Bruno Pugh
You know that moment when you’re halfway through a show’s intro and suddenly shout, “Wait, I know this song!”? It turns out that some of our favorite TV themes had a whole other life before they hit our screens. So, let’s take a look at 20 hit songs that found a second home as unforgettable TV theme songs.
Bad Reputation (Freaks And Geeks)
Joan Jett’s rebellious anthem “Bad Reputation” captured the spirit of “Freaks and Geeks.” Its bold, punk rock energy matched the show’s portrayal of misfit high school students. Jett’s fierce attitude resonated with the audience, becoming an iconic theme song for a generation of outsiders.
Woke Up This Morning (The Sopranos)
Before you knew it, Alabama 3’s “Woke Up This Morning” set the tone for “The Sopranos.” The song’s laid-back yet ominous vibe gave us the soundtrack for the show’s crime-ridden underworld, becoming synonymous with Tony Soprano’s rise and fall.
Red Right Hand (Peaky Blinders)
Nick Cave’s “Red Right Hand” is not your average theme song. With its haunting tones, it became the perfect match for the dangerous world of “Peaky Blinders,” as its dark, cinematic atmosphere mirrored the tension and complexity of the Shelby family’s criminal empire.
Thank You For Being A Friend (The Golden Girls)
Although Gold saw this song as a simple, almost offhand composition, it went on to have an enduring legacy, particularly after a cover version by Cynthia Fee was used as the song for “The Golden Girls.” Over the years, it has appeared in various movies, commercials, and TV shows.
I Don’t Want To Wait (Creek)
This song first hit the airwaves in October 1997, standing out with its aching lyrics about time, fate, and life’s unpredictable turns. It wasn’t long before the song found a second life beyond the charts—when Dawson’s “Creek” debuted in 1998, it quickly adopted “I Don’t Want to Wait” as its official theme song.
Who Are You (CSI)
It’s hard to hear “Who are you? Who, who, who, who?” without instantly picturing flashing lights, violent scenes, and a team of investigators pulling on gloves. This gritty anthem first dropped in August 1978, but it found a whole new life when “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” premiered in October 2000.
With A Little Help From My Friends (The Wonder Years)
The moment Joe Cocker’s raspy voice belts out the first note, you’re instantly transported to backyard barbecues and the bittersweet blur of growing up. Originally released by The Beatles in 1967, “With a Little Help from My Friends” got a soulful makeover when “The Wonder Years” chose it.
We Are Family (The Nanny)
“We Are Family” by Sister Sledge became the theme song for “The Nanny” in 1993. Its catchy, disco-driven melody perfectly fits the show’s family-centric humor. Moreover, its uplifting tone helped solidify the show’s warm, fun atmosphere.
Way Down In A Hole (The Wire)
Tom Waits released “Way Down in the Hole” in 1987, delivering a smoky, bluesy warning about good and evil. When “The Wire” debuted in 2002, the show adopted the song as its haunting theme, with a different version each season.
Bad Boys (Cops)
The reggae classic “Bad Boys” by Inner Circle was a massive hit in the ’90s before becoming the unforgettable theme for “Cops.” With its infectious rhythm and iconic “What’cha gonna do?” hook, it brought a fun, edgy vibe to the long-running police reality show.