These 7 Classic TV Theme Songs Will Lead to Your Next Netflix Binge

The best TV shows offer us a full package. While the action is what keeps us coming, it’s their theme songs that make us want to watch. A great intro will make a TV show unforgettable, sticking in your head even years after a series has ended.

With great series now even closer to our fingertips than ever, it’s ridiculously easy to go back and flip through the best that television has to offer. How to choose though? Follow this guide, and watch these 7 awesome TV series with the best theme songs.

Married with Children – “Love and Marriage” by Frank Sinatra

In one of the most ironic twists, Frank Sinatra’s classic ditty about the bliss of married life became the introduction to one of TV’s most dysfunctional families, the Bundys. The show’s pessimistic view and disgruntled protagonist contrast perfectly with Frank’s happy tune.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRDBvKGc1fE[/embedyt]

Sons of Anarchy – “This Life” by Curtis Stigers & The Forest Rangers

In a case of a theme song perfectly explaining its TV show’s premise, “This Life” was written especially for the show, and includes riffs from Velvet Revolver’s Dave Kushner. The song’s country feel matches the series’ atmosphere note for note, setting the stage for a classic ride.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmjoLi2S5rc[/embedyt]

Friends – “I’ll Be There for You” by the Rembrandts

Easily one of the most recognizable intros to a classic TV show. The song is simple, catchy, and is a great mood-setter for the show’s upbeat shenanigans. The theme was actually written by the show’s producers, and was initially offered to bands like R.E.M and They Might Be Giants before striking gold with up-and-comers The Rembrandts.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-9kPks0IfE[/embedyt]

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air – “Yo Home to Bel-Air” by The Fresh Prince

Also holding the (completely unofficial) title for most people from the 90s who know the lyrics, The Fresh Prince’s unforgettable introduction is the most informative of all the tracks on this list. Performed by a “pre-jiggie wit’ it” Will Smith, the song, along with the TV show, helped catapult the Fresh Prince to super-stardom.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVbQo3IOC_A[/embedyt]

That 70s Show – “In The Street” by Cheap Trick

While this theme song was written long before the show ever came about, it still strikes the accurate mood to watch a show about rebellious kids from a boring town in Wisconsin. The song is short, sweet, and packed with youthful energy.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Hu2ZsBi67k[/embedyt]

Hawaii Five-O – “Hawaii Five-O” by Morton Stevens

Hawaii Five-O was the perfect show for the right time. Starting in the late 60s, the show’s theme song became unique within the sounds of surfer rock all around the country and the rolling bass line is still synonymous with Hawaii.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwhvByj8YG8[/embedyt]

The Wire – “Way Down in the Hole” by Various Artists

While this could technically count as five different songs, the show producers’ decision to use five different versions of the theme was a perfect balance to the series ongoing change in focus. It also features covers by legends such as Tom Waits and gospel icons The Blind Boys of Alabama.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ow-KeRFClg[/embedyt]

What’s your favorite TV series theme?