12 TV Theme Songs That Outlived the Shows They Came From
Ever hummed a catchy tune only to realize you can barely remember the TV show it belonged to? Some theme songs have a strange way of sticking in our heads long after their shows have faded into obscurity.
They become cultural touchstones, living on through covers, samples, and that one friend who still belts them out at karaoke night.
Let’s look at 12 TV themes that achieved immortality while their shows became mere footnotes.
1. “I’ll Be There For You” – Friends
The Rembrandts created pop culture magic with those iconic handclaps and the promise of unwavering friendship. While Friends enjoyed massive success during its run, the theme song took on a life entirely its own.
Wedding DJs still spin it regularly, and those first few notes trigger instant recognition across generations. The song peaked higher on music charts than many purpose-made singles of its era.
2. “Believe It Or Not” – The Greatest American Hero
Joey Scarbury’s soaring anthem about an ordinary guy flying through extraordinary circumstances outlasted its quirky superhero show by decades. The series only ran three seasons, but the theme became a cultural touchstone.
George Costanza’s answering machine parody on Seinfeld introduced it to a whole new generation. Fun fact: The song actually hit #2 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart in 1981!
3. “Where Everybody Knows Your Name” – Cheers
Gary Portnoy’s warm, inviting ballad about finding your people became shorthand for community and belonging. I still remember my dad singing it whenever we’d visit our favorite local restaurant. He’d nod at the bartender and whisper, “See? Where everybody knows your name.”
The theme captures a universal desire for connection that resonates far beyond the show’s Boston bar setting.
4. “Bad Boys” – COPS
Reggae group Inner Circle created this gritty anthem years before it became synonymous with police chases and perp walks. The pulsing rhythm and warning to “whatcha gonna do” transcended the reality show format.
The song appears in countless movies, commercials, and parodies. Even people who’ve never watched a single episode can instantly recognize those opening notes and likely know at least the chorus by heart.
5. “Way Down in the Hole” – The Wire
Tom Waits’ gospel-blues masterpiece found new life through HBO’s crime drama. Each season featured a different artist’s version, from The Blind Boys of Alabama to Steve Earle, creating a musical evolution that paralleled the show’s shifting focus.
Back in college, my film studies professor used this song to demonstrate how music can establish tone and theme. The Wire may be celebrated by critics, but the song reaches audiences who never saw a single episode.
6. “Tank!” – Cowboy Bebop
Yoko Kanno and The Seatbelts crafted a jazz explosion that blew the doors off conventional anime music. This frenetic big band number with its driving rhythm section and blaring horns became a gateway drug for jazz newcomers worldwide.
Cosplayers still strut to it at conventions. Musicians cover it religiously on YouTube. The song’s energy and complexity have earned it a place in music appreciation that completely transcends its animated origins.
7. “Thank You For Being A Friend” – The Golden Girls
Andrew Gold’s charming soft rock hit from 1978 found its true calling as the anthem for Miami’s sassiest seniors. The Cynthia Fee cover version used for the show became the definitive version in pop culture.
The song has evolved into a universal friendship anthem. Wedding parties, graduation slideshows, and social media tributes still feature this heartwarming tune, often by people who couldn’t name a single Golden Girls character.
8. “Suicide Is Painless” – M*A*S*H
Johnny Mandel’s hauntingly beautiful instrumental became the soundtrack to one of TV’s most beloved shows. Few fans realize the film version had lyrics—written by director Robert Altman’s 14-year-old son—deemed too dark for television.
The melancholy melody captured the show’s tragicomic essence perfectly. Musicians still cover it regularly, appreciating its complex chord progressions and emotional resonance, often without any connection to the Korean War setting.
9. “In the Street” – That ’70s Show
Cheap Trick’s cover of Big Star’s rock anthem became the definitive version for millions of viewers. The infectious “We’re all alright!” chant (actually borrowed from another Cheap Trick song) became a rallying cry for teenage rebellion and good times.
Record stores reported increased interest in both bands after the show’s popularity. The song perfectly captures youthful exuberance and suburban boredom, themes that resonate far beyond the specific 1970s setting of the sitcom.
10. “Woke Up This Morning” – The Sopranos
Alabama 3’s bluesy trip-hop anthem about a downtrodden woman who murders her abusive husband got reimagined as a mobster’s morning commute. The driving bass line and ominous lyrics created the perfect mood for HBO’s groundbreaking drama.
The song regularly appears on “best TV themes” lists. When I visited New Jersey a few years back, our tour guide played it as we drove through the Lincoln Tunnel. Everyone on the bus started singing along immediately.
11. “As Days Go By” – Family Matters
Jesse Frederick’s warm, saxophone-laden theme promised heartwarming family moments long before Steve Urkel hijacked the show. The uplifting lyrics about standing together through life’s challenges resonated with viewers seeking comfort television.
The song epitomizes the TGIF-era optimism of 90s sitcoms. Its message of family unity transcended the actual plotlines, which increasingly focused on Urkel’s antics rather than the family dynamics promised in those opening credits.
12. “The Ballad of Serenity” – Firefly
Joss Whedon personally penned this folk-country space ballad for his cult sci-fi western. Despite Firefly’s criminally short run (just 14 episodes), the theme captured the frontier spirit of space exploration mixed with rugged individualism.
Fans (calling themselves Browncoats) have embraced it as their anthem. You can hear it performed at sci-fi conventions and geek-themed weddings worldwide.
The song’s melancholy hopefulness perfectly encapsulates what viewers loved about the show itself.