18 TV Theme Songs That Were More Popular Than the Shows
Some TV theme songs became more memorable and widely recognized than the shows they introduced.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 6 min read
Television theme songs sometimes take on a life of their own. While a show may fade from public memory, the theme song remains familiar, often gaining its own fan base. This list highlights 18 TV themes that became more popular or enduring than the shows they originally accompanied.
1. “I’ll Be There for You” – Friends
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The theme became a mainstream radio hit in the mid-90s, reaching number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100. Performed by The Rembrandts, it became the band’s most well-known track. Even people who haven’t seen the show often recognize the song within seconds. Its cultural presence has lasted far beyond the original broadcast years.
2. “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” – The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
NBC on Wikimedia Commons
Will Smith’s theme is one of the most widely known TV raps ever recorded. It became a pop culture reference point and is still recited word-for-word by fans decades later. The song was never released as a single in the U.S., but it still became a global phenomenon. Its popularity often overshadows the actual content of the series.
3. “Believe It or Not” – The Greatest American Hero
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The song reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1981. Many listeners remembered the theme but not the show’s plot about a man who receives a superhero suit. It was later parodied and referenced in other shows, including Seinfeld. The show had a short run, but the theme remains one of TV’s most recognizable.
4. “Where Everybody Knows Your Name” – Cheers
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This song won an Emmy Award and became widely associated with comfort and familiarity. It resonated emotionally with viewers, often remembered more than the show’s individual storylines. Radio stations played full-length versions of the track due to high demand. The song still holds relevance through covers and nostalgic playlists.
5. “Suicide Is Painless” – MAS*H
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The instrumental version was used for the TV show, while the original song with lyrics appeared in the 1970 film. Its somber tone contrasted with the show’s mix of comedy and war drama. The melody has become iconic and is still closely associated with the series. The lyrical version gained attention years later for its dark content.
6. “Thank You for Being a Friend” – The Golden Girls
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The song was originally recorded by Andrew Gold in 1978 and later re-recorded for the show. It became strongly associated with themes of friendship and support. Many people recognize the song even if they’ve never watched an episode. Its use in commercials, memes, and tributes has kept it relevant.
7. “Movin’ On Up” – The Jeffersons
CBS Television Network on Wikimedia Commons
Written by Jeff Barry and Ja’net DuBois, the theme reflected ambition and upward mobility. Its gospel influence made it stand out among sitcom intros of the time. The song has been reused, sampled, and referenced in music and film. It is still more widely known than many of the show’s characters or story arcs.
8. “The Best of Both Worlds” – Hannah Montana
The Walt Disney Company on Wikimedia Commons
This theme was part of Miley Cyrus’s early music career and contributed to her fame. The show was targeted at preteens, but the song received mainstream radio play. It charted on Billboard and became a hit outside of the Disney Channel audience. The song’s reach exceeded the show’s viewership numbers.
9. “Everywhere You Look” – Full House
Miller-Boyett production on Wikimedia Commons
Written by Jesse Frederick, the theme played a major role in defining the tone of ’90s family TV. It was heavily nostalgic and recognized by multiple generations. The song was used again in the reboot, Fuller House. Many people identify the tune without recalling specific episodes or storylines.
10. “Good Ol’ Boys” – The Dukes of Hazzard
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Performed by Waylon Jennings, the song reached number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100. It appealed to both country music fans and TV audiences. The tune is still played independently of the show. The show has become controversial over time, but the song remains widely played.
11. “Cleveland Rocks” – The Drew Carey Show
American Broadcasting Company on Wikimedia Commons
Originally by Ian Hunter and covered by The Presidents of the United States of America, it was used to showcase the show’s location. The song became more familiar to many viewers than the show’s plot or characters. It was used in multiple seasons and promotional material. Its upbeat tone helped define the show’s public image.
12. “Secret Agent Man” – Secret Agent (US version of Danger Man)
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The Johnny Rivers version was used for the U.S. release of the British series. The show itself was moderately successful, but the theme became a radio hit. The song has been covered many times and used in films. It remains more recognizable than the show that introduced it.
13. “I Know You Know” – Psych
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Performed by The Friendly Indians, the song helped establish the show’s quirky identity. It stood out among modern TV themes with its fast pace and unique vocals. Fans of the show continue to reference the theme in online communities. Its catchiness contributed to the show’s loyal following.
14. “Bad Boys” – Cops
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Originally recorded by Inner Circle, the song was already popular before being used by the show. It became inseparably linked with the series, which used it for over two decades. The track was featured in movies, remixes, and parodies. Its recognition often exceeds that of the show itself.
15. “With a Little Help from My Friends” – The Wonder Years
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Joe Cocker’s version of the Beatles song was used as the opening theme. The emotional weight of the song helped define the show’s nostalgic tone. It was never released as a single but gained recognition through the series. The song continues to be used in tributes and retrospectives.
16. “Boss of Me” – Malcolm in the Middle
Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation on Wikimedia Commons
They Might Be Giants created the theme specifically for the show. It won a Grammy Award for Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media. Its rebellious tone fit the show’s perspective and stood out on its own. The band gained a new audience thanks to its popularity.
17. “Who Are You” – CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
CBS on Wikimedia Commons
The theme was taken from The Who’s 1978 song and introduced to a new generation through the show. It became the signature sound of the CSI franchise, used in multiple spin-offs. The original track received a resurgence in streams and downloads. In many cases, the theme became the most memorable part of the viewing experience.
18. “Love and Marriage” – Married… with Children
Sony Pictures Television on Wikimedia Commons
Originally released by Frank Sinatra in 1955, the song was repurposed for the show. Its contrast with the show’s content made it stand out to viewers. The theme became part of the show’s identity and was used throughout its entire run. It remains in public memory as part of classic television history.