- Years: 1964-1966
- Network: ABC
The theme song of The Addams Family is instantly recognizable and has entrenched itself in popular culture. With its catchy, finger-snapping rhythm and quirky lyrics, the song captures the eccentric charm of the spooky yet endearing Addams family.
Interestingly, the Addams family didn't begin their journey on television. They originated from a series of cartoons by Charles Addams, which first appeared in The New Yorker magazine in the 1930s. This quirky family has since evolved from their cartoon origins to become beloved characters across various media, solidifying their place in the hearts of fans worldwide.
- Years: 1975-1979
- Network: ABC
The theme song of Welcome Back, Kotter was performed by John Sebastian. It emerged as a quintessential anthem of the 1970s, encapsulating the show's nostalgic and heartwarming narrative. Its infectious melody and relatable lyrics struck a chord with audiences, turning it into a chart-topping hit and an enduring staple of pop culture.
The show almost had a different name, however. Originally intended to be simply titled "Kotter," the theme song "Welcome Back" was penned by John Sebastian. Finding it challenging to rhyme with "Kotter," Sebastian instead crafted lyrics that reflected the show's premise, leading to the iconic title we know today. This decision not only shaped the show's identity but also contributed to its lasting legacy.
- Years: 1980-1988
- Network: CBS
The theme song of Magnum, P.I. was composed by Mike Post and Pete Carpenter. The song has become an iconic piece of television music that epitomizes the spirit of the 1980s. Its catchy, upbeat melody not only set the perfect tone for the show's thrilling escapades but also became a cultural touchstone, instantly recognizable to both fans and non-fans. Over the years, this theme has been referenced and parodied across various media.
Magnum's signature look—featuring colorful Hawaiian shirts and a Detroit Tigers baseball cap—became so iconic that one of his actual shirts is now part of the permanent collection at the Smithsonian Institution.
- Years: 1971-1979
- Network: CBS
The theme song of All in the Family, titled "Those Were the Days," is one of the most famous in television history. Sung by the lead characters Archie and Edith Bunker over the opening credits, the song's memorable melody and lyrics have become deeply ingrained in popular culture.
In addition to its memorable theme song, All in the Family was groundbreaking in other ways. Remarkably, it aired the first toilet flush sound effect on American primetime television. While this might seem trivial today, it was a significant moment at the time, further pushing the boundaries of what was considered appropriate for broadcast television and highlighting the show's willingness to tackle what were then "taboo" topics.
- Years: 1993-2002, 2016-2018
- Network: Fox
The theme song of The X-Files was composed by Mark Snow. The iconic theme matches the show's eerie and mysterious atmosphere. Its haunting melody and distinctive whistling have made it instantly recognizable...and even easier to parody.
When Gillian Anderson, who portrays the brilliant Dana Scully, became pregnant during the first season, some network executives wanted to recast the role. Thankfully, series creator Chris Carter fought for her to remain, allowing Scully to evolve into a pop culture icon. This decision not only preserved the show's integrity but also cemented Scully's place as one of television's most enduring female characters.
- Years: 1979-1985
- Network: CBS
The theme song of The Dukes of Hazzard is titled "Good Ol' Boys" and performed by pioneering outlaw country musician Waylon Jennings. Its catchy tune remains as memorable as the scenes of the orange Dodge Charger flying through the air.
Interestingly, John Schneider, who played Bo Duke, is actually from New York. To land the role, the 18-year-old actor attended his audition in character, complete with a fake Southern accent, cowboy hat, and a fabricated story about being a stunt driver. This commitment to the role helped him secure his place in the beloved series.
- Years: 1968-1980
- Network: CBS
The theme song of Hawaii Five-O was composed by Morton Stevens. With its powerful brass and surf rock influence, the tune is instantly recognizable and a staple of TV history. A cover version of the tune by The Ventures, released in 1968, ended up becoming one of the band's biggest hits. The song peak at the #4 position and spend 14 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
This unforgettable theme song, known for its catchy opening guitar riff, was more than just background music. Written by Morton Stevens, the theme won a Grammy Award in 1968 for Best Instrumental Theme.
- Years: 1972-1977
- Network: NBC
The theme song of Sanford and Son was composed by the legendary Quincy Jones and titled "The Streetbeater." The funky, upbeat rhythm has become instantly recognizable and is even sampled in contemporary music.
Sanford and Son was based on the British sitcom Steptoe and Son. The stateside reinterpretation was one of the first American TV shows to feature a predominantly Black American cast. Redd Foxx's portrayal of Fred Sanford became a defining role in television history. His performance earned him 3 consecutive nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series from 1972-1974.
- Years: 1959-1964
- Network: CBS
The theme song of The Twilight Zone was composed by Marius Constant and is now one of the most instantly recognizable pieces of television music. Its eerie, otherworldly melody has become synonymous with the strange and supernatural.
Rod Serling, the creator of The Twilight Zone, was a prolific writer, having written or co-written 92 of the show's 156 episodes. His extensive contributions to the series have made him one of the most significant figures in television history.
- Years: 1975-1982
- Network: ABC
The theme song of Barney Miller was composed by Jack Elliott and Allyn Ferguson. This quintessential piece of 1970s television music is celebrated for its funky bassline and smooth jazz feel.
Barney Miller was renowned for its realistic portrayal of life in a New York City police precinct, drawing inspiration from real-life cases for many of its storylines. Additionally, the show boasted a diverse cast, a progressive choice for its time that added depth and authenticity to its portrayal of urban life.
- Years: 1961-1963
- Network: NBC
The theme song of Car 54, Where Are You? is as catchy as playful and upbeat as it is memorable, matching the comedic essence of this show from the first Golden Age of Television.
Car 54, Where Are You? was a beloved sitcom from the early 1960s, featuring Fred Gwynne and Joe E. Ross as bumbling New York City police officers. Interestingly, Gwynne later gained even greater fame for his portrayal of Herman Munster in The Munsters, showcasing his versatility as an actor across different comedic roles.
- Years: 1972-1983
- Network: CBS
The theme song of the television show MASH is actually titled "Suicide is Painless." It's a hauntingly beautiful melody that has attained legendary status for one of the most-watched television shows of all time.
Interestingly, the iconic theme song was originally written for the 1970 film and included lyrics. However, the TV show opted to use only the instrumental version. What's particularly intriguing is that the lyrics were penned by the 14-year-old son of the film's director, Robert Altman.
- Years: 1984-1989
- Network: NBC
The theme song of Miami Vice was composed by Jan Hammer. It has gone on to become emblematic of the entire 1980s decade, especially its use of synthesizers. It is one of the most popularly successful TV theme songs of all time (holding the title from 1985-2006, thanks to High School Musical). The theme was so popular it was released as a single and charted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Until "Harlem Shake" in 2013, it was the last instrumental/non-vocal song to top the Hot 100 chart.
Miami Vice was renowned for its groundbreaking incorporation of contemporary music and fashion, frequently showcasing popular songs and designer clothing that significantly shaped 1980s pop culture. The show's distinctive pastel color palette and stylish aesthetic set new standards for television production, leaving an indelible mark on television and American culture at large.
- Years: 1966-1969
- Network: NBC
The theme song of Star Trek was composed by Alexander Courage. Its majestic, otherworldly melody immediately conjures the spirit of adventure and space exploration.
An intriguing facet of the Star Trek legacy is Leonard Nimoy's contribution to the iconic Vulcan salute. Nimoy, renowned for his portrayal of Spock, devised the gesture based on a Jewish blessing he remembered from his childhood. This cultural fusion not only added depth to Spock's character but also highlighted Nimoy's personal connection to the role.
- Years: 1987-1997
- Network: Fox
The theme song of Married with Children is the Frank Sinatra version of "Love and Marriage," a major chart hit from 1955. Before later TV audiences associate the song with this sitcom, the song's TV history began with a Sinatra performance on an episode of the Producers' Showcase musical television adaptation of "Our Town."
Married with Children holds the distinction of being the inaugural prime-time television series to air on the Fox Network, premiering on April 5, 1987. Its remarkable run spanned 11 seasons, establishing it as one of the longest-running sitcoms of its era. This longevity not only attests to the show's enduring popularity but also underscores its significance in shaping what came to be the most successful competitor to the "Big Three TV Networks."
