Chapter 1
The golden age of instrumental themes
Chapter 2
The lyrical era of sitcom anthems
Chapter 3
Global beats and regional icons
Chapter 4
The modern shift to minimalist hooks
YOUR GOAL
Master of Television theme songs
Ch 2 · The lyrical era of sitcom anthems
schopenhauer Classic TV Sitcom Anthems
Different strokes, different strokes, Alan wrote the themes!
schopenhauer A warm, comforting ballad about community was rejected multiple times before finding its place in sitcom history.
schopenhauer The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air used a catchy hip-hop story to explain its entire premise to viewers every single week.
BETA
schopenhauer Match theme songs to their artists to discover trivia about TV shows across decades.
Fun Fact
Friends theme clap: The famous four quick claps in the Friends theme song were actually recorded by the show's executive producers, not the band.
Glossary
theme song (noun)
A signature tune or melody associated with a specific television program, radio show, or performer. Gary Portnoy co-wrote and sang Where Everybody Knows Your Name for the 1982 television series Cheers.
A signature tune or melody associated with a specific television program, radio show, or performer. Gary Portnoy co-wrote and sang Where Everybody Knows Your Name for the 1982 television series Cheers.
Quiz
Which American pop-rock duo reluctantly recorded 'I'll Be There for You' for the sitcom Friends in 1994?
Quiz
The lyrics to the theme song of the military comedy-drama M*A*S*H were written by the director's 14-year-old son. What is his name?
Quiz
Gary Portnoy's famous theme song for Cheers was originally written for a Broadway musical. What is the song's official title?
Quiz
Which classic 1970s sitcom theme song, sung by its lead actors at a piano, starts with the nostalgic line 'Boy, the way Glen Miller played'?
Quiz
Who co-produced the theme song for The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air alongside DJ Jazzy Jeff and Will Smith?
Quiz
Which alternative rock band wrote and performed 'Boss of Me,' the high-energy theme song for the sitcom Malcolm in the Middle?
Quiz
Starting in season two, who actually sang the famous expository theme song for the sitcom The Brady Bunch?
Quiz
Which 1970s detective series featured a theme song sung by Sammy Davis Jr., titled 'Keep Your Eye on the Sparrow'?