Entertainment
10 Best TV Show Theme Songs, Ranked
A great television theme song is more than just a catchy tune; it's a mission statement. In the precious 30 to 90 seconds before the story begins, the...
A great television theme song is more than just a catchy tune; it's a mission statement. In the precious 30 to 90 seconds before the story begins, the opening credits and their accompanying music have to set the tone, establish the world, and create a powerful sense of anticipation. The best TV theme songs are sonic doorways, instantly transporting us to a familiar place, whether it's a cozy New York coffee shop, the mysterious corridors of the FBI, or the epic, sprawling continents of a fantasy realm. They become inextricably linked with the characters and stories we love, capable of evoking a flood of memories and emotions with just a few notes.
This ranking seeks to identify the definitive list of the best TV theme songs ever created. We're not just looking at tunes that are catchy; we're considering their cultural impact, their storytelling prowess, and their sheer, undeniable iconic status. These are the melodies that have transcended their shows to become a part of our shared cultural lexicon. From jazzy sitcom intros to epic orchestral pieces, these themes are masterclasses in musical storytelling, proving that sometimes, the most memorable part of a show happens before the first line of dialogue is even spoken.
10. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air - "Yo! Home to Bel-Air"
"Yo! Home to Bel-Air," the theme to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, isn't just a song; it's a complete narrative. In just over a minute, it delivers the entire backstory of the series with unparalleled charisma and efficiency, making it one of the most effective and memorable intros in television history.
### An Exposition Masterclass
Most shows of the era used their theme songs to introduce the cast and maybe hint at the premise. The Fresh Prince took this a step further by having its star, Will Smith, rap the entire plot setup. The lyrics, penned by Smith himself (under his moniker The Fresh Prince), detail his journey from the basketball courts of West Philadelphia to the manicured lawns of Bel-Air. This narrative approach was revolutionary, ensuring that any viewer, whether tuning in for the first time or the hundredth, knew exactly who Will was and how he got there. It’s a masterclass in storytelling economy, delivered with the infectious energy that would define the show.
### Cultural Phenomenon
The theme's impact went far beyond exposition. Produced by Quincy Jones and DJ Jazzy Jeff, the track was a legitimate hip-hop hit that helped solidify the genre's place in mainstream primetime television. Its upbeat, positive vibe made it universally appealing. The song is so iconic that it has remained a staple of pop culture, instantly recognizable to generations who weren't even alive when the show first aired. It’s a guaranteed party-starter and a karaoke favorite, a testament to its timeless beat and Smith's legendary charm. It's not just one of the best TV theme songs; it’s a cultural touchstone.
9. The X-Files - "The X-Files"
The theme from The X-Files is pure, unadulterated atmosphere. Composed by Mark Snow, its eerie, minimalist melody is as mysterious and unsettling as the show itself. It’s a piece of music that doesn't just introduce a program; it instills a feeling—a specific brand of paranoid curiosity that became the series' hallmark.
### The Sound of Paranoia
Mark Snow crafted the theme's signature sound through a fascinating blend of inspiration and experimentation. The iconic whistle-like synth melody was born from an accident when Snow rested his elbow on his keyboard with a particular echo effect active. He layered this haunting sound with synthesizers and a catchy beat, creating a track that was both futuristic and strangely ancient. The result is a melody that feels alien and unknowable, perfectly mirroring the show's central theme of questioning reality and trusting no one. It's the sonic equivalent of a shadowy figure just out of sight.
### A Genre-Defining Anthem
"The X-Files" theme became an unlikely global hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and earning an instrumental remix by the legendary DJ Dado. Its success cemented the sound of 90s sci-fi paranoia. The theme's influence can be heard in countless other scores for mystery and science fiction projects that followed. More importantly, it became a cultural shorthand for the strange and unexplained. Anytime a friend tells a story about a weird coincidence or an odd light in the sky, someone is bound to start humming this unforgettable tune.
8. Cheers - "Where Everybody Knows Your Name"
The theme for Cheers is an open invitation. "Where Everybody Knows Your Name," written by Gary Portnoy and Judy Hart Angelo, is a masterclass in establishing a show's core ethos. It’s a song filled with warmth, melancholy, and a deep-seated longing for community, perfectly encapsulating the Boston bar where audiences would spend 11 seasons.
### A Universal Longing
The song's genius lies in its lyrics. It speaks to a universal human desire: the need for a "third place," a sanctuary away from the pressures of work and home where you can simply be yourself. Lines like "Making your way in the world today takes everything you've got" and "Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name" resonated deeply with viewers. It wasn’t just a theme for a sitcom; it was an anthem for anyone feeling a little lost and looking for a place to belong. The gentle piano and Portnoy's soulful vocals create a sense of comforting nostalgia, even for a place you've never been.
### Crafting the Perfect Welcome
The creation of the song was a journey in itself. The producers initially rejected several of Portnoy and Hart Angelo's submissions before they landed on this masterpiece. The final version is a delicate balance of melancholy and hope. The sepia-toned photos of bar patrons from a bygone era that accompany the music in the opening credits further enhance this feeling of timeless community. It’s one of the best TV theme songs because it does more than set a scene; it offers a promise of comfort and acceptance that the show consistently delivered.
7. The Simpsons - "The Simpsons Main Title Theme"
Danny Elfman’s theme for The Simpsons is a chaotic, brilliant, and instantly recognizable piece of music. It’s a whirlwind of sound that perfectly captures the anarchic spirit of America's longest-running animated family. From the first four-note "The Simp-sons" vocal cue, the theme launches into a frenetic orchestral sprint that is as irreverent and layered as the show itself.
### A Cinematic Overture
Unlike the typical sitcom jingles of the era, Elfman composed a full-blown cinematic overture. The theme has a distinctive, slightly off-kilter feel, utilizing the unusual acoustic scale to give it a unique and memorable sound. Elfman reportedly composed the theme in just a couple of days after being approached by creator Matt Groening. He aimed for a "retro-style" piece of music that felt like it could have been written in any era, giving it a timeless quality. The complex orchestration and driving rhythm make it feel like a high-energy chase scene, a perfect introduction to the zany world of Springfield.
### The Evolving Opening
What makes The Simpsons theme truly iconic is its integration with the show's famous opening sequence, including the blackboard gag, the saxophone solo, and the couch gag. Lisa's saxophone solo, in particular, adds a touch of bluesy soul to the orchestral madness, with the solo changing in many episodes of the earlier seasons. This ever-changing intro sequence, anchored by Elfman's consistent theme, ensured that viewers would never skip the opening. It's a dynamic and essential part of the viewing experience, making it one of the most celebrated and best TV theme songs of all time.
6. Doctor Who - "Doctor Who Theme"
The theme from Doctor Who sounds like nothing else on television, which is fitting for a show about a time-traveling alien. Created in 1963 by Ron Grainer and realized by Delia Derbyshire at the BBC Radiophonic Workshop, it was a groundbreaking piece of electronic music that was light-years ahead of its time.
### A Pioneering Electronic Sound
Delia Derbyshire's work on the theme cannot be overstated. Grainer provided the score, but it was Derbyshire who transformed it into an otherworldly masterpiece. Using musique concrète techniques, she manipulated recordings of a single plucked string, white noise, and oscillators, painstakingly cutting and splicing tape to create the theme's iconic bassline, swooping melodies, and eerie textures. This was all done before the age of commercial synthesizers, making her work an incredible feat of audio engineering. The result is a sound that is at once mysterious, thrilling, and full of a sense of infinite possibility—the very essence of Doctor Who.
### An Enduring and Evolving Classic
Over the show's nearly 60-year history, the theme has been re-arranged and re-recorded by various composers, yet its core elements have remained untouchable. Each new version reflects the musical style of its era and the personality of the current Doctor, from the rock-oriented versions of the 70s to the full orchestral arrangements of the modern series. This ability to adapt while retaining its core identity is a mirror of the show's own concept of regeneration. It’s a piece of music that is constantly being reborn, yet it is always, unmistakably, the sound of the Doctor's next adventure.
5. Friends - "I'll Be There for You"
For a decade, "I'll Be There for You" by The Rembrandts was the defining sound of 90s sitcom television. It was more than a theme song; it was a pop-rock anthem that perfectly encapsulated the show's central idea: when you're young and trying to figure out your life, your friends are your family.
### The Sound of a Generation
The song's upbeat, jangly guitar riff and optimistic lyrics were a perfect match for the show's comforting and humorous vibe. Co-written by the show's producers, Marta Kauffman and David Crane, along with songwriter Allee Willis and members of The Rembrandts, the lyrics touch upon the universal anxieties of early adulthood—a dead-end job, a lack of money, a disastrous love life. Yet, the chorus provides the ultimate reassurance: "I'll be there for you." This simple message of unwavering friendship resonated powerfully with its target audience and became an anthem for Generation X.
### From TV Intro to Global Hit
Initially, "I'll Be There for You" was only a one-minute track created for the show. However, overwhelming public demand, fueled by radio DJs looping the short version, prompted The Rembrandts to record a full-length version. The song became a massive international hit, reaching number one on the charts in several countries. Its success was bolstered by a music video featuring the cast of Friends, further cementing the link between the actors, their characters, and the song. And, of course, no discussion of the theme is complete without mentioning the signature four-clap sequence, a simple yet brilliant piece of audience participation that is now legendary.
4. The Sopranos - "Woke Up This Morning" (Chosen One Mix)
The opening of The Sopranos is a masterstroke of tone-setting, and its theme song, "Woke Up This Morning" by the British band Alabama 3, is the lynchpin. The song’s moody, menacing groove provides the perfect soundtrack for Tony Soprano's drive from the concrete canyons of Manhattan to his suburban New Jersey kingdom.
### A Gangster's Blues
"Woke Up This Morning" is not a traditional theme song. It's a gritty, electronic-infused blues track that tells a story of violence and existential dread. The lyrics, inspired by a real-life domestic murder case, speak of getting a gun and facing a world that seems to be against you. Sung with a deep, menacing drawl, the song perfectly captures the duality of Tony Soprano: the powerful, feared mob boss and the deeply troubled man battling depression. The choice of a British band to score this quintessentially American story was inspired, giving the intro a unique, detached quality that allows the viewer to observe Tony's world from a slight distance.
### The Perfect Commute
Creator David Chase initially wanted to use a different song for each episode's opening credits. However, he was convinced to stick with "Woke Up This Morning," and it’s impossible to imagine the show without it. The song's rhythm syncs perfectly with the montage of Tony's commute—the gritty industrial landscapes, the iconic shot of the Twin Towers in his rearview mirror (in early seasons), and the final arrival at his oversized suburban home. It’s a journey from one world to another, and the song's brooding energy tells you everything you need to know about the man behind the wheel. It's a definitive example of how music can define a character before he even speaks a word.
3. Mad Men - "A Beautiful Mine"
The theme for Mad Men is an exercise in pure style and suspense. The instrumental piece, "A Beautiful Mine" by RJD2, is a short, dramatic composition that brilliantly accompanies the show's iconic animated opening sequence of a silhouetted figure falling through a world of advertising imagery.
### An Accidental Masterpiece
Interestingly, "A Beautiful Mine" was not composed for the show. It was a track from RJD2's 2006 album Magnificent City. The show's creators licensed a short edit of the track, and its dramatic, Hitchcock-esque strings, jazzy breakbeat, and elegant piano created the perfect sonic backdrop for the world of 1960s advertising. The music has a sense of both classic glamour and impending doom, mirroring the stylish surfaces and dark undercurrents of Don Draper's life. It feels simultaneously nostalgic and modern, a perfect fit for a period drama with contemporary sensibilities.
### The Falling Man
The theme is inseparable from the visuals of the opening credits. We see a black-and-white silhouette, presumably Don Draper, watch his office and his life dissolve around him before he falls endlessly past skyscrapers adorned with advertisements for idealized families and consumer products. The music builds in intensity, creating a sense of vertigo and psychological freefall. It’s a powerful metaphor for the identity crisis at the heart of the series. The theme doesn’t tell you what the show is about in a literal sense; instead, it evokes a feeling of cool detachment, hidden anxiety, and the seductive danger of a life built on illusion. It's a strong contender for the best TV theme song of the modern era.
2. The Twilight Zone - "Main Title Theme"
Four notes. That’s all it takes to be instantly transported to another dimension—a dimension of sound, a dimension of sight, a dimension of mind. The theme for The Twilight Zone, composed by Marius Constant, is arguably the most recognizable and culturally significant television theme ever created. It is the definitive sound of the uncanny and the unknown.
### A Sonic Signature of the Strange
The theme's high-pitched, repeating four-note guitar riff is one of the most famous musical motifs in history. It's a sound that is instantly associated with mystery, suspense, and a twist ending. Constant, a French avant-garde composer, created the theme by combining two of his existing instrumental pieces. The result is a chilling, minimalist masterpiece. The eerie guitar, unsettling woodwinds, and ethereal sounds create a sense of profound unease and cosmic dread. It perfectly primes the audience for the strange and thought-provoking tales that are about to unfold.
### The Sound of Parody and Homage
The theme's influence is immeasurable. It has been referenced, parodied, and paid homage to in countless films, television shows, and commercials. It has become a universal cultural shorthand for anything weird, surreal, or ironic. When a situation takes an unexpected and bizarre turn, someone will inevitably whistle those four notes. This is the true mark of an iconic theme: its ability to escape the confines of its own show and enter the public consciousness as a standalone concept. It is more than just music; it is a signal that you have just crossed over into The Twilight Zone.
1. Game of Thrones - "Main Title"
The opening theme of Game of Thrones, composed by Ramin Djawadi, is not just the best TV theme song of the modern era; it is a monumental piece of music that stands as one of the greatest of all time. It is an epic, orchestral masterpiece that perfectly captures the scale, grandeur, and brutal intricacy of the world of Westeros.
### An Overture for a World
Djawadi's primary challenge was to create a piece of music that could unite the show's disparate locations and numerous characters into a cohesive whole. He achieved this by crafting a theme built around a powerful and unforgettable cello riff. The main melody is both noble and melancholic, constantly shifting between major and minor keys to reflect the show's unpredictable and often tragic nature. The driving, percussive rhythm gives the piece a relentless, martial energy, suggesting the constant conflict and scheming that defines the series. It’s a grand overture that doesn't just introduce a show; it introduces an entire world.
### The Aural Map
The theme's genius is magnified by its perfect synchronization with the Emmy-winning opening credits sequence—a dynamic, three-dimensional map of Westeros and Essos. As the camera swoops over the clockwork models of Winterfell, King's Landing, and The Wall, Djawadi's score builds in complexity and power. The music acts as an aural guide to this sprawling world, with different sections of the theme seeming to correspond to the different great houses and regions. It’s a breathtaking fusion of sound and vision that prepares the viewer for the epic story to come. It's majestic, intimidating, and unforgettable—the definitive example of what a television theme can and should be.
In the end, the best TV theme songs are more than just background music; they are an essential part of the storytelling. They are the first characters we meet, the first taste of the world we are about to enter. From the epic scope of Game of Thrones to the intimate comfort of Cheers, these themes have earned their place in television history, proving that a truly great melody can last forever.