Great TV Theme Songs Part III

Memorable theme songs are assets to television shows because they concisely set up the tone and premise of a show to build anticipation for the experience ahead. We’ve been digging through a huge list of TV theme songs to compile some of the greatest out there. This week, we’re heading to Westeros, meeting a spooky family, and hanging out with girls that are, well, golden.

The Andy Griffith Show (1960-1968)

On The Andy Griffith Show Sheriff Andy Taylor, his family, and Deputy Barney Fife enjoy life in the safe town of Mayberry. Nothing could make the small town feel more idyllic than the jaunty theme “The Fishin’ Hole” by Earle Hagen (who whistled the tune), Herbert Spencer, and Everett Sloane.

The Addams Family (1964-1966)

The Addams Family was a sitcom with a twist, starring a loving, macabre family who unintentionally scared their neighborhood. The theme by Vic Mizzy introduces the creepy and kooky family (they really are a scream), with a catchy tune that has everyone snapping their fingers.

The Partridge Family (1970-1974)

A widowed mother leads a family pop band with her five children in The Partridge Family. The first season featured the storytelling theme “When We’re Singin’” by Wes Farrell and Diane Hildebrand, then remaining seasons opened to Farrell and Danny Janssen’s more recognizable “C’mon Get Happy.” Both themes used the same catchy musical composition with wholesome lyrics that gave viewers a happy feelin’ when they’re singing a song.

M*A*S*H (1972-1983)

Medical professionals running an Army hospital during the Korean War survive the life and death situation through laughter on M*A*S*H. Johnny Mandel’s lowkey instrumental theme “Suicide is Painless” eased viewers into the black comedy about the horror and absurdity of war.

The Rockford Files (1974-1980)

The Rockford Files was a departure from typical detective shows, starring a roguish ex-con who becomes a private investigator. The theme by Mike Post and Peter Carpenter, was a ‘70s cool guy ditty made complete by a harmonica and funky guitar riff.

The Dukes of Hazzard (1979-1985)

The Duke boys make their way the only way they know how by driving fast and annoying local officials in The Dukes of Hazzard. Waylon Jennings, a king of country music, provided the “Good Ol’ Boys” theme which is bursting with rural rebel swagger.

The Golden Girls (1985-1992)

Four single women of a certain age live together and share their bustling life experiences in Miami on The Golden Girls. The brilliant sitcom opened with “Thank You for Being a Friend” a warm tune about friendship and loyalty by Andrew Gold and sung by Cynthia Fee.

Family Matters (1989-1998)

Family Matters was a family sitcom with an edge, starring the loving and sassy Winslows and their pesky neighbor, Steve Urkel. Led by a catchy piano intro, Jesse Frederick and Bennett Salvay’s theme “As Days Go By” is an optimistic, upbeat message about the bigger love of the family.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)

Teenage Buffy Summers is chosen by destiny to fight vampires, demons, and the forces of darkness on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Nerf Herder created the theme for the supernatural series, crafting a track with edgy guitar and fast, pounding drums.

Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

On Game of Thrones, multiple noble families fight for power and control with swords, scheming, and even a few dragons. Ramin Djawadi composed the cello-led theme that is as cinematic and dramatic as the series itself.  

Don’t miss the TV themes we already covered in Part I and Part II of this series and stay tuned for more great TV theme songs next week.