Ever since I saw Ant Man and the Wasp, I’ve had “C’mon Get Happy” (AKA the theme song to The Partridge Family) stuck in my head. Not to walk into “old man yells at cloud” territory here, but I really miss the glory days of TV theme songs. (Although I gotta say, their weird swoosh that ushered in each episode of Lost was incredibly satisfying).
What I want to do right now is share with you some of my favorite TV show themes from the years. Don’t worry, you’ll have a chance to name your favorites in a few minutes!
Written by Ron Grainer (who also gave us the theme for The Prisoner) and realized by Delia Derbyshire, this synth-heavy classic suitably makes you feel as if you are traveling through time and space from one unexpected adventure to another. Absolute perfection in every way, which is why the theme has remained largely unchanged — with the exception of new orchestrations — for over 50 years.
“Here’s the story…” The best TV themes tell you what the series you are watching is about in a catchy opening sequence. And it’s more than a hunch that The Brady Bunch achieves this goal wonderfully.
The late, great Alan Thicke co-wrote this theme that introduced viewers to the exploits of Jo, Blair, Natalie, Tootie, and Mrs. G for nine seasons of quality sitcom fun. Mindy Cohn is a comedic genius who doesn’t get enough credit. There, I said it.
It’s impossible not to ride away on a wave of enjoyment when you hear this classic theme.
Law and Order: Special Victims Unit
For a show that is about the darkest aspects of humanity, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit has got one hell of a chill theme song.
This one still gets some radio play, minus the brilliant opening from Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams. It’s been since “I’ll Be There for You” from Friends that we’ve had a truly inescapable TV theme, and we are way overdue.
If you hear this and don’t immediately have a smile on your face, that bums me out.
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Okay, so it just recycled Jerry Goldsmith’s theme from Star Trek: The Motion Picture, but can you think of any better or more rousing introduction to the crew of the Enterprise D?
Creepy and majestic and a tad off-putting, just like David Lynch’s series itself.
These are a few of my favorite themes, but now I want to hear yours. In the comments tell me what some of your best-loved TV show themes are and why!