When it comes to television show theme songs, I consider myself a connoisseur. I have a couple of friends that I’ve at one time or another had a very serious debate on the subject.
While most people would consider it inconsequential, I find theme songs to be a binding thread that can survive generations, politics, and even religions. Let me repeat myself. I take television theme songs VERY SERIOUSLY.
Now, I must admit I am an American and therefore most familiar with American television, but feel free to educate me in the comments. There are some people who would just lump all intro show themes into one list.
They’re probably the same savages that ask blanket questions like: “What’s your favorite movie?” or “Who’s your favorite band?” They disregard sub-genres and specifics.
Well, that’s not the kind of show we’re running here at DotD. Now, for the purpose of this list, I will differentiate “Theme Song” versus “Theme Music”.
I will define “Theme Songs” as including a melody with lyrics and “Theme Music” as simply just a melody. While I realize the terms can be interchangeable, I thought it best to divide them into two separate categories.
This means I made a hard, but conscious, decision to only include “theme songs” not “theme music”. Like I said. I take this subject VERY SERIOUSLY.
Our Handpicked List
50) Small Wonder
49) Silver Spoons
47) WKRP in Cincinnati
46) Maude
45) Out of this World
44) The Wire (seriously, Tom Waits)
43) Family Ties
42) The Greatest American Hero
41) The Patty Duke Show
40) Married with Children
39) Green Acres
38) Sons of Anarchy
37) Malcolm in the Middle
35) True Blood
34) Family Matters
32) Three’s Company
31) Dawson’s Creek
30) The Muppet Show
29) The Love Boat
28) Mr. Belvedere (My 2nd ALL TIME FAVORITE)
27) Friends
26) The Sopranos
25) Perfect Strangers (MY ABSOLUTE ALL TIME FAVORITE)
24) Full House
23) Saved by the Bell
21) COPS
20) All in the Family
19) The Monkees
18) The Wonder Years
16) Charles in Charge
15) Good Times
13) Facts of Life
12) Diff’rent Strokes
11) Mister Ed
10) Happy Days
9) Lavern & Shirley
8) The Beverly Hillbillies
7) Golden Girls
6) Cheers
4) The Jeffersons
3) The Brady Bunch
1) Fresh Prince of Bel Air
Honorable Mentions
The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Empty Nest, Dear John, and Fraiser (outro).
Final Words
Television theme songs are more than just catchy tunes that play before our favorite shows; they are the heartbeats that set the tone for the episodes to come. They evoke nostalgia, remind us of simpler times, and often become as iconic as the shows themselves.
This list, while extensive, is just a glimpse into the vast world of TV theme songs that have left an indelible mark on our hearts. Whether you agree with the rankings or not, one thing is undeniable: these songs have shaped our viewing experiences and have become cultural touchstones.
The next time the melodies of a cherished theme song reach your ears, pause and relish the flood of memories and feelings it evokes. And if you’re curious about content reminiscent of classic TV prank shows, discover the reactions to consuming dry ice.