15 Shows With the 10/10 Most Un-Skippable Theme Songs
We’ve all done it. You’re halfway through a streaming marathon, the opening credits start, and your finger heads straight for the skip button. But every once in a while, a show has a theme song so good that you actually want to hear it again. Maybe you know every word, or maybe it’s an instrumental that gets stuck in your head for hours. Some themes bring back memories of watching TV after school, while others are just genuinely great pieces of music. And really, what’s another minute when the song is that good? These 15 shows gave us opening themes worth sitting through, even on the fifth episode in a row.
Star Trek: The Original Series Made Space Sound Magical
Alexander Courage’s theme starts with that familiar opening fanfare before moving into its dreamy, wordless melody. Add William Shatner’s narration, and you’re ready to explore space.
Top Gear Had the Perfect Soundtrack for Driving
The opening notes of the Allman Brothers Band’s “Jessica” are enough to bring Top Gear to mind. The show’s adapted version made the instrumental a perfect fit for its car-loving presenters.
Doctor Who Made Electronic Music Sound Like the Future
The Doctor Who theme sounded strange even by 1963 standards. Ron Grainer composed it, and Delia Derbyshire created its otherworldly electronic sound, which remains recognizable after countless rearrangements.
Game of Thrones Made the Opening Credits Feel Epic
You could probably recognize Ramin Djawadi’s Game of Thrones theme within seconds. Between the pounding strings and that elaborate moving map, skipping the intro almost feels like missing part of the episode.
Succession Made Family Drama Sound Incredibly Expensive
Nicholas Britell gave Succession a theme that sounds elegant and slightly off at the same time. The piano, strings, and hip-hop-inspired beat fit the Roy family’s expensive problems perfectly.
Friends Had Everyone Waiting for the Handclaps
There’s a good chance you know exactly when to clap along to “I’ll Be There for You.” The Rembrandts gave Friends a theme that practically demands audience participation.
The Sopranos Made a Drive Through New Jersey Iconic
Tony Soprano driving through New Jersey wouldn’t feel quite the same without Alabama 3’s “Woke Up This Morning.” It’s gritty, catchy, and an unusual choice that works beautifully.
The X-Files Made Whistling Sound Unsettling
Mark Snow’s The X-Files theme only needs a few notes to make everything feel suspicious. That famous whistling melody is somehow both beautiful and deeply unsettling.
The Simpsons Made Every Couch Gag Worth Watching
Danny Elfman’s theme is already a classic, but The Simpsons gives you another reason to stick around. You never know what Bart will write on the chalkboard or how the family will reach the couch.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Told the Whole Backstory in a Rap
Most sitcoms need an entire pilot to explain their premise. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air managed to do it with one ridiculously catchy rap performed by Will Smith.
Cheers Made Everyone Want to Visit That Bar
Gary Portnoy’s “Where Everybody Knows Your Name” is basically a warm welcome set to music. Even if you’ve never visited Cheers, it’s easy to understand why people loved returning.
The White Lotus Turned Its Opening Into a Dance Track
Season two of The White Lotus gave viewers “Renaissance,” a bizarrely addictive mix of vocals, percussion, and electronic sounds. It’s hard not to move along with it.
Peacemaker Made an Entire Dance Routine Essential Viewing
Wig Wam’s “Do Ya Wanna Taste It” would be catchy enough on its own. Watching the entire Peacemaker cast perform that completely serious, gloriously ridiculous dance makes it even better.
The O.C. Made California Sound Like a Dream
The second Phantom Planet’s “California” kicks in, it’s suddenly 2003 again. The song became so closely tied to The O.C. that hearing it still brings Newport Beach to mind.
Stranger Things Brought Back the Sound of the Eighties
There’s no singing, just those pulsing synthesizers and the red letters slowly appearing on screen. Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein created a theme that feels like an old sci-fi VHS coming to life.