Confession: When I saw Awesomely Luvvie had done this, I wanted to do it, too. I LOVE TV THEME SONGS. And it is, sadly, a dying art.
So here they are, in no particular order, my TOP 20 TV THEME SONGS. The parameters I set for myself were themes with lyrics (sorry, Head of the Class) and non-animated series only (Apologies to Tiny Toons). Otherwise, this list would be 30 more songs long and you'd really hate me for how little work you get done today.
As it is, I apologize for the inevitable rabbit hole you're about to travel down. But at the end, I hope you will comment and tell me what your favorites are! What gem did I forget?
1. Growing Pains
Bonus points for changing up the ending - which Seaver would stay behind to ham it up for the camera?
2. Perfect Strangers
COME ON! You know when you heard this you were like "COME AND GET ME WORLD!!!"
And now we do the dance of joy....
3. The Golden Girls
If you know me, you are not at all surprised this is on the list. You are probably surprised I didn't name it first, though.
4. The Ballad of Serenity
It's genius. And I'm not over this gospel cover the cast of The Flash recently recorded of it:
5. The Greatest American Hero
Need I remind you of my bizarre childhood crush on Robert Culp?
6. Roundhouse
If you remember this show, we can be best friends. Reprise the theme song and roll the credits!!!
7. Blossom
There is so much nineties crammed into this opener it is almost unbelievable.
8. Laverne and Shirley
Somehow when they put that glove on the glass bottle on the factory it is EVERYTHING.
9. The Wonder Years
No, I did not consider this ineligible because the song is popular as a stand-alone.
10. Full House
I have so many questions. How does John Stamos only get better looking with age? Why is Jodie Sweetin walking by the ocean? Why is Aunt Becky taking photos of?
11. The Monkees
Meeting Micky Dolenz is one of my favorite childhood memories. True story.
12. Saved by the Bell
Duh.
13. California Dreams
Sing it if you know it... "SURF DUDES WITH ATTITUDES...."
Did you catch their reunion on Jimmy Fallon a few years ago? Amazing.
14. 227
Sung by the show's star, Marla Gibbs. There ain't no place like home!
15. Cheers
The theme song of all theme songs, right?
16. Friends
Wait. Maybe this is the theme song of all theme songs. We all love this, though, right?
17. Facts of Life
Bonus points for a Clooney mullet, right?
18. WKRP in Cincinnati
Such an underrated show. I loved it so much.
19. Family Ties
Sha-la-la-la....
20. The Fresh Prince of Bel Air
As if this wasn't making the list. PLEASE.
HONORABLE MENTION - Because I'm not sure it counts as a theme. Did it open the show? I can't remember. But big ups to "How Do You Talk to an Angel" from The Heights:
Ok, lemme have it, readers. Which beloved TV theme classic got left off the list?