The folks over at Paste have compiled a pretty impressive list of the 40 best TV theme songs of all time, complete with YouTube clips for each. Some of them are relatively modern classics (The Simpsons, The Sopranos), while many others dredge up memories of the '70s (The Love Boat, The Brady Bunch).
It's a pretty comprehensive list, and there are lots of fun facts I didn't know (for example, the same composers did the music for The A-Team, CHiPs, and Doogie Howser, MD, among others). And I really can't argue with the No. 1 choice of Cheers ("Where Everybody Knows Your Name"). But there are a couple that I'd love to add, including at least one version of "Way Down in the Hole" from The Wire and the theme from the BBC version of The Office (though its peppier US counterpart is pretty great as well). There's also a noticeable lack of cheesy '80s theme songs, though those might be more nostalgia inducing than actually great.
What theme songs do you think deserve to make the list?
Zagliani
I usually hate theme songs and I usually never watch them, even on my favorite shows. BUT I ALWAYS watch the theme to "That '70s Show." It's so great, catchy and fun. And I'm a little embarrassed to say that I sing and do the car singing gestures along with the cast!
1Friends and SATC aren't even on the list! How can you omit FRIENDS!!??
2"I'll Be There for You" - Friends
3Oh, and the Sex and the City theme. The people who created this list must be old...most of those theme songs are from a loooong time ago.
4the best tv theme tune is the song from 'punky brewster'. hands down.
5love Office's
6Omitted songs that should be on there:
The Golden Girls
7Punky Brewster
The Facts of Life
Rugrats (who of the 80's/90's generation doesn't get a little excited hearing those first few notes and seeing Tommy's diaper falling on him?)
Friends
Sex and the City
King of the Hill
Family Guy
South Park
Will and Grace (simple, yet fit the show perfectly)
The Nanny!!! (talk about songs that tell the premise of the show!)
Buffy
Charmed
Knots Landing
Dallas
Dynasty
Charlies Angels
The Young and the Restless
I love 90210 and Friends and for sure, Party of Five... tsk tsk
8Forgot 90210 and Party of Five! They should totally be on that list! I would even say ER to a point, because I mean their song is really tied to that show at least in my opinion.
9THE GOLDEN GIRLS! Hands down.
10Yes Beverly Hills 90210 should definately be on that list. I was afraid they left out MASh but fortunately is was just very high on the list. I always liked the Party of Five one too and I can still sing the tune from the Love Boat even though I haven't seen the show since I was in elementary school.
11The Persuaders
12Definitely The Golden Girls, SATC, and Friends!
I love the theme music of House as well.
13FRIENDS
THE OC
SATC
California always gives me his nostalgic feeling every time I hear it.
14Absolutely on board with everyone who noted SATC, Friends, and 90210. WTF with the obscure Square Pegs tune?!?!? Love the inclusion of Believe It Or Not, that's my happy song!
15I would definitely say 90210, but I hated the Friends theme.
16I like the cheers theme but number one? Yes friends should have made the list and the cosby show! and golden girls, and 90210
17friends theme always annoyed. i'll have to say this, saved by the bell and charles in charge. not necessarily the "best" per se, but def the ones i remember the most from my childhood.
18i agree with rugrats!!
19and 90210, friends, obviously SATC, and cheers was a good choice!
I really liked Grey's Anatomy's theme song when they still had one. But I agree who made this list, someone who hasn't watched tv in the past decade or two?
20i love the friends theme song.
21and i am embarrased to say that i also
loved the full house theme song.
Greatest American Hero. It was short lived, but the theme song was awesome!
"Believe it or not, I'm walking on air, I never thought I could feel so free! Flyin' away on a wing and a prayer, who could it be? Believe it or not It's just me!"
Yeah, I know the words, leave me alone. LMAO
22I agree with most. What about the Golden Girls? And call me a dork but I really wanted to see Full House, The OC, and Dawson's Creek on that list, especially Dawson's Creek.
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