1. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
You probably can’t hear “Now this is a story all about how” without immediately rapping the rest of the song. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’s theme is one of the most iconic TV openings of all time, setting the stage for a hilarious and heartfelt sitcom about a kid from West Philadelphia who gets a fresh start in Bel-Air. Even though the show ended in the ‘90s, this theme has never really faded from pop culture. Whether you memorized it from watching reruns or just heard it a million times at parties, it’s hard to forget says PEOPLE.
The best part? It’s a full-on story in just a minute and a half. You can’t help but sing along, especially when it gets to “Yo, home to Bel-Air!” The catchy beat, playful lyrics, and Will Smith’s effortless delivery make it a song that sticks in your brain. It’s so recognizable that even people who didn’t watch the show probably know at least part of it. There’s a universal appeal to it—whether you grew up in the ‘90s or just heard it in movies and memes, the song resonates with people of all ages.
2. Gilligan’s Island
“Just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale, a tale of a fateful trip…”—and just like that, you’re mentally stranded on an island with Gilligan and the gang. Gilligan’s Island might be a show from the ‘60s, but its theme song has endured for generations. It lays out the entire plot in a fun, sea shanty-style tune that instantly transports you to the S.S. Minnow. Even if you haven’t watched an episode in years, you can probably still name every character in the order the song does shares Slash Film.
The song’s charm is in how simple and catchy it is. It’s easy to hum, and once you start, it’s impossible to stop. Plus, there’s something fun about dramatically singing “the millionaire! And his wife!” It’s one of those theme songs that sticks with you whether you want it to or not. The best part is that it sums up the entire show in under a minute. From the characters to the premise, the song does it all in a sing-songy manner that’s as catchy as it is simple. It’s the kind of song that stays with you long after the TV is turned off.
3. The Brady Bunch
Here’s the story… of a song you’ll never forget. The Brady Bunch theme is a classic, instantly recognizable from the first few notes. It tells the entire backstory of the blended family in a fun, sing-songy way that’s impossible to resist. Even if you never actively tried to memorize it, you probably know every word just from hearing it so many times adds MSN.
It’s one of those songs that feels like a time capsule. The upbeat, wholesome feel perfectly matches the show’s vibe, making it one of the most nostalgic tunes out there. It’s also incredibly simple—easy to sing and fun to belt out. And let’s be honest, if you’ve ever found yourself humming the “here’s the story” part, you’re not alone. It’s so ingrained in pop culture that it’s nearly impossible to think of The Brady Bunch without the theme song popping into your head. It’s timeless.
4. The Jeffersons
If “Movin’ On Up” starts playing, good luck not singing along. The Jeffersons had one of the most uplifting and triumphant TV themes ever, turning the show’s opening into an anthem. It’s all about success and making it big, which made it stand out from other sitcom themes of the time. Even if you haven’t heard it in ages, the lyrics come right back the second you do adds the Miami Times.
The gospel-style vocals give it an extra level of power, making it impossible not to belt out. The song captures the essence of the show, full of confidence and excitement. And who could forget the joyous “We’re movin’ on up” as it echoes through your mind? It’s the kind of song that leaves you feeling inspired, even if you’re not familiar with the show. The upbeat nature and catchy chorus make it feel like a celebration every time it comes on.
5. Happy Days
“Sunday, Monday, Happy Days!” That opening line is enough to send you straight back to the ‘50s (or at least the sitcom version of it). Happy Days had a theme song that was pure fun, setting the perfect tone for a show about teenage life in Milwaukee. Even if you haven’t heard it in years, you can probably still sing along with ease says Forbes.
It’s one of those songs that just makes you feel good. The upbeat, rock ‘n’ roll style fits right in with the show’s nostalgic setting. Plus, the catchy “Goodbye gray skies, hello blue” just brings a burst of joy, and the rhythm is perfect for dancing or clapping along. The simple nature of the theme, combined with its upbeat vibe, makes it a perfect match for the carefree nature of Happy Days. It’s one of those TV themes that has a way of bringing an instant smile to your face.
6. Laverne & Shirley
You might not remember every episode, but you definitely remember “Schlemiel! Schlimazel! Hasenpfeffer Incorporated!” Laverne & Shirley had a theme song that was just as energetic and fun as the show itself. “Making Our Dreams Come True” was all about chasing success and doing things your own way. It’s the perfect anthem for two women trying to find their place in the world while having a blast doing it.
It’s the kind of song that makes you want to get up and dance. The lyrics are simple but uplifting, making it one of the most singable TV themes ever. You can practically feel the infectious energy of Laverne and Shirley in every line. And the best part? The call-and-response chant makes it fun to sing along with friends. It’s all about believing in yourself and having fun while doing it.
7. The Facts of Life
“You take the good, you take the bad…” and you take the fact that you probably still remember this song. The Facts of Life had a theme that felt like a life lesson wrapped in a catchy tune. It was simple, easy to remember, and completely singable.
Even if the show isn’t as talked about today, the theme song is still stuck in many people’s heads. It had that classic ‘80s sitcom charm that made you want to sing along. The lyrics, “You’re gonna make it after all,” offered a bit of reassurance, making it more than just a catchy tune. It felt like a little pep talk every time it played. The mix of optimism and simplicity in the melody made it one of those TV themes that stayed with you long after the show ended.
8. The Beverly Hillbillies
“This is the story about a man named Jed…” and if you heard that first line, you can probably recite the rest. The Beverly Hillbillies theme was like a mini folk song that told the entire premise of the show. It was twangy, fun, and impossible to forget.
It’s one of the few TV themes that actually felt like a traditional country song. The lyrics were playful but also did a perfect job of setting up the series. They laid out the entire backstory of the Clampett family’s rise from rural poverty to sudden wealth in a way that felt both absurd and charming. The song was as iconic as the show itself, and even if you didn’t watch it often, it was one of those tunes that made a lasting impression. It’s the kind of theme that sticks with you, whether you’re watching the show or just hear it as part of pop culture.
9. Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!
“Scooby-Doo, where are you?”—just those words are enough to bring back childhood memories. The Scooby-Doo theme was upbeat, catchy, and fun, making it one of the most recognizable cartoon intros ever. It perfectly matched the mystery-solving vibe of the show.
Even if you’re way past Saturday morning cartoon age, you probably still remember the lyrics. It’s hard not to, considering how often it played. The entire song feels like an invitation to adventure, and the upbeat tone makes it a great fit for the show’s lively spirit. Whether you watched Scooby-Doo in the ‘70s, ‘80s, or later, the theme still has a way of making you feel nostalgic. And let’s be honest—who doesn’t love a song with Scooby’s name right in the title?
10. The Love Boat
If you hear “Love… exciting and new…” you know exactly what’s coming next. The Love Boat theme was smooth, romantic, and completely unforgettable. It set the perfect mood for a show about romance on the high seas.
It’s got that classic ‘70s easy-listening vibe that makes you want to sway along. The song itself feels like a warm invitation to relax and enjoy the show’s many love stories. It also perfectly complements the glamorous, larger-than-life atmosphere of the cruise ship setting. It’s a song that sticks in your mind, even if you haven’t heard it in years. You can’t help but hum along to its catchy melody and feel a little bit of that old-timey romance in the air.
11. Green Acres
“Green Acres is the place to be…” and if you just sang that, you definitely haven’t forgotten this theme. Green Acres had one of the most unique sitcom openings, with its back-and-forth duet explaining the characters’ differing views on country life.
The lyrics are fun, the tune is catchy, and the whole thing is just delightfully silly. The show itself played off the clash of urban and rural values, and the theme song was the perfect introduction. It set up the whole premise in a humorous way, and the playful nature of the song made it a fan favorite. Even if you didn’t watch the show regularly, it was hard not to smile whenever the theme came on. The quirky nature of the song made it one of those TV themes that stayed with you long after the show ended.
12. Diff’rent Strokes
“What might be right for you, may not be right for some!” Diff’rent Strokes had a theme song that summed up the show’s message perfectly. It was optimistic, fun, and had a melody that stuck with you.
Even if the show isn’t as talked about as much anymore, the theme still holds up. It’s one of those songs that just makes you feel good. The lyrics gave viewers an immediate sense of the diverse world Diff’rent Strokes was showcasing. Whether you watched the show or not, you could catch the sentiment of the song easily. It’s just one of those tunes that has a way of sticking with you for years after.
13. The Addams Family
They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky… and their theme song is just as unforgettable. The Addams Family opening is one of the most fun and interactive TV themes ever. It invites you to snap along as you’re introduced to the family, each of whom is more quirky and unsettling than the last.
The finger snaps alone make it iconic. It’s one of those themes that feels like it’s inviting you to join in the fun. The melody is catchy in its own offbeat way, making it stand out among other theme songs. Even today, it’s just as much fun to sing as it was when the show first aired. It’s impossible to forget once you’ve heard it—and it’s easy to see why it’s still beloved by fans of all ages.
14. Welcome Back, Kotter
“Welcome back…” The theme to Welcome Back, Kotter is one of the smoothest, most nostalgic TV songs ever. It feels like an old friend, warm and familiar. The song’s welcoming vibe is perfect for a show about a teacher returning to his old high school to teach a new generation of students.
It’s the kind of song that instantly brings a smile to your face, even if you haven’t watched the show in ages. The soothing rhythm and easy-going tone make it one of the most relaxing TV themes to listen to. Even today, when the song plays, it instantly takes you back to the days when the Sweathogs ruled the school.
15. Charles in Charge
Charles in Charge had one of those feel-good ‘80s sitcom themes that never quite left your memory. It was cheesy but charming, just like the show itself. The upbeat melody set the tone for a lighthearted story about a young man taking on the responsibility of caring for a family.
It’s one of those theme songs that sticks with you whether you want it to or not. Even if you don’t remember the episodes, the song is hard to forget. The catchy chorus and upbeat rhythm made it an instant earworm. You couldn’t help but smile as Charles took charge of his household in the most endearing way possible.