When I was reading my homepage the other morning this article about theme songs caught my eye. I’m a sucker for old television theme songs. I guess I didn’t really realize that there aren’t many anymore until I read the article.
I for one can’t stand it the way some programs start. There is no warning and half the time, at least with shows like CSI, Law and Order and the Without A Trace type shows, if you miss that first minute, you miss almost the whole plot. You can catch up with the story but you miss the most important part. I miss those opening songs.
I can remember after having way to many cocktails a few drinks, we would all pile onto the pontoon and cruise around the lake singing them. I think we thought we were all going to be the next American Idol or something. But man, did we ever have a good time.
I can still sing most of the words to a lot of them. What about Gilligan’s Island? Mr Ed? All In The Family? Green Acres? Can anyone hum the tune to Bonanza , Dallas or Hawaii 5-0? Facts Of Life? Dukes of Hazard? The Jefferson’s? The Honeymooners? I could go on and on but I’ll spare you.
Or am I just aging myelf? Take a look at this list of top 50 theme songs and see if you can come up with some of your favorites.
Us Girls..Our Views 
Hmm, I can’t believe Cheers was #1.
In my old age, I have trouble remembering some of the tunes / lyrics that I should, but I do remember a lot of these. I’m not sure if I have a favorite. I guess it would depend on what kind of mood I’m in.
You have me all nostalgic for simpler times in my life . . . times when I could sneak a couple of hours of TV in without too much guilt. My sister and I used to stay up late and watch the cop show reruns – Barney Miller, Hawaii Five-O, Streets of San Francisco. I don’t think I’ve seen another show as fun as Barney Miller. But darned if I can remember the theme song.
Fun topic!
A-team lol I remember that one and Magnum ooo McGyver as well – admittedly I didnt watch much tv growing up but I do remember them and the Golden Girls…
My favorite opening song was from The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Years later, I still have the whole thing memorized.
You know what show I miss – Fraggle Rock. That was an awesome show. It’s something I’d let my own kids watch – if they weren’t so afraid of muppets.
Oh, and I’d watch McGyver. Richard Dean Anderson is very attractive!
Lately we’ve been watching “All in the Family” reruns and my son made the mistake of saying that Edith is a lousy singer. Now my husband INSISTS on not skipping the theme song… instead he plays it and sings along. Quite loudly, I might add. Gives Edith a run for her money, truth be told.
I love theme songs!!!
My top 10~
90210
Fresh Prince~still know every word!!!
I love Lucy
The Dukes
Three’s Company
Greatest American Hero
The Addams Family
Brady Bunch
Cheers
I wish shows now days would go back to the good ol’ theme songs. You’re right Joy, they give us no kind of warning and nothing fun to sing along to.
I love the theme songs from the old westerns like Rin Tin Tin, The Rifleman, My Friend Flicka, Annie Oakley, and many more. I can hear them all in my head. Oh and Sky King.
I saw your title, and immediately heard Waylon Jennings… “Just two good ol’ boys….”
Ahh… the good ol’ days.
My husband would have pitched either 90210 or Twin Peaks, and put Partridge Family in there instead.
Neither of us agree with the rankings, though.
I also think Friends deserved a nod.
Dukes, Hillbillies, and Andy Griffith, in my opinion, all got gypped… they would have been higher if I was queen of the universe….
I love the theme songs to Dynasty, Dallas, Knots Landing, and Falcon Crest.
Ooh, remember the Courtship of Eddie’s Father: People let me tell you ’bout my best friend!
and Love American Style, Wonder Woman! See what you started!
Well Wilbur…
I didn’t see “Petti Coat Junction!”
It’s fun to think back about these. Love American Style was great and I loved Petticoat Junction too. It’s fun when people mention ones that weren’t on there.
Petticoat Junction came on after my bed time. I would “army crawl” down the hall and watch it through the legs of the chair my mom was sitting in.
Such a sneeky little guy.
I couldn’t help myself. I just loved Betty-Jo, Bobbie-Jo and Billi-Jo… Uncle Joe was cool too.
I did that “army crawl” for the Carol Burnet show. LOL!
More nostalgia – way back to the days when I didn’t even know what I was watching, as long as there was a kid in it (Eddie’s father) – this is scary – I may be entering my second childhood.
We used to sneak to watch “Soap.” That is so tame by today’s standard!
I kinda like the tune for Sex and the City – perhaps that show didn’t count because it wasn’t on regular TV?
My brother began playing jingles on the piano when he was 2. He was crazy about Wonder Woman and one day discovered he could play and sing, “wunner woman! yerra wunner, wunner woman!” (OK, it only used 2 notes, but that was a beginning!)
I ADORE the My Friend Flicka theme music. It lasts but a short time yet has a complex, very melodic theme.