18 TV Show Theme Songs That Instantly Take You Back
Some TV theme songs are so iconic that just a few notes can transport you right back to your childhood or favorite era of television.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
An excellent theme song establishes the tone for a show, making it instantly identifiable and permanently associated with the viewing experience. Whether lively, dramatic, or just catchy, these timeless TV songs have endured. You immediately find yourself back in front of the television, eager to experience the enchantment again, as soon as you hear them.
1. Friends – “I’ll Be There for You”
Chester on Wikimedia Commons
The Rembrandts’ upbeat song became an anthem for ‘90s kids, with its signature claps and feel-good lyrics. Even today, it’s impossible not to sing along when it gets played.
2. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air – “Yo Home to Bel-Air”
Vanessa Lua on Wikimedia Commons
Few theme songs tell a whole story like this one, which Will Smith himself rapped. It’s fun, memorable, and still a party favorite decades later. Just hearing the first few lines is enough to get fans rapping the entire thing.
3. The Twilight Zone – Instrumental Theme
SunOfErat on Wikimedia Commons
This eerie, otherworldly tune was instantly recognizable and still used to signal something strange or mysterious. It perfectly set the tone for the sci-fi anthology series.
4. Gilligan’s Island – “The Ballad of Gilligan’s Isle”
Paladin27 on Flickr
This theme song doubled as a quick explainer, introducing every character in a catchy, singable format. Even if you never watched the show, chances are you know at least part of the lyrics.
5. Cheers – “Where Everybody Knows Your Name”
Jim Ellwanger on Flickr
Warm, nostalgic, and comforting, this song perfectly captured the feeling of a neighborhood bar where everyone belonged. It became an instant classic, much like the show itself.
6. The X-Files – Instrumental Theme
PrinceKickster on Wikimedia Commons
With its haunting whistle-like melody, this theme song set the stage for supernatural mysteries and government conspiracies. Just hearing it could send chills down your spine.
7. Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood – “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”
KUHT on Wikimedia Commons
Gentle and inviting, Fred Rogers’ theme song felt like a personal welcome into a safe and kind world. The simple lyrics and soothing melody made it unforgettable.
8. The Brady Bunch – “Here’s the Story”
ABC Television on Wikimedia Commons
This song introduced not just the show but the entire blended family with a catchy, sing-song rhythm. It’s one of the most iconic TV theme songs of all time.
9. Hawaii Five-O – Instrumental Theme
Todd Lappin on Flickr
This high-energy surf-rock theme made sure the show started with a bang. It’s one of the most recognizable instrumentals in TV history.
10. Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! – “Scooby-Doo Theme”
David E. Lucas on Wikimedia Commons
This fun, groovy tune instantly brings mysteries, meddling kids, and a talking Great Dane to mind. It’s been covered and remixed over the years, but the original remains a fan favorite.
11. Batman (1966) – “Batman Theme”
Egon Eagle on Wikimedia Commons
With its simple but infectious “na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na Batman!” chorus, this instrumental is impossible to forget. It perfectly captured the campy fun of the classic TV series.
12. Happy Days – “Happy Days”
Kipp Teague on Flickr
This feel-good rock ‘n’ roll tune embodied the nostalgia of 1950s America. It was so iconic that it became even bigger than the show itself.
13. The Addams Family – “The Addams Family Theme”
ABC Television on Wikimedia Commons
The snapping fingers and spooky melody made this theme one of the most fun to mimic. Even those who never watched the show can’t resist snapping along.
14. Miami Vice – Instrumental Theme
Heidi De Vries on Flickr
This synth-heavy, high-energy instrumental defined ‘80s cool. It was stylish and sleek, like the soundtrack to a crime-fighting montage.
15. The Beverly Hillbillies – “The Ballad of Jed Clampett”
TV episode screenshot (CBS) on Wikimedia Commons
A twangy bluegrass classic, this song set the stage for the fish-out-of-water comedy. It was a rare TV theme that became a hit on the music charts.
16. Full House – “Everywhere You Look”
Wikimedia Commons
This feel-good tune captured the warm, wholesome vibe of the Tanner family. The lyrics and melody remain stuck in the minds of ‘90s kids everywhere.
17. The Jeffersons – “Movin’ On Up”
Photofest on Wikimedia Commons
This upbeat, gospel-inspired theme reflected the show’s theme of success and new beginnings. It’s still one of the most beloved and empowering TV theme songs.
18. Mission: Impossible – Instrumental Theme
MidCentArc on Flickr
This theme’s suspenseful, heart-pounding rhythm made it perfect for a spy thriller. It became so legendary that it carried over into the movie adaptations decades later.