13 Theme Songs That Were Better Than the Show
These theme songs had us hooked before the first scene; too bad the actual shows didn’t live up to the hype.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Sometimes, a TV theme song becomes iconic even when the series is forgettable. These intros were catchy and fun, overshadowing everything that followed. Here are 13 theme songs that earned a permanent spot in your head, even if the shows didn’t last.
1. The Greatest American Hero – “Believe It or Not”
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This soaring soft-rock anthem became a charting hit, more beloved than the goofy superhero antics it introduced. The show struggled to find its tone, bouncing between slapstick and drama.
2. Enterprise – “Where My Heart Will Take Me”
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A power ballad by Russell Watson kicked off this Star Trek prequel, aiming for emotional uplift. The song got flak for being too different, yet it’s still fondly remembered.
3. Cheers – “Where Everybody Knows Your Name”
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Okay, Cheers wasn’t a bad show, just slow to start. The theme was so warm and nostalgic that people sang it even if they’d never watched an episode.
4. Small Wonder – “She’s a Small Wonder”
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The robotic vocals and sweet melody were oddly endearing. The show about a robot girl living in suburbia was weird and stilted. However, the song still lives rent-free in ’80s kids’ minds.
5. DuckTales (2017 reboot) – “Woo-oo!”
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They nailed the reboot of the original theme with more energy and modern production. Sadly, the show never caught on like its ‘80s predecessor.
6. Charles in Charge – “Charles in Charge of Our Days”
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Catchy, wholesome, and utterly singable. The show tried too hard to be heartwarming and missed more than it hit. But that theme song? A pop gem.
7. The Nanny – “She Was Working in a Bridal Shop…”
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A full backstory in 30 seconds, this song was told in a jazzy Broadway style, absolutely unforgettable. The show leaned on Fran Drescher’s charm, but often felt repetitive.
8. Perfect Strangers – “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Me Now”
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This motivational theme was all vibes, with soaring vocals and ‘80s synths. The buddy comedy had its moments but struggled with dated humor.
9. Roundhouse – “Round and Round We Go”
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Nickelodeon’s sketch show had a groovy, high-energy theme. The rest of the show was chaotic and inconsistent.
10. Big Wolf on Campus – “Save Me” by Save Ferris
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A ska-punk intro that absolutely slapped, this was far better than the clunky werewolf teen drama it introduced. Most fans remember the tune, not the plot.
11. Laverne & Shirley – “Making Our Dreams Come True”
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A motivational banger from the get-go, this theme set expectations high. The show had laughs but felt like a spinoff that never fully stood on its own.
12. FlashForward – “Sets the World on Fire” by The American Analog Set
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This was a haunting, atmospheric theme for a sci-fi mystery that fizzled fast. The moody tone promised depth that the show never delivered.
13. Animaniacs (2020 reboot) – “It’s Time for Animaniacs”
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The reboot kept the classic theme with modern tweaks — still clever, still unforgettable. Unfortunately, the reboot’s humor didn’t always hit the mark.