I love TV. And I’m not ashamed to admit it. When I first start a show, a telling sign about the quality of the show is the opening. The song, the graphics, etc. all help to build the ambiance of the show to follow. The opening might not always reflect the quality of the show though – example: True Blood. I love the opening.. it’s perfect southern, vampy, sexiness. The show, however… well, I’ll just say it doesn’t live up to the opening in my mind. After pondering what makes a good opening theme, I decided perhaps the most important aspect is the song. So, here are my top TV Theme Songs – my top songs, not necessarily the most classic or recognizable, but the ones I think best epitomize the show and transcend the medium.
(in no particular order)
South Park
This cartoon has been on for what seems like forever. I seriously can’t remember a time when it wasn’t on. But despite it’s duration, I still never tire of hearing the opening. It works so perfectly with the animation style and sense of humor in the show. I mean really, can you ever get over Kenny’s dirty lines?
Full House
This show and song defined my childhood TV life. The opening song really embodied the wholesome, family, huggerific themes of the show. Plus, who can’t remember trying to figure out what that first line actually said when they were young? At age 6, I believe I determined it was “Whatever happened to bajigdability?” Luckily, I’ve learned to both listen better and use the internet.
Cheers
Whoa. I mean really, whoa. This song is pretty damn perfect. It welcomes you in, makes you feel comfortable, and buys you a beer at your favorite local bar. This is truly one song that transcends TV – I mean people sing it in karaoke bars! And I tear up every damn time.
The X-Files
So. Much. Yes. The spooky, instrumental opening to this sci-fi TV classic by Mark Snow can put even the most level-headed person in a conspiracy believing mindset akin to Mulder. It also happens to be quite easy to learn on the piano! So +10 points for being able to incorporate it’s beautiful geekiness while strolling by a piano/organ store in the mall. (and yes, I did that… on multiple occasions)
Fresh Prince of Bel Air
Will Smith created the perfect prologue introduction song for a TV show. In fact, this might be his best song released! It so perfectly epitomized the 90′s through the snappy rapping, neon colors, and hook. You’d be hard pressed to find a person who was young in the 90′s that can’t recall all the lyrics from this theme.
Star Trek TNG
Cue music…. Space. The final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Just perfect. This voiceover along with a score that was influenced just enough from the original series created a triumphant mood of wonder and exploration. Paired with amazing space visuals, TNG opening was able to capture a new generation and audience into the wonder of space.
King of the Hill
The twangy goodness of the theme perfectly embodies small town Texas neighborhood. It is upbeat, complex, and fun. For guitarists out there, it is a ton of fun to play, but semi difficult to learn. You’d have to be ‘Branson good’ to be able to play it even. (if you get that last part, you are awesome)
Aqua Teen Hunger Force
Hell yeah… Never before have you seen fast food items dance around (and morph into igloos) to a rap so masterfully. The genius, hilarious lyrics performed by Schoolly D provide the perfect outrageous and nonsensical opening to an outrageous and nonsensical show. Truly a ‘mic ruler’!
Psych
The opening song was actually created by series creator Steve Franks and his band, The Friendly Indians. This is such a fun song that is clever and catchy – just like Psych! It is awesome when they decide to switch it up and do themes for certain episodes. The Christmas one might be my favorite!
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
What can I say, when those first few notes hit.. my heart starts to flutter. The Buffy theme is PERFECT! Nerf Herder did a phenomenal job creating a song that plays with the 90′s grunge-ness, a dash of camp, and a whole lot of badass! You can’t help but get excited for the episode when the opening starts to play!
