The greatest TV theme songs not only signal the start of your favorite shows, but they also set the mood, make you groove, and sometimes become as iconic as the characters themselves. Let’s revisit the 15 most unforgettable TV theme songs of all time. You’ll find yourself humming them before you know it!
Friends
Friends isn’t simply a show; it’s a cultural phenomenon, and “I’ll Be There For You” is its anthem. Written by Michael Skloff and Allee Willis and performed by The Rembrandts, that upbeat tune perfectly sums up the show’s vibe of friendship, laughs, and endless love.
The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air
The second you hear, “Now this is a story all about how…” you’re already rapping along. Even if you think you’ve forgotten the words, somehow, they all come flooding back. Will Smith’s fresh rhymes gave us a show intro that became as legendary as the sitcom itself.
Game of Thrones
The Game of Thrones theme is bold and dramatic and instantly makes you feel like you’re about to take on a journey full of betrayal, conflict, and inevitable character demise. Whether or not the show’s ending worked for you, Ramin Djawadi’s score will always evoke memories of its unforgettable moments.
Hawaii Five-O
If you haven’t air-drummed to the opening riff of Hawaii Five-O, are you even living? This one is pure surf rock adrenaline. The signature tune by Morton Stevens captures the thrill of the chase and makes you want to grab a board and ride some waves.
The Simpsons
You know it’s time for some Springfield shenanigans as soon as you hear Danny Elfman’s whimsical tune for The Simpsons. It’s one of the most recognizable TV tunes ever, and for good reason. It’s quirky and pairs perfectly with Homer’s love of donuts, Bart’s skateboard antics, and Lisa’s saxophone solos.
The Addams Family
Vic Mizzy’s macabre little jingle is as weird and wonderful as the Addams Family. It’s a simple yet brilliant tune that combines spooky and kooky in the most entertaining way. And let’s face it, you can’t resist snapping along whenever it comes on. You’re snapping right now, aren’t you?
The X-Files
The truth is out there, and so is this tune. The otherworldly notes of The X-Files by Mark Snow will make you question everything around you. Did your cat just communicate telepathically? You don’t know, but this song makes you feel like Mulder and Scully are hot on the case.
The Twilight Zone
If you don’t feel a little creeped out the moment this eerie tune starts playing, are you even human? Marius Constant’s unforgettable melody for The Twilight Zone theme song from the second season is the ultimate soundtrack to make you feel like something strange is about to go down.
Stranger Things
Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein’s hauntingly atmospheric theme for Stranger Things grabs the show’s mysterious and supernatural vibe. It’s impossible to hear those synth-heavy notes without picturing the Demogorgon lurking in the shadows or the kids riding their bikes down the streets of Hawkins, Indiana.
SpongeBob SquarePants
Are you ready, kids?! It’s impossible to say that without thinking of this nautical earworm. SpongeBob SquarePants is a signature tune that knows exactly what it is—pure and silly like our favorite yellow sponge. You’re probably lying if you haven’t belted this out at least once in your life.
The Jeffersons
Ja’net DuBois and Jeff Barry’s “Movin’ on Up” for The Jeffersons is the kind of tune that makes you want to shimmy a little. Its infectious energy encapsulates the spirit of the show’s rise to the East Side and sticks with you long after the episode ends.
The Brady Bunch
Here’s the story of a… you already know the rest, right? The Brady Bunch leitmotif explains everything about the show in just a few lines. It’s appealing and campy, and it brings back memories of a simpler time when the biggest problem was whether Marcia broke her nose.
Gilligan’s Island
Gilligan’s Island gave us a sing-along-worthy tune from George Wyle and Sherwood Schwartz that told the whole story before the episode even started. It doesn’t matter if you’re more of a Skipper or a Professor fan. Everyone knows this iconic ditty. It practically begs you to sing along.
Outlander
Bear McCreary’s rendition of “The Skye Boat Song” perfectly captures the misty Scottish highlands, setting the tone for the epic drama. Its haunting melody, combined with Gaelic lyrics, stays with you long after the episode ends, making it one of TV’s most recognizable theme songs.
The Golden Girls
“Thank you for being a friend.” No, really. Thank you for sticking with us on this list! The Golden Girls melody is complete with a side of cheesecake and late-night chats with your besties. Written and performed by Andrew Gold, it’s wholesome, nostalgic, and instantly comforting.