TV Theme Songs That You Still Know by Heart
Before streaming services gave us the option to skip the intro, television theme songs were an important part of the viewing experience. They welcomed us into our favorite shows, set the mood, and often became just as memorable as the characters themselves.
Whether they made us laugh, gave us goosebumps, or had us singing along every week, these iconic TV themes have stood the test of time. Even decades later, it only takes a few notes to bring back memories of gathering around the television with family and friends.
Here are ten unforgettable TV theme songs that many of us still know by heart.
1. Cheers (1982–1993)
Theme Song: Where Everybody Knows Your Name
Few television theme songs are as comforting as the opening to Cheers. Written by Gary Portnoy and Judy Hart Angelo and performed by Portnoy, the song perfectly captured the welcoming atmosphere of Boston’s favorite neighborhood bar.
Its lyrics about finding a place “where everybody knows your name” made viewers feel like they were part of the gang every week.
Why it’s unforgettable: It’s one of the few TV themes that people still sing from beginning to end.
2. The Andy Griffith Show (1960–1968)
Theme Song: The Fishin’ Hole
You don’t even need lyrics to recognize this classic.
The famous whistle that opens The Andy Griffith Show instantly transports viewers back to the peaceful streets of Mayberry. The simple melody perfectly reflected the warmth and charm of one of America’s most beloved sitcoms.
Why it’s unforgettable: One whistle is all it takes to know exactly what’s coming next.
3. Happy Days (1974–1984)
Theme Song: Happy Days
“Sunday, Monday, Happy Days…”
Those four words are enough to get almost anyone singing along.
The upbeat theme perfectly captured the show’s nostalgic look at life in the 1950s while becoming one of the signature television songs of the 1970s.
Why it’s unforgettable: It’s impossible not to smile when you hear it.
4. The A-Team (1983–1987)
Theme Song: Instrumental
Big brass, pounding drums, and nonstop excitement.
The opening music to The A-Team promised action from the very first note. Long before viewers saw Hannibal, Face, B.A. Baracus, and Murdock, the theme had already raised everyone’s adrenaline.
Why it’s unforgettable: It remains one of television’s greatest action themes.
5. M*A*S*H (1972–1983)
Theme Song: Suicide Is Painless
Unlike most TV themes, M*A*S*H* opened with a haunting instrumental version of “Suicide Is Painless.”
The beautiful melody reflected the show’s unique ability to balance humor with the heartbreaking realities of war, making it one of the most emotional television themes ever composed.
Why it’s unforgettable: Beautiful, moving, and unlike anything else on television.
6. The Jeffersons (1975–1985)
Theme Song: Movin’ On Up
“Well we’re movin’ on up…”
If you just started singing those words, you’re not alone.
The energetic theme celebrated George and Louise Jefferson’s move to Manhattan and became one of the most recognizable sitcom songs of all time.
Why it’s unforgettable: One of the catchiest opening songs ever written for television.
7. The Love Boat (1977–1986)
Theme Song: The Love Boat
“Love… exciting and new…”
Saturday nights simply weren’t complete without hearing this cheerful theme as viewers boarded television’s most famous cruise ship.
The song perfectly captured the fun, romance, and adventure that made The Love Boat a weekend favorite.
Why it’s unforgettable: It instantly brings back memories of relaxing Saturday evenings.
8. Dallas (1978–1991)
Theme Song: Instrumental
The bold orchestral opening of Dallas became one of television’s most recognizable instrumental themes.
It perfectly reflected the power, wealth, and larger-than-life drama of the Ewing family.
Why it’s unforgettable: It sounded every bit as grand as the Texas empire it introduced.
9. Knight Rider (1982–1986)
Theme Song: Instrumental
The futuristic synthesizer theme of Knight Rider became one of the defining sounds of the 1980s.
Its electronic rhythm perfectly matched Michael Knight and KITT as they raced into another high-tech adventure.
Why it’s unforgettable: It’s one of the coolest TV themes ever created.
10. The Golden Girls (1985–1992)
Theme Song: Thank You for Being a Friend
Originally recorded by Andrew Gold, the song became forever associated with Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia.
Its heartfelt lyrics about friendship perfectly reflected the warmth and humor that made The Golden Girls such an enduring classic.
Why it’s unforgettable: Few television themes have ever felt so genuine and heartfelt.
Honorable Mentions
There were simply too many unforgettable TV themes to fit into one list. Some other classics that deserve recognition include:
- Gilligan’s Island
- The Brady Bunch
- Mission: Impossible
- Hawaii Five-O
- Magnum, P.I.
- Miami Vice
- The Dukes of Hazzard
- The Greatest American Hero
- Diff’rent Strokes
- The Beverly Hillbillies
- Sanford and Son
- The Monkees
- Welcome Back, Kotter
- Laverne & Shirley
- Rawhide
Why We Still Remember Them
Great television theme songs did more than introduce a show—they became part of our lives. They told us it was time to settle into our favorite chair, gather with family, and spend the next thirty or sixty minutes with characters we had grown to love.
Today, streaming services often encourage us to skip the intro, but back then, we never wanted to. In fact, for many viewers, singing along to the theme song was part of the experience.
These unforgettable melodies continue to live on because they remind us of a simpler time when television brought families together.
Which TV Theme Song Do You Still Know by Heart?
Was it the whistle from The Andy Griffith Show, the unforgettable opening of Cheers, the excitement of Knight Rider, or the feel-good lyrics from The Love Boat?
Tell us in the comments: Which classic TV theme song can you still sing without missing a word? We’d love to hear your favorite!