10 of the Best TV Theme tune songs of all time

Who says the TV theme song is dead? The past few years have ushered in a new golden age of small screen songwriting but few made the top 10 of all time

There’s really nothing better than a good television theme song. Whether it’s the memorable lyrics or catchy instrumentals, they just don’t make TV theme songs like they used to — or at all, for that matter. That’s why we have to look to the past to get our fix. Here’s a ranking of the 10 best TV theme songs ever.

‘Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’

Song: “Yo Home to Bel-Air” by Will Smith

We can’t tell you what we had for lunch three days ago, but we can totally sing you the entirety of this theme song. This iconic tune, which details the story of how one teen’s life got flipped turned upside down (come on, sing it with us), practically defined the ‘90s and helped catapult Smith to fame.

‘Cheers’

Song: “Where Everybody Knows Your Name” by Gary Portnoy

In the words of our Senior Editor Sarah Stiefvater, “Cheers is a classic” and it “makes you want to have a bar where you’re a local celebrity.” Written by Portnoy and Judy Hart Angelo, this heartwarming theme actually received an Emmy nomination in 1983 for Outstanding Achievement in Music and Lyrics.

‘Golden Girls’

Song: “Thank You for Being a Friend” by Cindy Fee

Like the fabulous leading ladies of this popular sitcom, this ode to lasting friendships gives us all the feels. “Thank You for Being a Friend” was written in 1978 by Andrew Gold.

‘Friends’

Song: “I’ll Be There For You” by The Rembrandts

It’s by far one of the most popular TV show theme songs of all time, and it always makes us want to run around in a fountain with our BFFs while wielding colorful umbrellas. PureWow Commerce Editor Liv Kappler says, “It’s a classic and every time I hear it, it fills me with so much joy!” Same.

‘The Simpsons’

Song: “The Simpsons Theme” by Danny Elfman

The Emmy Award-winning show is still going strong after three decades, and the fact that this instrumental hasn’t changed once says quite a lot. From the sound of the school bell to Lisa blowing her giant saxophone, this theme is simply iconic.

‘Happy Days’

Song: “Happy Days” by Pratt & McClain

The nostalgic theme instantly takes us back Fonzie’s slicked-back hair and stylish leather jacket. To this day, it’s impossible to hear this cheerful tune without singing along.

‘Mission: Impossible’

Song: “Mission: Impossible” by Lalo Schifrin

Doesn’t it just make you want to put on a cool suit and pretend to be a sophisticated spy? The classic instrumental lives on as our go-to background music whenever we feel like doing something bold.

‘The Addams Family’

Song: “The Addams Family Theme” by Vic Mizzy

Guys, everything about this show’s opening, from the oddball family’s blank stares to Uncle Fester emerging from behind the chair, is simply brilliant. And this quirky song, with its fitting lyrics and catchy snaps, only makes it 10 times better.

‘The Flintstones’

Song: “Meet the Flintstones” by the Randy Van Horne Singers

Where would we be without this cheery childhood favorite? The theme song perfectly captures the essence of this show and can easily bring a smile to any kid’s face (or adult, for that matter).

10.’ Brushstrokes’

The theme song “Because of You” was written and performed by Dexys Midnight Runners. Released as a single in November 1986, it reached number 13 in the UK charts.

Most people would probably agree that it’s not by writing a song for a British sitcom about an amorous painter and decorator. And they might have been right: this fiddle-adorned ballad was the last thing the band put out for more than a quarter of a century.

Other worthy mentions: Minder, A-Team, The Big Bang Theory, The Office and ‘SmallVille‘.