TV theme songs are like comfort food for many people.
Just hearing the opening notes of some of your favorite TV show’s intro songs can make you feel nostalgic.
In this blog post, I’ll be counting down 35 of the best TV theme songs ever made.
1. “The Addams Family” by Vic Mizzy
The Addams Family is one of the most iconic television shows of all time.
The theme song is just as iconic and instantly recognizable.
Composed by Vic Mizzy, the Addams Family theme song is a perfect example of how a simple melody can be so catchy and memorable.
The Addams Family theme song has been covered by many artists over the years, but nothing can compare to the original.
2. “I’ll Be There for You” by The Rembrandts
“I’ll Be There for You” is a song by The Rembrandts.
It was released in 1995 as the theme song to the American sitcom Friends.
“I’ll Be There for You” peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number seven on the UK Singles Chart.
In 2004, it was ranked number 100 on VH1’s 100 Greatest Songs of the ’90s.
3. “The Rockford Files” by Mike Post and Pete Carpenter
One of the most recognizable TV theme songs of all time is from The Rockford Files.
The opening sequence features a catchy guitar riff that is instantly recognizable.
This song was composed by Mike Post and Pete Carpenter, and it perfectly captures the tone of the show.
The Rockford Files is a classic detective series that starred James Garner as private investigator Jim Rockford.
The theme song perfectly reflects the show’s light-hearted nature.
4. “A Beautiful Mine (Theme Music From Mad Men)” by RJD2
RJD2’s “A Beautiful Mine” is one of the best TV theme songs out there.
It perfectly captures the feeling of Mad Men, with its retro sound and smooth, jazzy feel.
The song is also incredibly catchy, making it easy to get stuck in your head for days on end.
5. “Big Bang Theory Theme” by Barenaked Ladies
The Big Bang Theory is one of the most popular sitcoms on television, and its theme song is one of the most recognizable TV theme songs out there.
The song, titled “Big Bang Theory Theme” by Barenaked Ladies, is a fun and upbeat tune that perfectly encapsulates the show’s light-hearted tone.
Although the lyrics don’t explicitly mention anything about the show’s plot or characters.
6. “Dallas” by Jerrold Immel
The song, “Dallas” composed by Jerrold Immel, perfectly captures the drama and intrigue of the show, which was set in the city of Dallas, Texas.
The opening bars of the song are immediately recognizable and set the tone for the rest of the piece.
The use of a simple guitar riff gives the song an instant country feel, which is appropriate for a show set in Texas.
7. “The Dukes of Hazzard (Good Ol’ Boys)” by Waylon Jennings
The Dukes of Hazzard was a popular TV show in the 1980s that featured two good ol’ boys, Bo and Luke Duke, who worked on their family’s farm in Hazzard County.
The theme song for the show, “Good Ol’ Boys” was performed by Waylon Jennings.
The song is a classic country tune that talks about the simple life of the Duke boys.
8. “A Newlywed Couple” by Kristen Anderson-Lopez
“A Newlywed Couple” by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez is a beautiful and heartwarming song that perfectly captures the joy and excitement of newlyweds.
The lyrics are full of hope and promise, and the melody is both catchy and easy to sing along to.
This song is sure to be a favorite for any couple who is just starting out on their journey together.
9. “Welcome Back, Kotter” by John Sebastian
It was the early ‘70s, and a new type of television show was taking the nation by storm.
“Welcome Back, Kotter” starred Gabe Kaplan as a teacher at a tough New York high school who tries to help a group of underachieving students, nicknamed the “Sweathogs.”
The show was funny and irreverent, and it struck a chord with viewers.
But what really made “Welcome Back, Kotter” special was its theme song, written and performed by John Sebastian.
10. “Perry Mason” by Fred Steiner
If you grew up in the 1980s, there’s a good chance that the theme song from “Perry Mason” was stuck in your head at some point.
The amazing tune was composed by Fred Steiner and became an instant classic.
It’s been used in countless parodies and covers, and it’s still just as catchy today as it was when it first aired.
11. “Cheers Theme” by Gary Portnoy and Judy Hart-Angelo
The Cheers theme song, sung by Gary Portnoy and Judy Hart-Angelo, is a true masterpiece.
The lyrics are perfectly crafted to capture the essence of the show and the characters, while the melody is both appealing and memorable.
It’s no wonder that this song has become one of the most iconic theme songs in television history.
12. “The Jeffersons (Movin’ on Up)” by Ja’Net DuBois and Jeff Barry
“The Jeffersons (Movin’ on Up)” is one of the most iconic television theme songs of all time.
The song was written by Ja’Net DuBois and Jeff Barry.
The lyrics of the song are all about upward mobility, and how the Jeffersons are moving on up in the world.
They’re leaving their old neighborhood behind and moving to a new one, where they’ll have a much nicer home.
13. “Diff’rent Strokes” by Al Burton, Alan Thicke, and Gloria Loring
One of the most recognizable TV theme songs of all time is “Different Strokes”. The song was written by Al Burton, Alan Thicke, and Gloria Loring, and it perfectly captures the spirit of the show.
The show was about two brothers from New York City who are taken in by a wealthy businessman from California.
The show dealt with serious topics like racism and child abuse, but it also had its fair share of lighthearted moments.
14. “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” by DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince
“The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” is one of the most well-known and beloved TV theme songs out there.
The catchy tune and lyrics perfectly capture the carefree spirit of the show.
DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince are responsible for this classic, and it’s easy to see why it’s been so popular for so many years.
15. “Theme from Hill Street Blues” by Larry Carlton and Mike Post
The Theme from “Hill Street Blues” is one of the most iconic and well-loved TV theme songs of all time.
Composed by Larry Carlton and Mike Post, the upbeat tune perfectly represents the spirit of the popular police drama it accompanied.
16. “The Twilight Zone” by Marius Constant
“The Twilight Zone” Theme music was composed by Marius Constant and first aired on the show’s debut episode in 1959.
The song has been used in countless subsequent incarnations of the show, as well as in other media.
It is instantly recognizable and has become synonymous with the show itself.
17. “Taxi” by Bob James
The “Taxi” theme song is one of the most famous TV theme songs.
Bob James composed the original track, which was used as the opening theme for the hit TV show Taxi.
The song was a huge success, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1982.
The catchy melody and easy-to-sing lyrics made it a favorite among viewers of the show.
18. “Tuyo” by Rodrigo Amarante
The Netflix original series Narcos tells the story of the rise and fall of Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar.
The show’s title sequence is set to “Tuyo” by Rodrigo Amarante, a haunting and beautiful ballad that perfectly sets the tone for the show.
19. “Bad Things” by Jace Everett
The song “Bad Things” by Jace Everett is the theme song for the TV show True Blood.
The show is about vampires and other supernatural creatures living in a small town in Louisiana.
The song reflects the dark, dangerous, and sexy world of the show. It has an uplifting beat and an attractive chorus.
The lyrics are dark and mysterious, just like the show.
20. “The Monkees Theme Song” by The Monkees
The Monkees’ theme song, also known as “Theme from The Monkees”, is written by American songwriters Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, and was performed by The Monkees.
The Monkees were a popular American pop-rock band in the 1960s, best known for their television show, which aired on NBC from 1966 to 1968.
The band consisted of Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith, and Peter Tork.
21. “Happy Days” by Pratt & McClain
The lyrics to “Happy Days” are simple but effective, and perfectly capture the show’s optimistic outlook on life.
The song is all about enjoying the little things in life and making the most of every day.
It’s the perfect pick-me-up for when you’re feeling down and is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
22. “Moonlighting” by Al Jarreau
If you grew up in the 1980s, chances are good that the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “moonlighting” is the theme song from the ABC television series of the same name.
The show starred Bruce Willis as a private detective who moonlighted as a professional photographer, and Cybill Shepherd as his partner.
23. “Bonanza” by David Rose
The Bonanza theme song was Composed by David Rose.
The Bonanza theme song is a sweeping, dramatic piece that perfectly captures the spirit of the Wild West.
The Bonanza theme song has been used in countless movies and TV shows, and it remains one of the most popular TV themes of all time.
24. “Seinfeld” by Jonathan Wolff and Yoni Wolf
There are few TV theme songs as famous as the one for “Seinfeld.”
Composed by Jonathan Wolff and Yoni Wolf, it perfectly represents the show’s quirky sense of humor. The song is also surprisingly catchy, making it easy to sing along to.
25. “The Simpsons” by Danny Elfman
The Simpsons are one of the longest-running animated sitcoms in television history.
The show has been praised for its clever writing, sharp wit, and lovable characters.
The show’s theme song, written by Danny Elfman, The melodic tune and simple lyrics perfectly capture the essence of the Simpson family and their zany adventures.
26. “Bugs Bunny Overture (This Is It)” by Mel Blanc
Over the years, there have been many great TV theme songs.
But one that always stands out is “Bugs Bunny Overture (This Is It)” by Mel Blanc.
It’s playful, yet has a touch of mischief.
It’s no wonder this theme song has been used for countless Looney Tunes shorts and specials over the years.
It’s simply one of the best TV theme songs ever created.
27. “The Jetsons” by Hoyt Curtin, Joseph Barbera, and William Hanna
The Jetsons is an American animated sitcom produced by Hanna-Barbera, originally airing in primetime from 1962 to 1963.
The show was created as a space-age counterpart to the then-popular Flintstones.
It premiered as the first program on ABC’s Sunday night schedule on September 23, 1962.
The series was renewed for a second season and aired for another 24 episodes on ABC from September 18, 1963, to March 17, 1964.
28. “Baretta’s Theme” by Sammy Davis Jr
Most people remember Sammy Davis Jr. from his performances on The Rat Pack, but did you know that he also had a successful career as a musician?
One of his most popular songs was “Baretta’s Theme,” which was the theme song for the TV show Baretta.
The show starred Robert Blake as Tony Baretta, a street-wise detective who wasn’t afraid to play by his own rules.
29. “Green Acres Theme” by Eddie Albert and Eva Gabor
The “Green Acres Theme” by Eddie Albert and Eva Gabor, perfectly encapsulates the show’s rural setting and quirky sense of humor.
It has been covered by numerous artists over the years, and its popularity has only grown in recent years thanks to its use in a popular meme.
Whether you’re a fan of the original TV show or not, there’s no denying that the “Green Acres Theme” is a classic piece of television history.
30. “The Brady Bunch” by Frank De Vol and Sherwood Schwartz
The Brady Bunch theme song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, but no one can do it quite like original performers, De Vol and Schwartz.
Their version of the song is the perfect mix of campy and nostalgic, making it a timeless classic that everyone can enjoy.
31. “Suicide Is Painless” by Tom Bahler
“Suicide Is Painless” by Tom Bahler was originally written for the film M*A*S*H, but was later adapted for the TV series of the same name.
The lyrics of the song are very dark and depressing, but the melody is very catchy and upbeat.
“Suicide Is Painless” is still one of the most popular TV theme songs today.
32. “Theme From S.W.A.T.” by Rhythm Heritage
The best TV theme songs are those that are immediately recognizable and evoke the spirit of the show. “Theme From S.W.A.T.” by Rhythm Heritage is the perfect example of this.
The song is catchy and upbeat, perfectly capturing the action and excitement of the show.
It’s also one of the most iconic TV themes of all time, instantly recognizable to anyone who has ever seen the show.
33. “The X-Files Theme” by Mark Snow
“The X-Files Theme” by Mark Snow has a spooky, unforgettable melody that is stuck in the heads of viewers for over two decades.
The show’s creator, Chris Carter, handpicked Snow to compose the music for The X-Files, and it was one of the best decisions he ever made.
Snow’s eerie theme perfectly captures the tone of The X-Files, and its unique sound helped make the show a hit.
34. “Bewitched” by Howard Greenfield and Jack Keller
Written by Howard Greenfield and Jack Keller, “Bewitched” was the theme song to the popular sitcom of the same name.
The song perfectly expresses the show’s premise of a witch who marries a mortal man and tries to live a normal life.
It also became a chart-topping hit for Doris Day in 1964.
35. “The Best of Both Worlds” by Hannah Montana
If you’re looking for a mix of old and new, Hannah Montana’s “The Best of Both Worlds” is the perfect TV theme song for you.
The catchy tune perfectly encapsulates the show’s premise of an ordinary girl living a double life as a famous pop star.
Plus, it’s sung by both Miley Cyrus and her on-screen alter ego, making it extra special.
Best TV Theme Songs – Final Thoughts
There you have it, the 35 best TV theme songs of all time.
Whether you’re looking for a classic like “The Simpsons” or something darker like “Bad Things” by Jace Everett, there’s sure to be a theme song on this list that will get stuck in your head.
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