? As I read them all, each song played in my head, My fav, H.5,O I guess it has no words is why no list. Still on my playlist
I agree that theme for Hawaii Five-0 is fantastic. I also liked the theme from Wild, Wild West, and Top Cat. I heard a band at Disneyland ROCK the Jetsons theme, which is extremely catchy. One theme song that is perhaps less worthy but can still crack me up is Super Chicken.
No class without including some of Henry Mancini's tunes such as the Pink Panther theme, and the music from Peter Gunn.
Two I haven't seen listed:
The Andy Griffith Show – I can still whistle the tune perfectly.
The Real McCoys
Older but top notch shows IMHO.
Hawaii Five-O
Hill Street Blues
Combat
12 O'Clock High
High Chaparrel
Virginian
MASH (and it does have words-Suicide is painless and I can take or leave it as I please)
The 'Andy Griffith Show', 'Hill Street Blues' and one most of you will not remember 'Jigsaw John'.
What about "Bewitched" & "Green Acres"?!!
Mr. ED
I hate them all.
Theme from Peter Gunn
the Monkey's
Hawaii 5-0 : Book em Dano
Perry Mason
Twilight Zone
I agree ... Leave it To Beaver
I just read through the entire comment list and it is evident that this shoud be at least a top 100 list to do the topic justice. So many "oh yeah!" moments it was worth the half hour it took. The one that was not mentioned even once though was the instrumental theme to Monday Night Football (not the Hank Williams Jr song, oh God no!) That opening gives me the chills to this day.
Anyone remember Seattle by Perry Como? It was the theme song for Here comes the Brides.
All of the songs listed (in the article and posts) are wondrefully memorable. I would like to add the Sons of Anarchy theme, Burn Notice, and Unsolved Mysteries for the adult list and Imagination Movers, Bubble Guppies and Dora The Explorer for the kids.
The Golden Girls theme song was a top-40 hit years before the Golden Girls TV premier. How can you make a top-10 theme song list and NOT include The Monkees?!
"Thank You for Being a Friend" was actually a top-40 hit years before the Golden Girls TV premier, so even though I love the show and watch in in reruns from time to time, it shouldn't count. How could you leave the Monkees theme song off the list?! Seriously!
As a second generation viewer (I was too young for prime time), give me The Monkees theme song anytime).
Barney Miller, Sanford and Son, Hill Street Blues
One Day at a Time
You missed "Green Acres" and the "Beverly Hill Billies", they were the best.
Um, Growing Pains – "As long as we got each other..."
+1 for Married with Children.
So many great themes....so hard to list them all! Loved all those westerns. Add Secret Agent, "Long Lonesome Highway" from Then Came Bronson, and Zorro. How can Mission Impossible not be on the list? Or Star Trek? Some of my favorites wouldn't count because they were stolen from classical music, not written for the series – Lone Ranger, Sgt. Preston of the Yukon, etc.
Mission Impossible
Twilight Zone! Just play the first few bars and you know the theme.
Greatest American Hero and Bosom Buddies. Two great themes that had good radio play.
I composed the Paper Chase theme on Showtime and did the music for the series. Proud of the show.
They must be kidding?? FRIENDS?? "I'll Be There For You" is a great song that stands by itself without having to be a theme song. It sounded great on the radio.and now that I reminded everyone I am sure you'll go home with "I'll Be There For You, when the rain starts to fall...."
What about Mr. ED?
Who is the maroon that came up with that list. From what was listed it sounds like a group of 40 year old women. Hands down its gotta be the theme from Hawaii 5-0 as number 1 then the theme from the Rifleman as number 2
Beverly Hill Billies
Three's Company
Bewitched
I Dream of Jeannie
The Paper Chase theme on Showtime.
Lots of great ones, but wanted to add:
The Green Hornet
Shazzan
Tarzan (1960's)- Ron Ely
UFO
Dark Shadows
The Waltons
Pruitts of South Hampton
Gomer Pyle
The Avengers
The Pruitts of South Hampton ???? OK, I'm stumped on that one. When, where was this show? I never heard of it.
Mentioning The Waltons also reminded me of Little House on the Prairie...even in you didn't watch the shows, the themes to each were very memorable.
chuck norris show "texas ranger"
The Paper Chase theme on Showtime, not CBS.
What no mention of "Hey hey we're the monkey's" by anyone out there?
Heck yeah! Hey, hey we're the Mokeys!
Where's "Barney Miller" and "Sanford & Son?" My two favs.
What about some of the classic western themes, like Rawhide and Bonanza.
Miami Vice. Yea. Go Crockett and Tubbs
What? No Fall Guy??
How about Buck rogers in the 25th century? I always thought it was cool. Airwolf and Fame too.
Dragnet ! Dun da dun dun duunnnnn !!!!
Where is 'the Nanny'?
I believe the songs on the list have words/lyrics that are memorable. Songs from Bonanza and Get Smart etc. are memorable but don't have lyrics.
Geez, isn't anyone going to mention scooby doo or reading rainbow??
Don't forget the Mystery Science Theater 3000 theme song! (Along with the end-theme: MIGHTY SCIENCE THEATER). So good!
Don't know if I saw it yet the courtship of eddies father.
More recently – "I'll be there for you" Friends
Rat Patrol
Beverly Hillbilies
You totally missed The Monkees.
The Fresh Prince of Bel Air was a horrible show with a stupid theme song. I liked the theme song to "A Different World", the spin off of The Cosby Show. What about the theme song to Family Ties???
WKRP in Cincinnati
Hello . . . the Mary Tylor Moore Show!
Alice
I Dream of Jeannie
Wonder Woman
what about the song for the cartoon the ARCHIES??
I challenge anyone to listen to the Sesame Street theme and NOT smile a little. It's just one of those tunes that makes you feel good.
Instrumentals should count, Macguyver should be in there. And if it has to be lyrical, Family Guy!
And old one – "Andy Griffith"!
and a newer one – "70's Show"
Barney Miller
Macgyver theme music......Always got my blood pumping.
Where is the "Facts of Life" theme song?
Not too many western themes. I did see Bonanza and Rawhide, but I guess I should date myself and say "The Rebel" with Nick Adams 59-61..."Johnny Yuma was a rebel, he wandered alone...."
Beverly Hillbillies...Mister Ed
how about the greatest american hero: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9Q3orQhEcA
DALLAS!
Married with Children – Love and Marriage!
Bonanza, Hawaii-50, Dragnet, Lone Ranger.... Those are the ones that run through my head...but then they give away my age some?
Wings
Mr Beledere
Married with Children
My Two Dad's
Thirth Something
Remington Steele
There quite a few missed: Good Times, Roseanne, S.W.A.T., Partridge Family, Half & Half, Maude, etc. If you go to sitcomesonline.com you can hear any theme song from most sitcomes.
Another great instrumental was Mancini's "Sunday Mystery Movie" theme.
Starring Peter Falk as Columbo!
Within the NBC Mystery Movie, I particularly like the "McCloud" theme with Dennis Weaver.
Instrumental: I can't believe the Original Mission Imposible isn't getting more Love. How could you not tap your toes while hearing the bongos and flute.
How about The Mary Tyler Moore Show. I loved that ...who can turn the world
on with her smile......
Hello. Simply wonderful tunes and memories, though how about Mary Tyler Moore? Thanks.
Hogan's Heros
For instrumental: The Munsters, Bewitched, and I dream of Jeannie. They alternate as ring tones on my phone and everyone knows them.
Married With Children
saved by the bell. them song COPS them song. Martain show them song. A-TEAM .KNIGHTRIDER. BAYWATCH
Goosebumps no one has blog that one either!
How about friggin Mr. Belvedere?!
Hill Street Blues
Dukes of Hazzards!
While I wouldn't call it a beauty, there is no TV theme that stays in your head and refuses to leave more than Jeopardy. I like others better, but Jeopardy is almost a form of torture. Once in your head you're stuck.
How about those cheesy ones like Alf, Airwolf, Doogie Howser. Full house and Family matters!
Truly cheesy but memorable – Inspector Gadget, Smurfs – thought I would add those for those cartoon lovers.
Growing Pains theme is epic.
That's a pretty good list. However, I agree with most readers that it should include MASH, Rockford Files (or anything else by Mike Post) and a few others already mentioned numerous times. I would also include, Maverick....maybe I'm just a James Garner fan..."Who is that tall dark stranger there? Maverick is his name."
And if I remember right, the theme to Hawaii 5-0 was recorded by the Ventures but I don't know if it was intended as the theme song from inception or was adopted by the show. Maybe someone knows?
The Banana Splits!
The theme song from Maude is one of my favs
"When you least expect it, you're elected. It's your lucky day. Smile. You're on candid camera." AND
"A horse is a horse of course, of course, and no one can talk to a horse, of course. That is unless, the horse, of course, is the famous Mr. Ed."
Highlander
What about "Champion, the Wonder Horse".
I Dream of Jeannie....Barbara Eden was my first crush!!
Dragnet and Alf!
I am shocked to see the greatest theme song ever left out, especially since this show aslo starred the amazing Bea Author. Maude is about as hood as it gets!
I always liked the theme songs from "Daniel Boone" and "Davy Crockett".
Dan-iel Boone was a man, was a BIIIIIIIIG MAN! Absolutely.
MAGNUM PI! The red Ferrari, the tires spinning on the gravel as the theme plays....
Thank you for the memories. Each one is unique. Additionally, I miss the theme from Rockford Files, Starsky&Hutch, Dynasty, Dallas, Threes Company and LA law.
What about "I MARRIED JOAN", that great a capella number sung by the Roger Wagner Choral?
Branded.... Perry Mason....Bewitched....Combat..... the A-Team.... Days of our lives.... CBS evening news with Walter Cronkite
How many know Lorne Greene recorded lyrics to the Bonanza theme? "Hoss & Joe, Adam know every rock & pine. No one works, fights or eats like those boys of mine. Here we stand in the middle of a grand bonanza – with a horse & a rope and a hat full of hope, we'vw planted our family tree."
Two BIG misses:
Hill Street Blues
St. Elsewhere
Charles In Charge
Pretty good
If we are going to include songs without lyrics how about "I Love Lucy" and "The Andy Griffith Show". Who can't whistle that one?!!!
A special metion should go to "Stranger On The Shore' by Mr. Acker Bilk. It was composed for a British TV show of the same name in 1961 that apparently did not air in the USA according to IMDB.com. Instead it was released in the US as a single and became the #1 hit of 1962 on the Billboard top 100.
special mention
Maude..
I DREAM OF GENIE ! (SORRY)
Honey, you still didn't get it right! It's "I Dream of Jeannie!" LOL
I DRAM OF JEANIE!
1. Mission Impossible
2. Baretta
3. Golden Girls
4. Welcome Back Kotter
5. Happy Days, Laverne and Shirley
6. Good Times
7. The Flintstones
8. The Munsters
9. The Adams Family
10. The Wild Wild West
*Telling My Age and I don't care
Kimba the white lion, is his name. . . .
Nice going, Jean. Cheyenne, Cheyenne, where will you be camping tonight? A solkier of fortune is the man called, Paladin. Maverick, Sugarfoot, terrific. Alas, we seem to have forgotten our history, we had one frontiersman who was the king of the wild frontier, and another who killed him a "bar" when he was only three.
Missed some – MASH, Hawaii 5-O, The Rockford Files to name a few
What about Fame? "I'm gonna live forever!"
Decent list.
If anyones interested, there are some pretty cool TV theme song soundboards on the android market. Search RocTech Mobile and they should come up.
Night Court
Law & Order
Big Bang Theory (how can you not like a theme song by BNL?)
F Troop
A Team
What about Love Boat ?
How about these:
1. Hawaii 5 "0"
2. Dragnet
3. Superman (old Version)
4. Munsters
5. Road Runner Cartoon
6. Get Smart
7. Dick Vandike Show
8. Wagon Train
9. Yogi Bear
10. Deputy Dog
11. Laugh In
12. Augi-Doggie
13. Felix the Cat
14. Space Ghost
15 Johnny Quest
Just to name a few.
come n listen to a story bout a man named jed, poor mountaineer barely kept his family fed, and what a family it was
What's Happening had an amazing theme song as did Sanford and Sons!
I never really enjoyed the show, but have been haunted by the theme to The Waltons all my life.
Newhart had an amazingly catchy theme song as well as did Murder She Wrote!
These ones listed seem just to be the most popular, but certainly not the catchiest.
And yes, I agree... Mary Tyler Moore and MASH should be up there as well!
"Don't do the crime if you can't do the time - don't do it" BARETTA!
The Streets of San Francisco!
BJ & the Bear, Fall Guy, Renegade, Dallas, CHiPs, Growing Pains, Full House, Family Ties, Miami Vice.....the list could go on and on....
enterprise
The first one that came to my mind: Greatest American Hero
Second one i thought of that I didn't see: The Bugaloo's - Remember it? Something like: "The bugaloos, the bugaloos, they're in the air and everywhere. Flying high. Flying low...."
How can you forget: (Not saying all these shows were great but the theme songs were catchy, even if not all had lyrics)
The Fall Guy
The A-Team
The Andy Griffith Show
The Simpsons
Family Guy
Benny Hill
Sanford and Son
Dukes of hazzard
And last but not least THE MUPPET SHOW!!
And Dallas.
More recent themes – Xena Warrior Princess, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Alias, Angel, and Chuck.
And Mr. Ed: "A Hore is a Horse, of course, of course..."
Married with Children
Mission Imposible
The Monkees
The Pink Panther
Lost in Space
Bonanza
Baretta
Star trek
the 6 million dollar man
it's about time
HR puff-n-stuff
The twilight zone
What about The Facts of Life?
"You take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and there you have...THE FACTS OF LIFE...THE FACTS OF LIFE!"
60 Mintues Theme.....bestof them all....tic tic tic tic tic tic........
MASH was great, most people don't know the song was about suicide, lol.
Greatest American hero, hill street blues, taxi, good times, benny hill. Just to name a few. Oh, and threes company.
Also forgot, The Avengers (UK show, not the superheroes, with Diana Rigg and Patrick MacNee) and Doctor WHO.
Also remember the '90s show, Weird Science ?
The list needs to be redone to include all of the shows that we've (posters) listed in our replies. But we'll give you a B- for starters – LOL!
"Robin Hood, Robin Hood,
Riding through the glen.
Robin Hood, Robin Hood,
With his band of men.
Feared by the bad,
Loved by the good,
Robin Hood, Robin Hood."
Of course, you have to be pretty old to remember that one.
Soap Opera show theme song....DARK SHADOWS
The Brady Bunch!
I thought for sure Saved By the Bell would make the list. I guess being a child of the 80's/early 90's it's ingrained in my memory. My husband and I still sometimes break out singing it in the car.
Oh yes. I love the SBTB song. I totally describes my high school experience!
Of course the Doctor Who theme (instrumental)
Fantasy Island! The plane The plane!!
The Muppet Show is great!
Different Strokes and The Facts of Life
Numbers 1 and 2 must go to Hawaii five- 0 and mission impossible. Cheers and golden girls don't even make the list.
If you are talking about TV themes (no words, just instrumentals), I'm surprised no one has mentioned:
THE ODD COUPLE (that opening electric piano riff)
TAXI (aka "Angela", Bob James' finest hour)
DOCTOR WHO (all the versions, but the most striking version is the original)
How could you forget Hawaii 5-0????
Andrew will be missed, especially since he was one of the great songwriters along all the others associated w/ movies. As a novice writer myself, I hope that I can develop something people will remember. RIP Andrew,have fun making theme songs in heaven...
Different Strokes
what about Hawaii Five-O? The original..not the new
What about "Friends"?
77 Sunset Strip and original Hawaii Five-O. Love the current Raising Hope theme.
Batman, Star Trek, M*A*S*H, The Waltons, Dallas...
Where is "Believe It Not?" the theme song from Greatest American Hero??? Maybe the greatest tv these song ever!
I always loved Speed racer and The Banana Splits Songs and I still sing them with my best friend on occasion.
What about Rocky and Bullwinkle or Fractured Failr Tales?
Two of my favorites have no lyrics: The original Hawaii Five-O and I Dream of Jeannie.
What about the Andy Griffith show – I never could quite get that whistle
Good stuff.....
I suppose it was a family thing; my eldest cousin, Bill Tinsman, [read credits next time you watch] was one of creators of the "Beverly HillBillies" and its list of spin-offs. Glad to see that others felt this theme song is good for the Good Ole TV Hall-of-Fame.
Let's not forget another spin-off; "Green Acres";"...the chores – the stores..."
and Jed Clampett's sister's hotel on "Petticoat Junction";
How can any righteous Baby Boomer forget
"The Green Hornet" or [admit it, you love it!]
"It's Howdy Doody Time". Happy Retro Watching to ALL
I get allergic schmelling hay...
Doctor Who
Have Gun will Travel
Peter Gunn Theme
That '70s Show should be on there. Unless this is for older shows only.
Great list, I'm just surprised Three's Company isn't on there! Love that song!
Andy Griffith Show....how could that have been overlooked?
Also liked 'The Little House on the Prairie' song
I liked em all. So what's wrong that they don't do theme songs for the shows on cable and TV now. Kinda like when the theme song starts you know..oh boy here it comes.
It didnt have lyrics but The Munsters theme is catchy
The Beverly Hillbillies
umm hellooooo BAYWATCH.
South Park
Mr. Roger's Neighborhood
FRIENDS- "I'll Be There For You" by The Rembrandts! I always do the hand clap after the line, "See no one told you life would always be this way..."
speed of lightning, roar of thunder
fighting all who rob or plunder
Underdog. Underdog!
Transformers
M.A.S.H. !!!
No one mentioned Bewitched. How many of us tried to wiggle our noses?
"Who's the Boss?" LOVED that song.
Lots of great themes. What about Sanford and son? Not sure if it was written for the show or not.
Melrose place
Fresh Prince of Bel- AIr....YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING!! And leave out "MASH"...and "The Andy Griffith Show"...who put together this list?
For the love of all that is good and decent, how can you forget the MONKEES??????
1960's Batman - with Adam West. Pow!!
Newhart (Mancini Theme)
I'm so glad we had this time together . . .
Captain Kangaroo
It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood . . .
Fat Albert, He-Man, Thundercats, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles...I can't believe Good Times didn't crack the top 10
Very sad to hear about Andrew Gold. I was fortunate to meet him along with Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell back stage when they were recording a Music DVD called America and Friends. Very talented man. He will be missed.
All sit-coms and kids' shows? Have Gun, Will Travel. Hill Street Blues, Bonanza and a host of other older programs, back in the days when they didn't count on the opening credits to take 2 minutes that they didn't have to come up with ideas for. (Well, they actually had stories back then, not just a collection of put-down lines strung together.)
Yeah, HGWT was a great instrumental! I bought the 45 of it!
some of the article was speaking about how not just that they were good songs, but that they get stuck in your head:
How about Courtship of Eddies Father with Bill Bixby – "People let me tell ya bout my Best Friend...
Or Speed Racer – "Here he comes, here comes Speed Racer, he's a demon on wheels..."
I know reality TV shouldn't count but COPS has become a timeless theme. Inner circle has become a one hit wonder due to that song.
For me, I gotta tell you there are tons missing from this list, but my top 2 are definitely Good Times and Three's Company. I personally believe those are more recognizable than Welcome Back, Kotter and the Fresh Prince. Just Sayin'.
"One Day at a Time" Will never forget that one.
I never watched soaps but The Young and the Restless (I think?) was one of those moving instrumentals. I have full version of it on a Mancini 'record'.
Dukes of Hazard..... not in the top ten? Wow.
Married with Children has not made the comments as far as I've seen. also, What's Happening? (no lyrics) and iCarly, which is super catchy. . . .just a stretch here – the Great Space Coaster?
I got tired of scrolling. Did anybody list "Spiderman"?
Car 54, Where Are You
The Monkees
American Bandstand
And actually.......NBC Nightly News....can't beat John Williams
What about The Rockford Files?? I remember that themem actuallu got played on the radiio! And how about Kimba the white lion, Speed Racer, The Bana Splits and HR Puff-N-Stuff????
In addition to many already listed, I loved the theme songs to the old Warner Brothers westerns - Cheyenne, Bronco Lane, Sugarfoot and Maverick. Add to that other golden oldies like Rawhide and Have Gun Will Travel. My sister and I would sing these songs as we cleaned house when we were growing up.
i could use my house cleaned if you have the time .
I can't think of a more high energy, heart-pumping theme then the "Johnny Quest" theme! It's incredible what all they fit in there in one minute!
Charles in Charge and Family Matters
Just watched Property Virgins last night, now I can't get that tune out of my head (and it's not even that good!)
the Monkees theme song......Here we come, Walking down the street......
Wat about Small Wonders?I think that's the name of it.Wit the lil robot girl.w
TOUR OF DUTY!!! THEME SONG WAS PAINT IT BLACK BY THE ROLLING STONES...
amos n andy and the honeymooners cuz you did not have to remember the words ...........
Thought I was kidding, didn't you?
"Where was she to go? What was she to do? She was out on her fanny!" Who can get The Nanny's theme song out of their head? Those Callaway ladies can sing! I still play their CDs and watch Nanny reruns....until the show actually begins.
The Wonder Years!
obviously , this writer had no life .
what about the real forgettable ... i mean unforgettable tv theme songs like :
my mother the car
it's about time , it's about space ...
lost in space ... hum along with the instru"mental" theme
popeye cartoons
winchell mahoney time
mack and myer for hire
[ ok i hate to do this but ] green acres !!!!!!!!
the naked city
the peoples choice
the list could but thankfully will not go on and on and on and on and ......
The best intro song for a show is "Way Down in a Hole" season # 1 from the Wire. (Honorable mention to True Blood – Bad Things)
What about Dallas...possibly the most recognized theme song for a show in world history.
Well, now that every single great tv theme song has been named how about a list of the worst. It would be nowhere near as long. My vote for all time worst tv theme song was for a show from the early 80's called "We've Got It Made" about two losers who help a "hot blonde" (I forget her name now but she wasn't all that hot) by letting her stay with them in exchange for being a maid. The theme song went as follows (I kid you not):
Ba-da-da-dahhhh
Ba-da-da-dahhhh
Ba-da-da-dah, ba-da-da-dah
We've got it made!
Seriously, I didn't forget how it went. Those were the actual lyrics.
GOOD TIMES!
I always liked What's Happening and Different Strokes' theme songs.
BONAZA
u spelled it wrong . hoss would have said "dang nab it " !
Hillstreet Blues...the best theme song ever.
Misfits of Science!!! Until Youtube provided evidence that, in fact, that show did exist, I thought I had imagined it.
Loved the Misfits of Science theme - especially the ending when someone yelled "Class dismissed". Loved Courtney Cox in her short cut.
You forgot the Wonder Years!!
Did I miss the Andy Griffith shows theme? Also I would include Law and Order which not technically a song frequently gets stuck in my head.
Another vote for Red Dwarf
For instrumentals I suggest Doctor Who
Rockford Files
Andy Griffith Show
St. Elsewhere
Hill Street Blues
Bob Newhart Show (Henry Mancini)
You missed Mary Tyler Moore and looney tunes those always get stuck in my head
Thanks for the walk down memory lane.
Reaching way back, I came up with a couple more: I Love Lucy–what a great theme song, a Latin rythym ovelaid with that lush string instrumentation. Also, The Untouchables–love those saxes! I also remember those goofy sounding organ themes of the soaps my mom watched back in the early 60s (Guiding Light, Search for Tomorrow, etc). Also, I didn't see The Office listed here. It's a good one.
I LOVE LUCY IS FILMED IN FRONT OF A LIVE STUDIO AUDIENCE. I LOVE LUCY IS A DESILU PRODUCTION.
Full house bahaha
Tour of Duty??? Paint it Black by the Rolling Stones was the theme song. Series only lasted 2 or 3 years but the theme song is a classic.
First of all, there's a Website that has all of these called televisiontunes.com. Second, the obscure shows often produced some of the great themes. Third, some of the GREAT performers of our day wound up doing TV themes. And while I like a number of the lists so far, (and leaving out the kids shows, which could be a list unto themselves) I'd be remiss in not including mine...
10: Friends (I'll be there for you, Jennifer Aniston!)
9: All Is Forgiven (mid-70s sitcom)
8: It's a Living (the great Ann Jillian vehicle)
7: Perfect Strangers (It's my life and my dream, and nothing's gonna stop me now)
6: Make Room for Daddy (A big-band version of "Danny Boy". Perfect)
5: Hill Street Blues (best with the opening montage of characters)
4: Welcome Back Kotter (Perfect sense of nostalgia)
3: The Love Boat (Welcome aboard, it's Jack Jones!)
2: Search: (A Tony Franciosa/Doug McClue/Hugh O'Brian behicle in the 70s. Dominic Frontiere...)
1: The Name of the Game (Gene Barry, Robert Stack and... Tony Franciosa!)
I forgot Donny & Marie. duh.
Charles in Charge!
While it wasn't a prime time show, for Saturday Cartoons the original "Jonny Quest' theme music was the best!
Actually, the cool thing is, Jonny Quest was a primetime series. As was the Flintstones. They aired in prime time long before they were reran on Saturday mornings.
Men, men, men, men, manly men, men, men....
No Mary Tyler Moore theme???
Hawaii 50 (original 1968-1980)
Hawaii 50 ( Current)
24 Ticking Clock
Original Law&Order
I think the Friends' theme should have made the list: "I'll be there for you, cuz you're there for me too!"
Small Wonder
Too Close for Comfort
Kids Incorporated
and finally if only locally – Just Kiddin' Around
I think Sanford & son's theme was the best. Written by Quincy Jones its a classic!
How 'bout "Night Gallery" "The Outer Limits" and "The Twilight Zone"?
Susan has come up with the right answer. She wins the internets!
The Animaniacs
Beverly Hillbillies
Good Times
The Facts of Life
Family Matters
Family Ties
Step by Step
Threes Company
What about Chico and the Man sung by Jose Feliciano?
From reading this list, IMHO, the criteria for being on the list should be that the theme song was so great, it transfered over to the radio and sold on vinyl, independently making it on its own up the music charts.
My sister used to watch a show like Sesame Street called "Pinwheel."
I still have that theme song stuck in my head after 25 years!
1 Alice
2. Golden Girls
3. Facts of Life
4. The Nanny
5. Love American Style
6. Saved by the Bell
7. Love Boat
8. Dynasty
9. Dallas
10. Friends
Maybe I'm dating myself.. but "Fireball XL-5"
Oh.. and "Beretta" Keep your eye on the sparrow... "
Route 66 (not the Bobby Troup vocal, but Nelson Riddle's instrumental). Also, Taxi and The Fugitive. Dragnet was pretty cool too.
Maybe add "77 Sunset Strip".
The TV theme songs from the 60's and early 70's had the best instrumental theme songs of all times...by far.
What about the A-Team, Star Trek, Hogan's Heroes, and the Dukes of Hazzard? Those were all good theme songs that get stuck in your head.
How about Sanford and Sons? Theme song written by the legendary Quincy Jones.
They left out the best one.....Chico and the Man. The show 'Good Times" also had a good tune.
My 10 favorites were 1. MacGyver 2. Gilligan's Island 3. Mission: Impossible ('60s & 80s versions) 4. Batman 5. Star Trek (TOS) & ST: Voyager 6. Battlestar Galactica (original) 7. The Greatest American Hero 8. Quantum Leap 9. Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman 10. The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (3rd Season)
What about short lived shows ? There were quite a few that you couldn't get out of your head.
1. Adventures of Brisco County Jr. (1990s)
2. The Highwayman (1980s)
3. Stingray (1980s)
4. Cobra (1990s)
5. Ryan's Four (1980s)
6. 12 O' Clock High (1960s)
7. Shazam ! (1970s)
8. Tales of the Gold Monkey (1980s)
9. House Calls (1980s)
10. Angie (1970s, 1st season)
11. The Flash (1990s)
12. Love American Style (1970s)
13. Courtship of Eddie's Father (1960s)
14. Riptide (1980s)
15. The Greatest American Hero (1980s)
16. U.F.O (UK) (1960s) – one of the best.
Also special mentions the theme for Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer from the '80s, that one was very good.
Red Dwarf
West Wing (no lyrics, but evocative!)
Pinky and the Brain
Animaniacs
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Star Trek: Voyager
Frasier
Big Bang Theory
and, I admit, Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood
You forgot the Sopranos
The series theme song that's kicking all of the other theme songs butts right now is Treme from HBO.
George of the Jungle! "Watch out for that tree!!!"
Mr. Rogers!!!
difficult so many catchy and great theme songs out there, this is my list.
The golden girls. "thank you for being a friend"
Cheers. "Where everybody know your name"
Jeffersons "moving on up"
Happy days.
Hillstreet blues.
Family ties. "what would we do"
Growing pains " as long as we got each other"
Mash "suicide is painless"
Dynasty..
Dallas. } these 8à's tv themes most people would remember them...!!!
The a team
Little House on the Prairie.
Well I think ones with only words was a bad way to go as well. There were alot of good theme songs that were based on instrumentals only and should've been on that list. But here are a list of my favorites:
A-Team
Airwolf
Knight Rider (80's version)
St. Elsewhere
Greatest American Hero
The Love Boat
McGuyver
Friends
Life Goes On ("O-blah-di, o-blah-da, life goes on" Beatles come on!!!)
Monk
Babylon 5
That encompasses the favorites list, if I listed what I liked well not enough room to do that
.
Add the shows:
"Branded"
"Space 1999"
"Lost in Space"
"Wonder Woman"
"Best of the West"
"Diff'rent Strokes"
"Zoom"
"Mission Impossible"
Thank you for Space 1999 (both versions are great). Wonder Woman was very catchy too. I somethings wish it was still the 70's (just sometimes).
Absolute favorites: Duck Tales, Small Wonder, Fraggle Rock, Reading Rainbow, He-Man/She-Ra, Monchichis (I'm clearly a child of the 80s)
How about The 3 Stooges? or If you're from the Chicago viewing area, way back when... The Garfield Goose Show where my favorite cartoon with the moving lips; "Clutch Cargo with His Pals Spinner and Paddlefoot". Now there was some muzak!!
Greatest American Hero!
Land of the Lost
'Cover Up' (used the theme song "Holding Out for a Hero") starred Jon-Erik Hexum
How about the these from Makin' It? The show debuted in the late '70s some time and lasted maybe 3 episodes. The theme song by David Naughton was very catchy, upbeat and positive, however.
Hawaii-5O
How 'bout the theme song from Starman? Eh? Eh?
Airwolf
Hawaii 5-0 should definitely be there, so should Good Times, Knight Rider, Sanford and Son, The Greatest American Hero, Family Ties, Bosom Buddies, 21 Jumpstreet (admit it, that was catchy), Married...With Children, Perfect Strangers and a show from the modern era: Community.
ha! I knew someone would mention Married with children! – catchy little bugger of an intro. thanks.
THE FACTS OF LIFE!!!
H.R puff-n-stuff
Hard castle and mcormick
No way! The theme song from Sanford and Son is an all time great. Quincy Jones at his finest!
The Friends theme song should have been on this list, it was perfect!
Perfect!
I like instrumental themes. I used to love the LA Law theme and now I adore Friday Night Lights.
Simon and simon
Totally. Loved the show, loved the theme. I can occasionally catch it in the afternoons locally on Retro TV. Ahhh, AJ...
Also, Northern Exposure!!
How about B J and the Bear theme song! "I'm B J McKay and this is my best friend Bear!"
Friends!! I'll be there for you cause you're there for me too!
Very memorable themes here...
Batman
Superman
Twilight Zone
My favorite is the intro music of Law & Order: SVU which I have as a ringtone as well. Talk about obsession, huh? If I have a baby, that'll be my lullaby song.
Mr Rogers neighborhood....Won't you be my neighbor?
And Sky King! No healthy American boy growing up in the 50's could forget his niece, Penny
Along with sky king.
There was highway patrol with broderick crawford.
Then the whrily birds with kenneth tobey.
Men in space with william lundigan.
Dragnet.
Mary Tyler Moore?
The theme song for "Chuck"–Cake. Awesome.
Okay Nobody's mentioned "L.A. Law", how could anyone forget that incredible song??
Currently, love the "Psych" song!!
Wish more shows would have theme songs, that would be too cool!!
What about my faviroite all time show of the 70's Three's Company!!!!! Come on that's a great theme song- come and knock on my door--- I always wish I had a friend like Jack Tripper- portrayed by the late and great John Ritter!! God bless his soul
Amen Kim. I have been watching 8 simple rules of late and I keep wanting to cry seeing John in those episodes. Awesome man.
One or two of my favorites though:
Picket Fences
ER
Chicago Hope
I like most of the posts below the article more than the article. Of course it doesn't say anything about being the top 12 songs, just 12 songs.......I was a kid in the 70's so I would state that any and probably all of the morning cartoons were known by their theme songs. GI JOE, TRANSFORMERS, GEM, fraggle rock, you name it, there was a theme song. Morning cartoon theme songs are practically burned into my head at this point. Stick a catchy tune with a cartoon and kids will watch it and return to watch it again....
Some of my favorites of all time
1. Lost in Space
2. Bonanza
3. Baretta
4. The 6 million dollar man.
5. Star trek
6. the Pink Panther
I know I'm forgetting 1 or 2 more, hummm!!!!
The Adams Family Started,
When Uncle Fester Farted,
They all became retarded,
The Adams fa-mi-ly....
Take it waaay back: Happy Trails from Roy Rogers' show, written by Dale Evans
and all versions of Doctor Who
The A-Team
A horse is a horse of course,of course, and everyone knows that a horse can't talk, except of course, the famous Mr. Ed!
Love Boat, SWAT, The Hulk
the magic school bus
What about the Seinfeld theme? Quirky yet fun. I also liked the theme from the very short-lived 70s show "Angie". It became a big hit for Maureen McGovern.
Married With Children
Has no one mentioned the Roseanne theme song? "What doesn't kill us is making us stronger.."
Different Strokes!
THE ROCKFORD FILES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How does Fresh Prince count as a classic compared to the other ones listed. Not even in the same league. No offense to Will Smith but come on...
But where's the Three's Company theme song? That is by far the most epic theme song of any sitcom.
What about:
Green Acres
Beverly Hillibies
Andy Griffth Show
Seriously, CNN has become the most ridiculous news site on the web. Its almost as if their deliberately trying to stupefy us.
I started reading this thinking that "Beverly Hillbillies" must be on the list. It wasn't. Great theme song. It is catchy and it effectively summarizes the backstory/premise of the show in about a minute.
Now for the tincture of tenderness, But I must use only a touch,
For without a touch of tenderness, He might destroy me!
Oops too much.
Shaft.
And now for something completely different...
IT'S...
Monty Pythons Flying Circus
actually John Phillip Sousa's "The Liberty Bell" march I believe.
I can't believe I forgot (and so did everyone else except you apparently) MONTY PYTHON! And while we're at it, Fawlty Towers too!
Gonna show my age here, but here it goes...Flipper-"they call him Flipper, flipper"...
"Faster than lightning.
No one you see,
Is smarter than he."
Wow what a trip on the Way Back machine!
The Facts of Life!
Courtship of Eddie's Father was a good one.
I'm surprised "Rings And Things" didn't make this list.
"Power up your set
Better feed your pet
Rings and things
for you dingalings
de boo de boody doo"
I can hear it in my head now as if a tv was onm
I remember when TV theme songs were also released as singles - the theme from "Welcome Back Kotter" stayed on the charts for a good long clip.:) So did the theme from "SWAT."
More I can name: Love American Style, Patty Duke Theme Song, Adams Family theme song, MASH theme song...and the SpongeBob Square Pants theme song.:)
How could you forget these classics???? Dukes of hazzard, The Greatest American Hero, Good Times, Alice, and of course In the Heat of the Night!
The theme to "Love American Style" was recorded by folk-pop family The Cowsills (known for "The Rain, the Park and Other Things" and "Indian Lake'"). How's that for some nostalgia?
No Greatest American Hero??
It doesn't look like anyone has mentioned Walker, Texas Ranger yet. Wonder why???
What about W.K.R.P. in Cincinnati?
I always get the Scrubs theme song stuck in my head...
Yup – Scrubs theme song is one of my favorites. It's the only theme song I've purchased on iTunes. Great song. Great show.
Twin Peaks?
Definitely: The X-Files and Twin Peaks
A horse is a horse, of course, or course.
If we're talking about theme songs with lyrics, then THE CAROL BURNETT SHOW and TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL. Just instrumental, MAGNUM, STAR TREK, MURDER SHE WROTE, etc...
I agrewe with Andy Griffith, and thress company – I read this entire list shocked noone had said Growing Pains, my favorite, and what about Full House?
What about "Love Boat" & Barretta
The theme song to Grizzley Adams used to make me cry!
Yes! I was wondering if anyone was going to remember Grizzly Adams. I loved that show, but I loved the song more.
Love, Love, Love
Love, American Style,
Truer than the Red, White and Blue.
Love, American Style,
That's me and you.
And on a star spangled night my love, (My love come to me).
You can rest you head on my shoulder.
Out by the dawn's early light, my love
I will defend your right to try.
Love, American Style,
That's me and you.
What about St. Elsewhere?
Where's the Hawaii Five-O theme? Even though it's back, it should have been listed here.
10,000 comments/suggestions and no I Dream of Jeannie. Dag that theme song makes me fantasize about being in love with her!
Branded with chuck connors? Rawhide?
Instrumental:
Get Smart, Rugrats
Lyrics:
Mr. Rogers, Zoom, Magic Garden, Fraggle Rock!
All good ones,but M*A*S*H is top,name of the song is suicide is painless...
Gotta love those identical cousins from the Patty Duke Show.
Where Cathy adores a minuet,
The Ballet Russes, and crepe suzette,
Our Patty loves to rock and roll,
A hot dog makes her lose control -
What a wild duet!
What about Baretta? Don't do the crime if you ain't got the time
How has no one said Perfect Strangers yet??? Also, not enough cartoons represented here. Duck Tales, anyone?? Not to mention Darkwing Duck, Tale Spin, Chip and Dale Rescue Rangers, Goof Troop, Spongebob, Doug, and probably a lot more that I'm forgetting. Also good: Family Matters, The Hogan Family, Charles in Charge, Monk.
What about The Love Boat?
Um, what about Taxi? Hill Street Blues? St. Elsewhere? The Greatest American Hero? C'mon now guys!
My favorites were Hill Street Blues and Magnum, P.I.
what about car 54? Harrigan? Its about time? Roy rogers happy trails? F troop? Rin tin tin? Lassie? Original outer limits?
M.A.S.H, I Dream Of Genie, Hill Street Blues, Theme from LA Law – These were all GREAT theme songs despite not having any lyrics.
I know it's an instrumental, but doesn't anyone think the original Wild Wild West was awesome...Friday nights CBS about 7pm...then it was followed by I think the Adams Family and Honey West.
You are all wrong, the catchiest theme song is Law & Order. "In the criminal justice system people are represented by two separate, yet equally important groups. The police who investigate crime and the District Attorneys who prosecute the offenders. These are their stories" Tell me that jingle doesn't stick with you...duh duh.
What about "My Mother the Car" ( She's a car, she's my very own guiding star. A 19_8 Porter, that's my mother dear, she helps me through everything I do, and I'm so glad she's here). Also, for an instrumental, "My Three Sons".
Johnny Quest!!
my moms wondering what no knight rider theme song . she loves that show ... lol
Barney Miller (I know, not lyrics but super funky) and WKRP
Mr. Ed. My Favorite Martian. Sky King.
Where is "I Dream Of Jeanie" ???
Can't believe no one has mentioned "Secret Agent" One of the greatest of all time TV themes (and top 40 record by Johnny Rivers). I used to never miss the opening of that show just to hear the song. Then I'd go away because the show itself was boring to me at 10 years old or whatever I was then
This is a major FAIL. Best theme is simpsons hands down. Done deal.
Perfect Strangers!
I'm a bit longer in the tooth than most here. My favorites are much older. I liked many that have already been mentioned but thought I'd add that I still get goosebumps when I hear the theme to Combat. Other themes that stick in my mind are Gunsmoke, the Jackie Gleason Show, Wagon Train, 12 O'Clock High, Rockie and Bullwinkle, and (much newer) Taxi.
I just scrolled all the comments and no one has mentioned the Cosby Show or Different Strokes!Bobby McFerrin's rendition os the Cosby theme was the best.
One Day at a Time; Alice; Different Strokes
Roy Rogers/Triger /// Rin Tin Tin/// Green Hornet
For instrumental themes, the best ever was the closing credit theme to the English series "The Prisoner" in the 60s.
Who could forget the Perry Mason theme song?
Three's Company!!!
What about Family Ties, Growing Pains??
The Facts of life. Sopranos. Frasier.
"Mr. Ed" deserves to be on this list - "A horse is a horse, of course, of course – and no one can talk to a horse of course - that is of course unless the name of the horse is the Famous Mr. Ed"!
Amen......shine on me...shine on...ayyy i need it every minute....shine...shine....shine on me....
Love American Style
Buffy the Vampire Slayer- no lyrics, but kicks the most ass.
I also really like the Pysch song, "I Know You Know". It doesn't take itself seriously just like the show which is what I love about both.
To the poster who thinks Henry Mancini wrote the 'Batman' series theme it was Neal Hefti (who also composed 'The Odd Couple' theme) with Nelson Riddle's arranging that added the 'POW!!!' and 'BAM!!!' accents. Nelson Riddle also composed, arranged and conducted the 'Route 66', 'Emergency', 'The Untouchables', 'The Naked City' and 'Newhart' themes.
all of the other themes (except M*A*S*H) are ok but NOT that memoral.. the MAIN list of 12 should have the "Andy Griffith" theme instead of fresh prince or even sesame street... who DIDNT or DOESNT whistle that HAPPY tune every now and then. also coulf be thought is "I Love Lucy", or even better yet "Linus and Lucy" (Charlie Brown theme)
Kate and Alley and Webster! Threes Company!
The writer is showing their age, or lack thereof. Sanford and Sons, Cosby Show, Red Skelton show, 12 O'clock High. Lassie, Flipper. Branded, Rifleman, Sea hunt, Bat man, and the king of theme songs... Lawrence Welk.
Three's Company and Gimme A Break......how could we forget...
How could the M*A*S*H theme not be on this list?
"Life goes on" from Empty Nest!!
Greatest American Hero
The opening to TAXI. Love that song- it's called Angela
The Taxi song was boring and long butt the good thing was it allowed plenty of time to go take a poo poo.
The theme song from the Courtship of Eddie's Father with Bill Bixby. That was a great one.
Route 66
Believe it or not… I'm walkin' on air. I never thought I would feel so free -e -e. etc ad nauseum.
No mention of "The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson"?
The greatest theme song and the comedy show that was wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy ahead of its time was Green Acres
Friends should be number 1
I think you have to put the catchy whistling on the Andy Griffith Show or Mayburry RFD. (I think it went by both names) If you hear that or even think about it, you can't help but have that stuck in your head.
Hogans Heros and the theme from Combat
Anything by Mike Post
I Love Lucy
The Honeymooners
Winky Dink
Pinky Lee
The Mickey Mouse Club
Texaco Star Theater
Perry Como
You Bet Your Life
American Bandstand
3 Stooges??? Monkees? Classics! NUK NUK NUK
SPACE:1999
The Magnum PI theam song, Dukes of Hazard,
wait... NEWHART (the original)
What about Hawaii 5 – 0?
damn you beat me to the punch with greatest american hero...classic! believe it or not was the theme song, perfect for that show.
"In your satin tights...fighting for our rights!"
WONDER WOMAN!!!
I've always liked 1) the Untouchables 2) Ben Casey 3) Perry Mason.
I am very much amazed that you all did not include the theme song from "Friends!"
Seriously! Who could forget "Early to rise, early to bed?" And ole Flo! "Alice" rocks!
What about the music to
Debbie Does Dallas
Prison girls without pants
Humpin Ho~Mo volume 7
White boys on the dark side of town
The Devil in Mrs Jones.
Pig Pen Womens auction house
cajun herb. you are a dick.
Alice
I Dream of Jeannie
S.W.A.T.
Loved One Day at a Time, too.
"It's a Jungle Out There". Randy Newman's composition for "Monk". Perfectly describes the essence of Monk.
Sorry to hear about Andrew Gold's passing.... so very talented. His albums are still personal favorites.
Another obscure, but catchy and deserving, theme song... Bobby Sherman's "Seattle" from the 1968-70 ABC television series "Here Come The Brides"...
How about "The Love Boat," "Three's Company" and one of the most famous one's of all, "The Twilight Zone"
The lone ranger, just to mention one.
captian planet.
The LOVE BOAT!!!
I think u got Gilligan and Professor mixed up. Gilligan and Maryann were busy taking care of their "plants" in the jungle. Lol !
YOU WANT TO TELL ME "GOODTIMES" IS NOT ON THIS LIST CAN BE
What I want to know is if there is a soundtrack on CD of just amazing theme songs? I love Hawaii-5-O and Mission Impossible.
Yes there is a great collection of TV themes on multiple CD's made about 10 years ago by "TV Toones". Go to Amazon, they should still be available. Each one carries about 75 themes. Plus the trivia liner notes on the themes are worth the price as well!
Wow. No GREATEST AMERICAN HERO, eh?
Unforgivable.
Scooby dooby Doo where are you? I can't believe no one mentioned it!
One Day at a Time
Hill Street Blues
Hawaii Five-0
Magnum PI
Miami Vice
MASH
I agree! Those were some of the best instrumentals. I might also add "St. Elsewhere".
The "Peter Gunn Theme" by Henry Mancini, for the TV show "Peter Gunn".
Ok here is my list, some are mentioned and others aren't...some are newer and some are older...
Beverly Hillbillies
Wonder Years
Growing Pains
Full House
Step by Step
Family Matters
Saved by the Bell
Friends
Facts of Life
Spongebob
Fresh Prince
Cheers
Brady Bunch
Gilligans Island
I am sure I could list more if I sat back and actually put some deep thought into it, but those are off the top of my head...
How could the theme song from tru calling be left out?? That song was by full blown rose and still one of my flavorites.
NOT ONE PERSON MENTIONS PERFECT STRANGERS!!! EVERYONE IS CRAZY!!!!!!
I Love Lucy, Good Times, Mission Impossible, Dynasty, Batman, X-Files, Law&Order. Really, how can we omit these theme songs????
Goodtimes....ain't we lucky we got em.
Twin Peaks
Green Acres !!!!!
What's the "First Thing You Know"? (Ole Jed's a Millionaire) It has to be Beverly Hillbillies!
"Well the first thing ya know ole Ellies gettin fat
The kin folk said Jed why'd ya do that..."
Let me tell you a story about a man named Jed
He was so poor he barely kept the family fed
But one day while he was out, a shooting for some food
He fired a shot and up came a bubbling crude
Oil that is, black gold, Texas tea
Well the next thing you know
Old Jed's a millionaire
The family said, "Jed move away from there!"
So he loaded up the family and He moved to Beverly
California that is, swimming pools, movie stars
The Beverly Hillbillies!! (enter wild banjo music playing!!)
@ FC.
While I can appreciate your attempt at the words to the Beverly Hillbilies, they do have this thing called the internet. If you can't remember the words, then by all means look them up before you post them wrong.
It's not "the Family" its "the Kinfolk." Here is the whole thin gincluding the end part that was played during the credits at the end of the show with the Clampetts waving to Ya (from that internet thingy):
Come and listen to a story about a man named Jed
A poor mountaineer, barely kept his family fed,
Then one day he was shootin at some food,
And up through the ground came a bubblin crude.
Oil that is, black gold, Texas tea.
Well the first thing you know ol Jed's a millionaire,
Kinfolk said "Jed move away from there"
Said "Californy is the place you ought to be"
So they loaded up the truck and moved to Beverly.
Hills, that is. Swimmin pools, movie stars.
Well now its time to say good by to Jed and all his kin.
And they would like to thank you folks fer kindly droppin in.
You're all invited back a gain to this locality
To have a heapin helpin of their hospitality
Hillybilly that is. Set a spell, Take your shoes off.
Y'all come back now, y'hear?.
Really? No Sanford and Son?
Hey wutabout family guy? "Violence in movies and s*x on tv"
Phineas & Ferb!
Am I missing something here? The Sesame Street theme song is only 13 years old?
The Greatest American Hero: "Believe it or not, I'm walking on air . . "
Green Acres
N
The theme song to south park !
I was listening to an NPR story about Canada oil sand a few days ago and in the middle of the bit they played "Dallas"... and I cheered out-loud! That has to be there, too.
CHEERS – how long was that song on the charts? Forever...
It's also the first one on their list.. They asked for ones not on their list.
My all-time favorite has to be the theme from "Angie" "Different Worlds" sung by Maureen McGovern. It was even released as a single and became a big hit on the Adult Contemporary charts in 1979. Great song!
I was hoping someone would mention this one. Not a great show, but the theme song was great – Maureen McGovern has such a phenomenal voice.
I'm 49 now and remember my little sister and I jumping together in circles on my parents bed signing the Gilligan's Island theme song when the show was coming on.
Welcome back Kotter? Really?? I don't know maybe the Friends theme song they were only on for ten years. Maybe my personal favorite Magnum P.I. that song pumps me up
I can't believe nobody mentioned THE PARTRIDGE FAMILY. "Hello world there's a song that we're singin', come on get happy!"
Family Ties, Hawaii Five-0, Facts of Life, One Day At a Time, Taxi, Love Boat, Mary Tyler Moore...
How about "Car 54, Where are you?" I still can't forget it, and I've tried.
lisa m is right... Great American Hero *definitely* belongs on the list, definitely
Add them all!!!! great memories thanks!!
I always liked the bluesy theme song from "Roseanne".
Moonlighting. 25 years later its still a good song.
The original Beverly Hills 90210 theme. Gotta love the guitar solo.
uh NO I dont think so. U must be gay.
21 Jumpstreet. Was on the radio too.
Hey, what about That Girl & the Mary Tyler Moore Show.
Peter Gunn, Miami Vice (which I bet has top record sales of all of these), Sanford & Son... and how about the music from Fringe (might not belong on the list, but needs some love nonetheless)
Perry Mason...dramatic, beautiful..and speaking of that...Peter Gunn...Have Gun Will Travel...similar in tone.
Some of my favorites, in no particular order:
1. Night Court
2. Barney Miller
3. Cheers
4. Cagney & Lacy
5. Simon & Simon
6. Sanford & Son
7. Hillstreet Blues
8. Bosom Buddies
9. Dukes of Hazzard
10. The Twilight Zone
11. Amazing Stories
12. The Fall Guy
These are all great themes, but thanks to corporate America, they are in danger of extinction! Few shows today have full themes if any at all, just so they can run more advertising to line their pockets, let alone having to pay an artist to create one. Very sad. Next generation will have non. My favorites include Car 54 Where are you?, Hank, Bewitched, ER and the absolute wonderful master piece Wild, Wild West. Thanks Andrew Gold for your contributions!
Wow! No "Good Times?"
No lyrics, but how about "Jeopardy" -dun dun dun dun..., dun dun dun...dun da dun dun, dun dun dun. Visit http://www.monarodriguez.com
Green acres. Beverly Hillbillies. And who can't whistle The Andy Griffith Show?
Here's a great TV theme song from a TV show that never actually existed: "Mr. Downtown." It's from the Tom Hanks excellent '60's period piece "That Thing You Do!" Think of it as a replication of the theme from Peter Gunn, only with words. Very well done.
Wow
A couple of scifi themes not mentioned. Battlestar Galactica (original), Buck Rogers and Starblazers. Classics that are immediately recognized, bring you back to the 70s/80s and stick in your head.
Wow, everybody's naming some good ones. I just remembered the instrumental Lost in Space.
Yes, definitely. Loved that theme...loved that show!!!!
Charles in Charge
The songs in the article all have lyrics. My top three orchestral themes are:
The Wild, Wild West
Hawaii Five-O
Miami Vice
I agree, but in a different order.
1. Miami Vice
2. Hawaii Five-O
3. Wild Wild West
The Rockford Files, theme from Swat
Great American Hero!
Mission Impossible the best! But what about The Tonight Show w Johnny Carson?
Whenever there's talk of theme songs I immediately think of Dallas. I loved that one.
While I mostly love it for the catchy tune, I will never forget the heartfelt yet hilarious lyrics to the theme for The Simpsons:
"The Simpsons..."
The simpsons theme has lyrics!!?
Although not really in the 'remember when' category yet, anyone with kids (and even those without) will probably get Disney's "Pineas and Ferb" theme stuck in their head, not to mention all the unique songs they create for the series.
Givin' a monkey a shower! I love itl.
Folks – by definition a "song" has lyrics. If there are no lyrics its a piece of music. So technically if there are no lyrics its a TV theme not a theme song. Don't mean to be picky. That said I'm with Double J – one of my favorite TV theme songs is Greatest Amreican Hero and (IMHO) the greatest TV theme ever written was from the original Battlestar Galactica.
Hey. Did we say you make rules?
Star Wars theme song had words – I heard Bill Murray sing them on SNL. – They just cut them out for the movie
Don't forget the best instrumental of all time.
Doctor Who
No one has said this one yet theme song. Everyone here used to be kids or had kids singing this or bashing it. BARNEY! I love you n you love me lets get together n kill barney!
I wouldn't mind havn't all of there shows back on the air. Better than most of the filth thats on now. Alot of the shows back then had some kind of moral story.
If you look around the guide/channels you can find a lot of these on Retro stations, tv Land, and filling programming of some of the crappier cable stations – even late at night. Just DVR them... That reminds me of - "Quantum Leap"!
I dont know who made it but the 'Barney Miller' theme is awesome. Fantastic bass lines
HOW ABOUT ALL THE LAW AND ORDER THEME SONGS!
Ahh Yes, Miami Vice, LOVE that. What about Star Trek (the original), Three's Company. Somebody mentioned The Courtship of Eddie's Father, Yes.
Two lists here, short ones. One instrumental, one with lyrics.
Instrumental:
Battlestar Galactica (original version from Glen Larson series)
Benson (Soap spin-off)
The Ropers (short lived spin-off from Three's Company)
Highway to Heaven
Knight Rider
The Incredible Hulk
Lyrics:
Greatest American Hero (looks like a good following here for this one)
Family Matters (Did I do thaaaaat?)
Family Ties
The Electric Company (Hey, you guuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuys!)
Tiny Toon Adventures
Animaniacs
Great Space Coaster
Yes, there's a ton more. They did note it was 'difficult' for them to narrow their list of 50 down to twelve, though.
How many people remember Morgan Freeman got his start on Electric Company?!! LOVED that show. Came on right after Sesame Street and before ZOOM...repeat after me SASE SASE SASE (pronounced sayzhee)!
Instrumental: Hill Street Blues
Lyrics: Howdy Doody
What about 'I Love Lucy' and 'The Honeymooners'!!
Omigosh! "We're the Aaani-maaniacs! And we've got pay per play contracts." Love that one. And – thanks for mentioning The Hulk. I would know it was time to come in from playing in the yard on Friday nights when I heard that theme song start.
I totally remember, yet can't find it on netflix or IMDB. even a reference to it.
What about "Magnum", "The Rockford Files", Hawaii Five-O", "Starsky & Hutch", "Six Million Dollar Man", "Babylon 5", "NYPD Blue"
Hockey Night in Canada, both the classic theme and the current one.
Wide world of Sports would go along with that one..
Green Acres.
Yes! Great call!
I didn't notice Good Times anywhere on the list. Or Night Court.
Love American Style
Love Boat
1-airwolf
2- Dukes of Hazard
3- wonder years
4- two and a half men lol Jk
5- nypd blue I just loved that show!
6- the Oc
7- American dreams
The king of queens theme song is awesome if you guys pay attention to it, but I guess maybe not old enough for the majority here.
No one has mentioned "The A Team"?
Loved that show too
And Dukes of Hazard, Incredible Hulk, Tom & Jerry......They all bring back good memories!
The theme from 'Good Times' is a glaring omission. Fortunately, it's my ringtone.
Saved by the Bell?
Seriously...what an amazing song. Family Matters, Califronia Dreaming, Beverly Hills 90210...I could go on...Law & Order theme song along with NBC Nightly News (I know there are no lyrics, but they are awesome)
The Bob NewHart Show.
Heck yeah! Other instrumentals that were great jazz songs – Taxi; Odd Couple
These are All right . Loved them all. But you should have added The Greatest American Hero, Good Times, Bosom Buddies, Family Ties, Cheers, Amen, The Wonder Years, full House. The love boat, the Partridge Family, Growing Pains, Different Strokes, Three's Company. i can go on and on, but i wont. I think they meant just to put all theme songs with words that were fun to sing.
Some posters are listing instrumentals or music themes, but I think this list refers only to themes with lyrics, not music only. Are there any TV shows on now that even have opening credit songs with lyrics? I can't think of one. Everything seems to be instrumental.
Community's theme song has lyrics, as do Seth MacFarlane's three shows (Family Guy, American Dad, and The Cleveland Show). Wasn't there a (brief) time when one or more networks actually tried to get rid of theme songs?
The Big Bang Theory has the best song done by the Bare Naked Ladies. BANG!
Raising Hope has lyrics. The Good Guys had a cool theme song! Stupid Fox didn't give it a chance. Chicago Code – Smashing Pumpkins guy – Billy Corgan. Perfect song for that show.
Non Lyrics – Fringe, Chuck, Bones
Hey Kensi, the only show I can think of with a theme song currently is Chicago Code, but I believe it has been cancelled.
How about the Monkees? The Partridge Family?
Can't believe I had to go this far down the list before somebody mentioned "The Monkees"
All the comments on here make me remember that there was a time when TV was actually good.
Amen!!! Wow....just reading all the comments here makes me yearn to watch so many shows of years gone by....the 60s, 70s and early 80s. And the 90s till now just pales in comparison.
The song to the Speed Racer cartoon series.
Threes company and the one with tony the house keeper
That one was "Who's the Boss?"
The theme song to The Crying Game.
Bosom Buddies!
"I don't care what you say anymore this is my life. Go ahead with your own life, leave me alone"
NO I dont think so. Billy Joel is a drunken suicial maniac and music is for Crap. *FLUSH*
Not only was "My Life" the theme song of Bosom Buddies, it was also the theme song of my divorce! LOVE that song.
To Billy Joel Crapper: Bet you wish you had half his cash for writing what you call crap!
Here's a great one from the 80's that still gets stuck in my head: The Snorks. They looked like colorful little Hershey Kisses with a snorkel on top of their heads, but the show (and theme) were awesome.
No! Not the underwater smurfs!
hello??? andy griffith show!!!!
Emergency 51
Swat
And i gotta agree. Bonanza was the stuff!
Let's go even furher back.... What about "The Courtship of Eddie's Father"
YES!! It will be stuck in my head all day now (not a bad thing).
Leave it to Beaver
morons (the poster)...NO it's not theme songs that were written by Andrew Gold (because if you would have read the post John Sebastian wrote the Welcome Back Kotter theme)...this is about FAVORITE theme songs.
I love Leon Redbone's theme to Mr. Belvadere.
Nice pull! There's a show that did well but didn't do well. I'd like to lob the Soap spin-off Benson in, too.
Threes Company "where the kisses are hers and hers and his"
Family Ties
Growing Pains
Facts of Life
Diff'rent Strokes
The exact list of shows I was thinking. AWESOME!
it is only songs that dude wrote ding bats...
Actually, you are wrong. If one has minimal reading comprehension skills and a desire to be informed and actually READ the article before posting, one would know that Mr. Gold's passing inspired the author to compile this list and that Mr. Gold did not write each of the twelve selected theme songs, but only "Thank You for Being a Friend." You are welcome.
knight rider anyone??????
SpongeBob Squarepants and The Muppet Show
Curtain up, light the lights, this is it, the night of nights...how could your list not include the Looney Tunes theme. It was even resurected and given permanent culture status on the Seinfeld show.
"Friends" is the best and I really like "King of Queens" and "Mad About You" too
Friends...yes I used to sit on the toilet while listening to the Friends theme song.
The Wonder Years!
St. Elsewhere....
I'm not sure but maybe the article writers only consider them songs with words? Many goods ones without words were skipped. The Andy Griffin Show, The Waltons, M*A*S*H*, Dallas, NCIS, Barney Miller, Sanford and Son. Ones with words, The Facts of Life and The Jetsons, CSI, CSI:Miami, CSI:NY, Friends, Mad About You.
Friends had words
Law *& order? or is the Doink, Doink just a sound..
Friends!
Uh no.
Ayyyyyyyyy
I have to agree good times should definitely make the list
Yessss Good Times!!! "Keeping your head above water... Making the way that you can (temporary lay-offs)... Good times! (easy credit rip-offs) good times!.... Ain't we lucky we got em?"
Get on board, get o board, get on board with the double deckers....
Hawaii 5.0
The Munsters
Get Smart
Somebody else remembers the Double Deckers! I loved that show as a kid (or maybe I just had a crush on one of the actresses, sort of hard to remember by now), but I definitely liked the theme.
The theme from The Greatest American Hero is not on the list and that is a travesty.
Also, the theme from MASH, as previously mentioned and the Friends theme, which was annoying as hell but extremely popular.
The Theme from M*A*S*H is called "Suicide is Painless"
These are all great examples that bring a smile to my face. One of my personal favorites is another Jim Henson/Muppet contribution: Fraggle Rock. "Dance your cares away, worry's for another day. Let the music play! Down in Fraggle Rock!"
Yes, Fraggle Rock rocks! The theme is so upbeat and memorable - I love it!
The Patty DOOK show.
My favorite TV Theme songs are:
1. WKRP In Cincinnati
2. Moonlighting
3. Monk (by Randy Newman)
4. Welcome Back, Kotter
5. All In The Family
6. Peter Gunn (by Henry Mancini)
7. HIll Street Blues
8. Cheers
9. Greatest American Hero
10. Courtship Of Eddie's Father (by Nilsson)
11. When Things Were Rotten
12. Poirot
How about SpongeBob Squarepants?
Courtship of Eddie's father!!!! People let me tell you bout my best friend....
Peter Gunn....for sure.
Yeah, that's a great one. If we can include instrumentals, how about the theme from Newhart. The theme from the Bob Newhart Show was great too!
Monk is a good one. Can never go wrong with Randy Newman.
Great call on Peter Gunn. I like your whole list. Another "great one" in the old classics category would be the theme to The Honeymooners (Jackie Gleason). While the earworm lyrical songs of later years were quite effective, I like some of those old instrumental show openers. The theme to Route 66 was another good one (breezy and cool, evocative of the open road).
Baby,If you've ever wondered
Wondered,whatever became of me
Im livin' on the air in Cincinnati
Cincinnati,WKRP
How could the Friends theme song not be included? Not old enough?
Because Friends was a crapfest but not as much a crapfest as that silly song by "The Rembrandts." Havent heard much from them in say oh the last 15 years.
How about the Mary Tyler Moore Show? Also, although there were no lyrics, I'll always remember my family whistling together at the start of The Odd Couple.
There were indeed lyrics to Mary Tyler Moore – "You're gonna make it after all" and she throws the hat! Kudos to you for remembering!
I will add:
Courtship of Eddie's Father (people let me tell you bout my BEST friend..)
Love – American Styel
Emergency (season 1 – when it was all instrumental – you can do a goofy "Emergency" dance – da dadadaDAdum da dadadaDAdum da dadadaDAdadadadadum)
There were lyrics to the MTM show:
Who can turn the world on with her smile?
Who can take a nothing day, and suddenly make ita ll seem worthwhile?
Well its you girl and you should know it.
With each glance and every little movement you show it.
Love is all around, need to waste it.
You can have a town, why don't you take it?
You're gonna make it after all.
You're gonna make it after all.
(the first season was a bit different, but these were the words for every other season).
Well, I'm not the kind to kiss and tell,
but I've been seen with Farah.
I'm never seen with anything less than a nine, so fine.
Fall Guy Theme Song is on my list.
umm – The Love Boat?
I'll say The Love Boat was WAY up there with songs!
I was thinking "Bewitched" and I dream of Jeannie"
The Andy Griffith Show
The Partridge Family
Streets of San Francisco
The Banana Splits
Good call on Streets of San Francisco (A Quinn Martin Production)
Wonder Years! How could you forget that?
I think we might debate whether instrumentals count (by the looks of it they didn't include them), but I am certain that a cover of Beatles Song that was famous (Both the original and the cover) long before the show was even conceived of would not qualify for a list like this.
I've got two:
-Fat Albert-"Hey, Hey, Hey! It's Fat Albert!!!"
-Greatest American Hero-"Believe It or Not". That song will get stuck in your head for days.
"Greatest American Hero" was the 1st one that came to mind for me, too.
*GREAT* call!
Greatest American Hero is the one I was going to post, but you beat me to it.
Some of the ones mentioned above might have been great, but I challenge most people to actually sing or even hum them without prompting with a youtube reminder of how they actually went. Some deserved to be on the list for sure (how could they leave off The Jeffersons or M*A*S*H*???)
I'll add:
WKRP in Cincinnati
The Love Boat
The Courtship of Eddie's Father (man, that one will have me whistling all day!)
Monk !!!
And oh my goodness, how could I forget
HR Pufnstuf!!
And I thought I was the only one who remembered the red P.J.'s!!!
Yea, Greatest American Hero was another one that made it onto the music charts.
Thank you I'll be damned as I scrolling down trying to remember the name of that show I look up HR Puffnstuff good job.
Sanford and son. Its in ur head right now I bet.
That song is called "The Streetbeater". Just a random bit of trivia.
done by Quincy Jones – how is this not on top of the list also rockford files anyone?
Notice how there isn't a single TV show theme song from anything past 1990?
What are you talking about?
A lot of shows don't bother with songs anymore. The theme song to Friends was pretty popular.
The Six Million Dollar Man.
Sopranos theme rocked in 1999 to 2007
Fresh Prince was in the 90s
I agree on the Sopranos. Second only to "Suicide is Painless" from Mash.
Good Luck, Charlie!
I did noticed that! Nothing from newer shows but there are some reallly good ones
Friends
One Tree Hill
Mad about you
Dawson's Creek
The O.C.
2 and 1/2 men
Big Bang Theory
to name a few
Today? Most shows don't even have openings anymore. They run the credits along the bottom during the action.
On right now, "Raising Hope". THough half the time they don;t play it all the way through for sake of time but I still know all the words and sing along. Here we go OH, Oh, Oh!
Hey Ad Man, yes there are. Read the replies again, there are a lot that are pre 1990.
Because the writer is an old fogey and is only judging based on personal nostalgia. X-Files had a big song, House uses the instrumental of a critically acclaimed song by a revolutionary band. Didnt the Friends song win a freakin grammy?
As for catchy nostalgic TV themes most of the 90's shows from TGIF have legendary theme songs that every kid would know like Full House, Family Matters, Step by Step.
how about the theme to True Blood? Rocks!
SWAT, The Beverly Hillbillies,
The X-Files theme song!!!
Definitely. Still gives me a chill....
FINALLY. I don't know how ANYBODY could forget The X-Files!
And what about The A-Team?
The X-Files theme should be #1 – it's known around the world.
The Twilight Zone!
The Facts of Life!!!!
No I dont think so.
anyone who has ever watched the intro to Facts of Life knows "the Facts of Life are all about you."
Instrumental – Cosby Show
What about
Hong Kong Phoey
The Bugs Bunny Road Runner show – a classic.
Hogans Heroes.
Mannix
Cannon
Mission Impossible
Police Woman
McCloud
How could we forget those.
Good call on Mannix. The theme song really set up the show that followed. The same with 'The Rockford Files' theme.
Totally Bugs Bunny and Road Runner hour!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqKf7j43i_k
How about that pounding Peter Gunn theme. And how about Pink Panther.
Dukes of Hazzard?
You mean DOOKS of Hazard.
Yeah! the Dukes - awesome (TV version not stupid movie version) – Waylon Jennings.
Facts of Life, Different Strokes, and Family Ties.
Good Times, Hill Street Blues, Magnum PI, Barnaby Jones, MASH. Just to name a few.
Nice call Hunter.
And what about Hunter.
Magnum PI was an awesome theme song.
Get Smart!
I think that falls in the same category as the Simpson's Theme song, all instrumental and no lyrics. That being said, I still volunteer up The Simpson's theme song.
HOW is the Peanuts theme song NOT at the TOP of this list? !
I think song of which you speak, "Linus and Lucy," was not considered, as The Peanuts shows were specials, and not series. That's how I'm reading it... but were I to find a list of "Specials" music, I would start right there, and include "Free to Be You and Me," and Nilsson's, "The Point." Definitely "Special!"
Easy, it's about the top television show theme songs. The Peanuts was never an actual TV show, just TV show specials.
What you're talking about is called "Linus & Lucy". For those of you who don't know it's most famous on the Peanuts Christmas (when all the kids are dancing on the auditorium stage. As soon as I hear that I immediately think of them.
Star Trek, The Munsters and Beverly Hillbillies.
Duh...what about Miami Vice? Or are instrumentals not allowed?
Everytime I hear the Miami Vice theme, I get pumped up and want to start beating the snot outta stuff. Jan Hammer is the man!
Knight Rider would also be on my list for instrumental
The Miami Vice theme song kicks a$$ !! I still remember the premier and thinking wow this show was going blow away everything else on TV – which it did for the first couple of seasons.
I also was wondering about Miami Vice! Since they included the Flintstones theme, it seems odd that Spongebob Squarepants was also left out. There isn't a single 20-something or younger who can't sing you the entire theme the moment you tell them unassisted.
M*A*S*H!!
Yea, M*A*S*H ! I think its theme song was even on the music charts.
Mash was good and Knight Rider. What about Chips? That had a good instrumental. very distinctive always knew what was coming on.
Currently, I like the them song to "Raising Hope".
hah i agree...which is why thats my ring tone
Family ties and Good Times
My Three Sons
Mr McGoo (ROOOAD HOOOOG)
Petticoat Junction (Billy Joe...tasty)
How could you leave out Hawaii 5-O? That was an incredible opening theme song! Medical Center wasn't too bad either...
The Original BATMAN – Music composed by Henry Mancini.
The Lone Ranger – William Tell Overture.
MadMen.
The Batman theme was written by Neal Hefti, not Henry Mancini.
How about "Keep Your Eye on the Sparrow" from Baretta (insert Robert Blake joke here). Was a hit for Sammy Davis Jr.
Oh, no! Lalo Schiffren's "Mission Impossible" theme!
I have to agree that Hawaii 50 was the top of my list. As for stuff getting stuck in your head, I hear new ones every week. Also, the network show Cold Case always did the best of period music for each episode.
Um...hello, where is 'Good Times' on this list!?!?
I totally agree! It was the one I was looking for. " Ain't we lucky we got em' .... Good Times!!!!
Chico and the Man
Hangin' in a chow line!
The Jetsons. Nifty bit of jazz.
Anything by Hoyt Curtin, who did most of the incidental music for Hanna-Barbera and, sadly, never got the credit he deserved (he was only credited with "musical direction" if anything at all). Interestingly enough, the Johnny Quest theme was written as a dare–the trombonists in his orchestra kept chiding him about not writing difficult music, so he wrote a piece that is physically impossible to play on trombone. What you hear during the credits is the closest they ever got to playing what was written!
I prefer the theme song to Gomer Pyle USMC. Also on Pink Floyd The Wall listen carefully to the song Vera Lynn and you will here Gomer saying "Surprise Surprise Surprise."
The song is actually called 'Nobody Home'
Really? I never knew that.
I got electric lights, and I got second sight! Got amazing powers of observation...
How about Bonanza and Rawhide? "Day by day...riding side by side. for Bonanza. and "Get em up move em out ....for Rawhide. NA d of course Dragnet!!
And Lorne Greene proved he had no musical talent in singing the theme to Bonanza. That was why shortly after the first show, they went to just a musical score. On the other hand, how can you beat Frankie Laine singing "Rawhide"?
I wonder which Flintstones theme? It changed it season, ever so slightly.
As a writer, I love the lyrical contributions that Andrew Gold has made to our culture. My favorite, which is hard to choose, is probably a song that I shall never forget: "Cuz if you threw a party, and invited everyone you knew. You would see, the biggest gift would be from me, and the card attached would say, 'thank you for being a friend'. I'm sure heaven right now is singing, 'Welcome back'.
I am very OKAY with not coming to your PARTY OF ONE!
What about MASH's theme? Shaft's theme? I thought they were quite catchy...........................................................
Instrumentals and songs not specifically created for the show should not apply...that being said.
Green Acres
Beverly Hillbillies
Good times
Mary Tyler Moore (we're gonna make it after all)
Courtship of Eddies Father
Banana Splits
HR Puff and Stuff
My fave was the theme from Twin Peaks. And, I like the House theme.
The Beverly Hilbillies
Green Acres!
The Fall Guy
Speaking of tuesday nights in the mid 70's on ABC (Happy Days and Laverne and Shirley) how about Three's Company? And Saturday nights–Love Boat and Fantasy Island.
Family Ties..Sanford and Sone...Good Times.. Also as a kid liked the SWAT theme better than the show. On a side note, "reallity television" has ruined TV.
TWO WORDS – BARNEY MILLER.
Dallas, Rockford Files, Star Trek
Yes, you all have missed quite a few theme songs. Remember: Good Times, The Greatest American Hero, Mary Tyler Moore, Alice, and Three's Company, just to name a few. We won't even go into theme songs for cartoons. Let's do this poll again, you missed a lot of good, adorable theme songs that have and will last the test of time.
THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME was the Golden Girls.... Good Times, and MOST DEFINETLY Welcome Back Kotter...
I would have swapped out the Fresh Prince theme and added the theme from Green Acres.
Let's not forget, "What's Happening". I still have that one on the brain.
F Troop!
Three's Company!!
Wonderful words for a great arts...
I can never walk through a hallway of a government building or industrial building without humming the 'Get Smart' theme. Love it!
I like the selection above, and the Golden Girls is one of my all time favourites – but I do miss "Magnum P.I." from your list. I know there's no lyrics, but that theme is a classic!
I agree with all of the themes mentioned along with the MANY fans of TV themes comments. Here's a list of themes will be burned in my brain forever:
Sesame Street
Electric Company
Mr. Rogers Neighborhood
Lonney Tunes theme (original WB cartoon intro)
Fat Albert
Johnny Quest
Hong Kong Phooey
Jetsons
All in the Family
$effersons
Maude
Barnaby Jones
Mannix
Cannon
Rockford Files
Kojak
Barreta
Barney Miller
Sanford and Son
Good Times
Chico and the Man
Welcome Back Kotter
Perry Mason
Ironside
Hill Street Blues
Miami Vice
Streets of San Franciso
Three Stooges
Laurel and Hardy
There are scores more in my head but you get the idea.
Hawaii Five-O.
The guy who said "The Fall Guy" must have a sense of humor. That was sung by Lee Majors for Pete's sake.
What about The Monkeys?!
Picket Fences
ER
I agree with so many people. Missing are, The Golden Girls, Mary Tyler Moore Show, Family Ties and Three's Company.
Agree with others on:
Mary Tyler Moore – 'Who can turn the world on with a smile', and 'How will you make it on your own' openings
Mannix
Dallas
The Electric Company – several versions, all great
321-Contact (another wonderful Joe Raposo song meant for kids, but catchy)
Big Blue Marble (yet another PBS contribution...anyone else remember it??)
Hawaii-5O (extended version)
Some others I hadn't seen mentioned....hate to admit this, but I have some of these on a 'TV Theme' CD I made...cough, cough....
Law and Order
The Streets of San Francisco
Battlestar Galactica (original, of course)
The A-Team
The Rookies
Emergency (the really catchy version)
Land of the Lost (Sid and Marty Croft, not the new version)
Dr Who – you know, the synthy one
Lost in Space (2nd version)
The Price is Right
Hill Street Blues
The Incredible Hulk – I'm thinking the ending version with the sad piano, not the intro.
Alice
Police Woman
The Bionic Woman – the full version is quite interesting.
Barnaby Jones
There's so many others...
Mission Impossible
I can't believe that the Beverly Hillbillies theme song was not on the list! I know every word to it!
While Golden Girls is great, every month or so I listen to the One Day at a Time theme song just to take me back.
What about the dukes of hazzard or A-team..Both classic anthems!!
Mr. Ed. My mother the car. car 54 where are you.
The Facts Of Life theme
I can't believe it(or not) no one is mentioning the theme from the greatest American Hero.
I always thought the theme song from "One Day At A Time" was penned by the devil. I can never get it out of my head.
Sanford & Son - Berretta (sp?)
Don't forget "Dear John", now that was a catchy tune.
Classy
I must have been the only person to watch Malcom in the Middle. You not the Boss of me now
Nope, you're not the only one! Definitely needs to be included!
No one has even mentioned "Different Strokes!" Now the world don't turn to the beat of just one drum, what might be right for you, may not be right for some!!!
"Well a man is born; he's a man of means, then along comes two and theyve got nuthing but the cheese!" LOL! Love this thread!