Buzz
TV theme songs are increasingly rare, becoming briefer and less inventive with each passing year. The culprit? Advertising. Commercial breaks now last around eight minutes per half-hour of programming, forcing producers to prioritize airtime. As a result, opening credits and theme songs are often cut to dive straight into the show. However, this wasn't always the case. Rewind to a simpler era, filled with canned laughter, when theme songs not only set the mood but also provided crucial backstory for viewers.
1. The Beverly Hillbillies (1962-1971)
Who would've thought? The Beverly Hillbillies pioneered the "fish out of water" TV genre. Paul Henning, the show's writer and producer, penned the theme song and enlisted bluegrass legends Flatt and Scruggs for the music. Their rendition of "The Ballad of Jed Clampett," recorded independently in 1963, soared to #1 on the country charts. It wasn't until 1980, with Waylon Jennings' "The Good Ol' Boys" for The Dukes of Hazzard, that another TV theme song achieved similar radio success.
2. Gilligan's Island (1964-1967)
The theme song of Gilligan's Island didn't just offer a snappy summary of the show's premise. It also featured closing credits that teased viewers to stick around for the next episode. (Spoiler: They never got off the island.) However, one question the theme song left unanswered was why the Howells packed so much luggage for a supposedly short three-hour trip. "A three-hour tour!"
3. Green Acres (1965-1971)
Following the triumph of The Beverly Hillbillies, Paul Henning expanded his sitcom repertoire with another rural comedy about city folks out of their element. This time, a sophisticated couple from Manhattan relocated to a farm in Hooterville. Green Acres was notable for its quirky humor, satirical edge, and a memorable theme song performed by the lead actors. Unfortunately, both this show and its rural counterparts were axed in 1971 as CBS shifted focus to more modern programming, such as The New Dick Van Dyke Show.
4.
That Girl (1966-1971)
Strolling through New York City, flying kites, spotting her reflection in a store window ... That iconic theme song! Episodes of That Girl began with musical montages, a freeze-frame, and credits. In the final season, lyrics were added to define who "that girl" was. "Chestnuts, rainbows, springtime/She's tinsel on a tree/She's everything that every girl should be!" But That Girl was groundbreaking—it was the first sitcom centered on a single woman who wasn't living with her parents or employed as a maid.
5. The Brady Bunch (1969-1974)
Arguably the most famous TV backstory ever, The Brady Bunch theme song was like a quick elevator pitch. It’s no surprise that Sherwood Schwartz, the mastermind behind Gilligan's Island, was the one who introduced us to every member of this hip, blended family in under a minute.
6. The Jeffersons (1975-1985)
TV viewers were already familiar with The Jeffersons, as it spun off from All in the Family. The gospel-inspired theme song didn’t delve into how Archie Bunker's neighbors struck it rich. (For the record: a lawsuit and a dry cleaning business.) All audiences knew was that George and Weezy were climbing the social ladder from Queens to the Upper East Side. Recognize the singer? It’s Ja'net Dubois, who played Willona Woods on Good Times.
7. My Two Dads (1987-1989)
In recent years, shows like Brothers and Sisters, Modern Family, and The New Normal have showcased gay fathers. However, gay couples and families weren't always seen as prime-time material. NBC's My Two Dads and ABC's Full House debuted the same year, both featuring multiple father figures raising motherless, spirited daughters. To avoid any confusion about Michael (Paul Reiser) and Joey (Greg Evigan) being a couple, the theme song clarified that Judge Margaret Wilbur had ruled 12-year-old Nicole should live with the two men, either of whom could be her biological father. Oh, and they all resided in the judge's apartment building. Because that made perfect sense.
8. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996)
Will Smith rose to fame after winning the first Grammy for rap music in 1988 with DJ Jazzy Jeff. Yet, his most iconic track isn't "Parents Just Don't Understand" or "Gettin' Jiggy Wit It." It's the rap theme song he wrote and performed for The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, produced by Quincy Jones. While the first three episodes featured the full-length version, it was later shortened to accommodate longer show runtimes.
9. The Nanny (1993-1999)
"She's the lady in red when everyone else is in tan!" The jazzy, animated theme song of The Nanny perfectly captures Fran Drescher's character—and the song itself. After the pilot, the original opening number, "If My Friends Could See Me Now" from the Broadway hit Sweet Charity, was swapped out for Ann Hampton Callaway's "The Nanny Named Fran." Subtle, right?
10. Sister, Sister (1994-1999)
Much like its stars, Tia and Tamera Mowry, the Sister, Sister theme song evolved over time—and occasionally, it was a bit cringe-worthy. The first season's intro paired a lively tune with lyrics and animations, ensuring even the least attentive viewers understood the premise. By season two, it was trimmed and revamped to resemble a music video. As the show progressed and the cast grew up, the opening continued to change. By season five, Tia and Tamera took the reins, performing a brand-new theme song themselves. Clearly, these twins were more than just a double threat.
11. Strangers With Candy (1999-2000)
"The Trip Back" is a 1970 public service recording by Florrie Fisher, a former heroin addict and prostitute. While its intent was to warn teens about drug addiction, it ended up being unintentionally hilarious. Years later, actors Paul Dinello and Stephen Colbert noticed Fisher bore a striking resemblance to their friend Amy Sedaris. Thus, a spoof was born. Strangers With Candy opened with Jerri Blank's testimony, a self-proclaimed "boozer, user, and loser" who never quite learned her lesson by the end of each episode. You can catch the opening here.
But hold on—don’t change the channel! What’s the most memorable TV theme song you’ve ever heard?
