Favorite TV Theme Songs

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The 70s, 80s and 90s make up the golden era of TV theme songs, producing some of the best theme songs in television history.  These songs became an integral part of the shows, helping them develop an identity and emotional connections with their viewers.  Indeed, many iconic theme songs continue to evoke memories of the time in which they existed, especially when they were a part of one’s childhood or teen years.  Contemporary shows have largely opted not to use longer theme songs, if at all - with exceptions like Game of Thrones, whose theme song immediately transports you to the fantastical lands of Westeros and Essos.

Here are my 10 favorite theme songs, in chronological order:

Three’s Company (1977 - 1984)

Come And Knock On Our Door by Ray Charles (not that Ray Charles) and Julia Rinker provided the show with the perfect sassy opening, complete with 70s synths, that captured the show’s cheeky and playful premise.

Cheers (1982 - 1993)

“Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name” is the start of the memorable chorus from the Cheers theme song, performed by Gary Portnoy.  The song was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Achievement in Music and Lyrics in 1983 and was voted the best television theme of all time by a Rolling Stone readers poll in 2011.

Adventures Of The Gummi Bears (1985 - 1991)

Gummi Bears happens to be one of my favorite cartoons growing up. The melodic theme song describes the bears as courageous and caring, faithful and friendly and promises “high adventure that’s beyond compare”.  It is performed by Joseph Williams, lead vocalist of the rock band, Toto.

The Golden Girls (1985 - 1992)

Thank You For Being A Friend is a perfect example of a theme song that created an emotional connection to a show - as soon as the opening notes start, you can picture that plane flying over Miami followed by images of the Golden Four.  The theme song, originally recorded by Andrew Gold in the 70s, is performed by Cynthia Fee.

Ducktales (1987 - 1990)

The theme song is sung by Jeffrey Pescetto.  Dan Fletcher from Time magazine noted its lasting impact despite its questionable lyrics: "Some of the lyrics might not make sense to those older than the age of 10 — we're not sure how life in Duckburg is like a hurricane, or exactly what a 'duck blur' is — but the DuckTales song is still awesome." I’ve recently seen remixes of the song on TikTok that prove that it still “slaps”.

The Nanny (1993 - 1999)

I’m currently rewatching The Nanny and realized I still remembered every word of the upbeat theme song, created and sung by Ann Hampton Callaway.  Young me was particularly entertained by the line “What was she to do? Where was she to go? She was out on her fanny!” since fanny in South Africa does not mean the same as it does in the US.

Friends (1994 - 2004)

I’ll Be There For You by The Rembrandts is arguably one of the most recognizable sitcom theme songs - who can resist the handclaps after the opening line “So no one told you life was gonna be this way”? (these were actually a last minute addition to the song)

Dawson’s Creek (1998 - 2003)

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to hear Paula Cole perform the cathartic theme song, I Don’t Want To Wait, live.  I was instantly transported back to my late teens when this show had a big impact on me.  The show helped get the single to a peak of number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1998.

Ally McBeal (1997 - 2002)

Ally McBeal is one of my favorite shows of all time, despite the often ridiculous storylines.  The theme song, Searchin My Soul by Vonda Shephard, originally appeared on her 1992 album, The Radical Light and, after being used on the show, it became somewhat of a personal anthem for me as I navigated the end of my teen years and start of adulthood.

Gilmore Girls (2000 - 2007)

Where You Lead was originally written and recorded by Carole King in 1970 and appears on her seminal album, Tapestry.  A lyrically revised version was recorded by Carole King and Louise Goffin for the show’s theme song.  Now I’m instantly transported to Stars Hollow whenever I hear it!

Of course, I must also mention my instrumental favorites:

The A-Team

Beverly Hills, 90210

Dallas

Downton Abbey

Dynasty

Murder, She Wrote

Sex and the City

The X-Files