1. The Greatest American Hero – “Believe It or Not”
Even if you’ve never seen The Greatest American Hero, there’s a good chance you’ve hummed along to its ridiculously catchy theme song, “Believe It or Not.” The tune, sung by Joey Scarbury, became a pop hit in the ’80s, making its way onto the Billboard charts. It was one of those rare TV themes that felt like a full-fledged song rather than just an intro. The show itself followed an everyday guy who accidentally received a superhero suit but lost the instruction manual, leading to plenty of comedic mishaps. While the series only ran for three seasons, the song took on a life of its own says MSN.
Over the years, it popped up in commercials, parodies, and even Seinfeld, where George Costanza used it for his answering machine message. Something about the hopeful, soaring melody made it unforgettable, even long after the show faded into obscurity. The moment that chorus kicks in—“Believe it or not, I’m walking on air!”—you’re transported right back. It’s the kind of earworm that sneaks up on you when you least expect it adds the Miami Herald.
2. Angie – “Different Worlds”
Brought to life by Maureen McGovern’s emotional vocals, “Different Worlds” was the theme song for the short-lived sitcom Angie. The show aired in the late ’70s and followed a working-class waitress who falls for a wealthy doctor, leading to a whirlwind romance. It was one of those sweet, feel-good shows that just didn’t last as long as it should have. But the theme song? That was something special shares Yardbarker.
It actually became a bigger success than the series itself, climbing the music charts and solidifying its spot in TV theme history. The lyrics about love bringing two different people together felt just as heartfelt as the show’s storyline. Even if you can’t recall a single plot from Angie, chances are you still remember the swelling chorus of “Different Worlds.” It’s one of those songs that instantly brings a wave of nostalgia, even if you’re not sure exactly where you first heard it adds REVOLT TV.
3. It’s a Living – “Life’s Not the French Riviera”
If you ever caught reruns of It’s a Living, you probably remember the jazzy, upbeat opening tune, “Life’s Not the French Riviera.” The show, which focused on a group of waitresses working in a fancy restaurant, had a catchy song that perfectly captured the struggle of chasing big dreams while making ends meet. It wasn’t trying to be glamorous—it was all about reality. The opening visuals of the women in their uniforms, paired with that bouncy melody, made it feel like you were about to watch something fun.
Despite running for multiple seasons in syndication, the show never became a massive hit, which makes the lasting power of its theme song even more surprising. The lyrics—“We may not be the French Riviera, but it’s home!”—stuck with viewers, even if they only caught an episode here and there. It’s got that perfect mix of optimism and realism that makes it an instant mood booster. Once you hear it, good luck getting it out of your head.
4. The Fall Guy – “Unknown Stuntman”
Lee Majors wasn’t just the star of The Fall Guy—he actually sang the theme song, “Unknown Stuntman,” too. And honestly, it’s one of the best TV themes ever. The show was about a Hollywood stuntman who moonlighted as a bounty hunter, which was already a unique premise. But the theme song took it to another level, with Majors crooning about all the dangerous stunts he did while big stars got all the credit.
The lyrics namedropped famous actresses of the time, like Farrah Fawcett and Cheryl Tiegs, making it feel like a real insider’s anthem. It had a laid-back country twang that somehow made being a stuntman sound both glamorous and exhausting. While the show might not be the first thing people think of when remembering ’80s TV, that theme song? It’s got a way of sneaking back into your brain decades later.
5. Alice – “There’s a New Girl in Town”
The theme song from Alice, “There’s a New Girl in Town,” evolved along with the show itself. It was re-recorded multiple times to match the shifting tone of the series, but each version kept its charming, storytelling style. Sung by star Linda Lavin, it perfectly summed up the journey of Alice, a single mother starting over as a waitress in Phoenix. It had a hopeful yet slightly weary vibe, which fit the show’s mix of comedy and real-life struggles.
Even if you don’t remember much about Mel’s Diner or the “Kiss my grits!” catchphrase, that song has probably stayed with you. It was one of those TV themes that felt personal, like you were listening to someone’s life story unfold in just a minute. The melody lingers in the back of your mind long after the show itself fades from memory. That’s the magic of a great theme song—it sticks with you even when the show doesn’t.
6. My Two Dads – “You Can Count on Me”
The premise of My Two Dads was a little out there—two very different men raising the same teenage girl after her mother’s passing, without actually knowing which one was the father. But somehow, it worked. And its theme song, “You Can Count on Me,” captured that unique blend of family, love, and comedy. The song had a warm, comforting feel, like a reassuring hug in musical form.
Sung by Greg Evigan, one of the show’s leads, the lyrics emphasized loyalty and sticking together no matter what. It was the kind of song that instantly made you feel nostalgic for a time when sitcom themes were all about heart and sincerity. The show itself might not be the first ’80s sitcom that comes to mind, but if you ever watched it, that theme song is probably still hiding somewhere in your memory.
7. Out of This World – “Swinging on a Star”
This late-’80s sitcom had a wildly strange premise—a teenage girl discovers she’s half-alien and has the ability to freeze time. But the theme song? A total classic. Out of This World used “Swinging on a Star,” a dreamy, celestial tune that made the show feel a little more magical than it probably was. It was a cover of the old Bing Crosby song, giving it an old-school charm that stood out from typical sitcom openings.
The whimsical lyrics about trading places with animals (“Or would you rather be a fish?”) somehow made perfect sense for a show about an alien dad communicating through a crystal. It wasn’t your typical ’80s synth-heavy theme song, which is probably why it sticks out in people’s memories. Even if you barely remember the show itself, hearing that tune again can bring back an oddly specific childhood nostalgia.
8. Hardcastle and McCormick – “Drive”
There’s something about an action-packed buddy show that just demands a killer theme song, and Hardcastle and McCormick delivered exactly that. The show, about a retired judge teaming up with an ex-con to solve crimes, was a mix of courtroom drama and high-speed chases. Its theme song, “Drive,” was a rock-infused anthem that made you want to jump into a sports car and hit the gas. With its pounding beat and energetic melody, it felt like an adrenaline rush before the show even started.
Even though Hardcastle and McCormick didn’t have the same lasting fame as other ’80s crime dramas, its theme song made a big impression. The hook—“Drive! Push it to the floor ‘til the engine screams!”—was the kind of thing that stuck in your brain whether you wanted it to or not. It had all the hallmarks of a great TV theme: catchy, dramatic, and impossible to forget. If you ever watched even a single episode, you probably still hear it revving up in your head.
9. Riptide – “Theme from Riptide”
Riptide was another action-packed detective show from the ’80s, but with a twist—its three private investigators operated out of a boat and had a high-tech robot helping them out. The theme song was pure synth-driven, electric-guitar-packed goodness, the kind of track that could only come from the era of neon and big hair. It was an instrumental piece, but it had a soaring, adventure-filled vibe that made it just as memorable as any lyrics-based theme.
The song perfectly matched the show’s mix of tough-guy action and lighthearted fun. Even if you can’t recall a single case the trio solved, that theme music transports you right back to a time when every show needed a montage and a speedboat chase. It had that polished-yet-slightly-cheesy ’80s TV feel that somehow made everything more exciting. Shows like Riptide may have faded away, but its theme song still has the power to bring back those action-packed memories.
10. Duet – “Something Special”
A lot of romantic sitcoms from the late ’80s have been completely forgotten, but Duet had one thing that made it stand out—its charming, sentimental theme song. “Something Special” was a soft, piano-driven ballad that captured the feeling of falling in love, making it a perfect fit for a show about a budding relationship. The series followed a couple as they navigated the ups and downs of dating, eventually getting married and having kids.
The theme song’s gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics made it feel like the opening of a rom-com rather than a sitcom. Even though Duet didn’t last long, the song had that rare quality of instantly making you feel warm and nostalgic. If you ever watched the show, just hearing the first few notes of the theme can take you right back. It was a theme that made you believe in love—even if you forgot the show itself existed.
11. The Phoenix – “The Phoenix Theme”
Here’s one that only the most dedicated sci-fi fans might remember. The Phoenix was a short-lived series from the early ’80s about an ancient alien with special powers, awakened from his slumber in a Peruvian tomb. The show itself was fascinating but never quite found its audience. What did stick, however, was its ethereal, mysterious theme song. It had a hypnotic, almost otherworldly quality that perfectly fit the show’s vibe.
The music felt like a blend of ’80s synth with mystical undertones, making it sound ahead of its time. It was one of those themes that immediately put you in a specific headspace, like stepping into an ancient legend mixed with futuristic sci-fi. Even though The Phoenix was gone almost as quickly as it arrived, its theme still lingers in the minds of those who heard it. It’s the kind of song that, once rediscovered, makes you wonder how you ever forgot it in the first place.
12. The Paper Chase – “The First Years”
Unlike most upbeat or dramatic TV themes, The Paper Chase had a more classical, almost somber opening song. The series, based on the film of the same name, followed law students struggling under the pressure of a tough Harvard professor. Its theme, “The First Years,” had an elegant, thoughtful melody that felt more like a university anthem than a TV jingle. It set the perfect mood for a show that was more about academic battles than action-packed excitement.
Even though The Paper Chase never became a mainstream sensation, its theme was memorable for its unique tone. It wasn’t trying to be flashy or instantly hummable—it was the kind of song that stuck with you for its sheer beauty. For those who watched, it became an unforgettable part of the experience, capturing the mix of hope and pressure that came with chasing a dream. It may not pop into your head as often as some of the catchier TV themes, but when it does, it still has the same quiet power.