Ringside Report Looks Back TV Theme Songs

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By Geoffrey Huchel

Whether they’re an original composition that explains the show’s premise, instrumental arrangements or songs performed by an established artist, TV theme songs are a key component to any TV series, as they set the tone and level of energy the show represents. Show intros have slowly changed over the years.

In the early days of television, and into the 1990s, theme songs were often comprised of fun, catchy tunes with clever lyrics heard over the opening credits. Theme songs today however, are much more condensed, usually being a short into of music followed immediately by a quick jump into the action. This may be the new normal, and some may actually prefer it to a 1-2 minute musical ditty.

For me, I personally miss the theme songs of the past. They’re nostalgic. They remind me of a simpler time filled with great memories and that always brings me great joy. It would be nearly impossible to choose the best TV theme song of all time but we all have our own personal favorites.

I’ve compiled a list of shows throughout television history with theme songs that once you hear them you can’t help but get your toes tapping and sing along. Do you see any of your favorites listed? What are some others that you remember?

Show and Theme

ALL IN THE FAMILY (1971-1979)
Those Were the Days

THE ADDAMS FAMILY (1964-1966)
The Addams Family

THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES (1962-1971)
The Ballad of Jed Clampett

THE BRADY BUNCH (1969-1974)
The Brady Bunch

CHEERS (1983-1993)
Where Everybody Knows Your Name

DIFF’RENT STROKES (1978-1986)
It Takes Diff’rent Strokes

THE DUKES OF HAZZARD (1979-1985)
Good Ol’ Boys

THE FACTS OF LIFE (1979-1988)
The Facts of Life

THE FLINTSTONES (1960-1966)
The Flintstones

THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL AIR (1990-1996)
The Fresh Prince of Bel Air

FRIENDS (1994-2004)
I’ll Be there for You

FULL HOUSE (1987-1995)
Everywhere You Look

GILLIGAN’S ISLAND ( 1964-1966)
Gilligan’s Island

THE GOLDEN GIRLS (1985-1992)
Thank You For Being A Friend

THE GREATEST AMERICAN HERO (1981-1983)
Believe It Or Not

GREEN ACRES (1965-1971)
Green Acres

HAPPY DAYS (1974-1984)
Happy Days

THE JEFFERSONS (1975-1985)
Movin’ On Up

THE JETSONS (1962-1963)
The Jetsons

LAVERNE & SHIRLEY (1976-1983)
Making Our Dreams Come True

THE LOVE BOAT (1977-1987)
The Love Boat

MARY TYLER MOORE (1970-1977)
Love Is All Around

MARRIED…WITH CHILDREN (1986-1997)
Love and Marriage

THE PATTY DUKE SHOW (1963-1966)
The Patty Duke Show

PUNKY BREWSTER (1984-1988)
Every Time I Turn Around

SCOOBY-DOO WHERE ARE YOU (1969-1970)
Scooby-Doo Where Are You

SAVED BY THE BELL (1989-1992)
Saved By The Bell

THAT ‘70S SHOW (1998-2006)
In The Street

THREE’S COMPANY (1976-1984)
Three’s Company

WKRP IN CINCINATTI (1978-1982)
WKRP In Cincinnati

WONDER WOMAN (1975-1979)
Wonder Woman

THE WONDER YEARS (1988-1993)
With A Little Help from My Friends

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