Favorite TV Show Themes

RogueAgentRogueAgent Speeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
edited August 2008 in Off Topic Chat
Has anyone noticed that many of the popular television programs today don't even have a theme tune? It seems like a lost art now ?:). It's kind of sad but I thought that we could list a few of the more memorable ones from the past or present. My favorites thus far:

THE PRISONER I sometimes speed to work with this playing in the car.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZUz88-xoqY&feature=related

STARSKY & HUTCH Season One. I found the theme tunes from the seasons after this one to be too funky in a porn movie way. This one's solid to me. B-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GN1grF2rXpM

Mannix I've always loved the jazzy feel to this and the pre-credits scenes were very Bondian.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fa0_K2bVA_M&feature=related

POLICE WOMAN

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLax5kn8tF4&feature=related

S.W.A.T. B-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Iwp1d7eKbA

RENEGADE I don't know why; not really my style of music but the show was pretty good. Like most anything Stephen J. Canell put out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lO7py7vGY7k

Mary Tyler Moore Show

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBTWF1bDPn0

WONDER WOMAN Ahh, Lynda Carter...and a good beat. ;%
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_blOQEu9ws


And of course: BATMAN :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZF1GKtWG0c&feature=related

I'm sure there are others many of you prefer more.
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"

Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
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Comments

  • HardyboyHardyboy Posts: 5,906Chief of Staff
    One of the greats--and in its full three-minute version--Quincy Jones's Sanford and Son. I'm comin', 'Lizbeth!
    Vox clamantis in deserto
  • AlexAlex The Eastern SeaboardPosts: 2,694MI6 Agent
    Off the top ..

    The Equalizer - (my buddy would always play this on the bass, a good theme and a great show. Long live Woodward!)

    The A-Team - (I can still recite the opening word for word. Especially after a few pints, much to the delight (or dismay) of my pals. Benny Hill used to parody it.

    Speaking of which - Yakkity Sax

    Twilight Zone & Classic Star Trek (no explanation neccessary)

    Always loved the guitar on - Three's Company

    All In The Family - (Those .. were .. the days!!)
  • LoeffelholzLoeffelholz The United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
    I agree with a lot of the ones already mentioned...but at the top of the heap I'd probably put...

    Hawaii Five-O B-)

    The best version was recorded by The Ventures. Great stuff.
    Check out my Amazon author page! Mark Loeffelholz
    "I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
    "Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
  • Lazenby880Lazenby880 LondonPosts: 525MI6 Agent
    *The* show of my childhood - Thundercats. They don't make kids' television shows like this anymore!
  • A7ceA7ce Birmingham, EnglandPosts: 656MI6 Agent
    edited August 2008
    Mission Impossible
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mI9KhPJ-utE

    Hawaii 5-0 - (ah the old Jack Lord spin - and our very first Felix Leiter)
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AepyGm9Me6w

    The Return of the Saint
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1dtGfMGBo

    The Professionals
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCFVEvZvo3g

    Charlies Angels
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KipeyVWA7Fo

    Magnum P.I
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VIPlG8Xtq8

    to name a few
  • TonyDPTonyDP Inside the MonolithPosts: 4,307MI6 Agent
    edited August 2008
    RogueAgent wrote:
    POLICE WOMAN

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLax5kn8tF4&feature=related

    Angie Dickinson = :x :x :x :x :x I had a MASSIVE crush on Angie Dickinson (even moreso than Lynda Carter), especially after seeing, ahem, more of Angie in some movies. Boy does that bring back memories.

    Lots of good ones already listed, but you can't have a list like this without mentioning the opening to Star Trek.

    Shatner's Narration + Alexander Courage's Theme Song = Good Times.


    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdjL8WXjlGI
  • SpectreIslandSpectreIsland spectreislandPosts: 274MI6 Agent
    edited August 2008
    As for me, I'd go with It Takes A Thief starring Robert Wagner as Alexander Mundy, with a great theme by Dave Grusin.

    Here's a link to the second season's opening credits:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osKE2kuRDzs
  • John DrakeJohn Drake On assignmentPosts: 2,564MI6 Agent
    edited August 2008
    Michael Mann's Crime Story, with Del Shannon's 'Runaway' playing over the credits is one of my favourites.

    http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=W7U2rXyjZTI&feature=related

    As is Moonlighting. "Some walk by night, some walk by ddaayyy."

    http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=KBehKMvSKjY
  • AlexAlex The Eastern SeaboardPosts: 2,694MI6 Agent
    TonyDP wrote:
    Lots of good ones already listed, but you can't have a list like this without mentioning the opening to Star Trek.
    I believe I mentioned Trek :) -{
  • TonyDPTonyDP Inside the MonolithPosts: 4,307MI6 Agent
    edited August 2008
    Alex wrote:
    TonyDP wrote:
    Lots of good ones already listed, but you can't have a list like this without mentioning the opening to Star Trek.
    I believe I mentioned Trek :) -{

    So you did. I just wanted to include a YouTube link so that all could share in The Awesomeness that is William Shatner (with apologies to RogueAgent :)))
  • NightshooterNightshooter In bed with SolitairePosts: 2,917MI6 Agent
    It's not a good show, but Secret Diary of a Call Girl has a really great theme. :x
  • John DrakeJohn Drake On assignmentPosts: 2,564MI6 Agent
    Here's some modern ones. Proof that there is still some great shows out there.

    The Wire, used a different version of Tom Waits 'Way Down in the Hole' for each of its five mighty seasons. 4 is my personal favourite.

    http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=3QE1VEsXSmc&feature=related

    And Dexter is wonderfully evocative.

    http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=utqoFsMYPKs

    Bernard Hermann and Saul Bass are the inspiration for the theme and credits for Mad Men

    http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=WcRr-Fb5xQo

    Then all hail Bruce Campbell, Uncle Sam's favourite son in Jack of all Trades.

    http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=_VNsjjYRgjc

    Not so new, but damned if this doesn't still send a shiver down my spine. Twin Peaks

    http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=7oDuGN6K3VQ

    I want the 80's back. I want the 80's back. Jesus, can I have the 80's back? As long as we can keep the internet of course. Better get sleep now....
  • HardyboyHardyboy Posts: 5,906Chief of Staff
    I was there in the '80s and I'm not sure I want them back. I mean, do you remember the hair styles? But I get where you're coming from about the music. Here's a great '80s theme, by no one less than Henry Mancini. I give you Newhart.
    Vox clamantis in deserto
  • RogueAgentRogueAgent Speeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
    Hardyboy wrote:
    I was there in the '80s and I'm not sure I want them back. I mean, do you remember the hair styles?

    Or acid-washed jeans... :#

    But I get where you're coming from about the music. Here's a great '80s theme, by no one less than Henry Mancini. I give you Newhart.

    Good one, H.B. That one was a beautiful tune and a great show to watch on Thursday nights(?) {[]
    Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"

    Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
    -Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
  • MoniqueMonique USAPosts: 696MI6 Agent
    John Drake wrote:

    As is Moonlighting. "Some walk by night, some walk by ddaayyy."

    http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=KBehKMvSKjY


    Moonlighting is one of my all time favorite themes...great song and great show. And good call on MTM Rogue, love that one. And A7ce on Charlie's Angels! :D


    I always loved the
    Cheers theme

    And
    Golden Girls :))

    And embarrassingly enough,
    Greatest American Hero

    As far as current shows,
    Monk has a great theme!
  • RogueAgentRogueAgent Speeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
    edited August 2008
    Don't be embarrassed, 'Nique; I used to love Greatest American Hero. :x

    Anyone remember those old Quinn-Martin Productions that always had an announcer do the credits while the theme music was playing? He'd always have that serious cop voice. :))

    My grandmother used to love this theme:

    BARNABY JONES
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RcV11Kw6gI


    And although Alex and Tony have already recognized the awesomeness of Star Trek's theme, there was always one other that I thought was much cooler:

    SPACE: 1999

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DF9nDJZrdA

    God, I loved this show. B-)
    Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"

    Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
    -Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
  • AlexAlex The Eastern SeaboardPosts: 2,694MI6 Agent
    TonyDP wrote:
    Alex wrote:
    TonyDP wrote:
    Lots of good ones already listed, but you can't have a list like this without mentioning the opening to Star Trek.
    I believe I mentioned Trek :) -{

    So you did. I just wanted to include a YouTube link so that all could share in The Awesomeness that is William Shatner (with apologies to RogueAgent :)))
    Glad you did too :D

    Perhaps we were seperated at birth, Tony. Or at hatching, because I could be part Gorn.

    After watching Angie in Pretty Maids All In A Row, I also :x

    As for Trek, I love OS Trek like Dan Same loves Arnie. (but less disturbing) ;), I love it Like Rogue loves Batman, like Loeff loves Craig, like Monique loves Pierce, etc, etc.

    Shatner counted to infinity, twice.
    Shatner won a stare off, with the sun!
    Shatner's awesomeness has no limits.
  • TonyDPTonyDP Inside the MonolithPosts: 4,307MI6 Agent
    edited August 2008
    Alex wrote:
    Perhaps we were seperated at birth, Tony. Or at hatching, because I could be part Gorn.

    We're definitely children of the 70's. {[]

    And if you're part Gorn, you really should check out Tropic Thunder sometime ;).
    After watching Angie in Pretty Maids All In A Row, I also :x

    I have that burned onto DVD. And don't forget Big Bad Mama, co-starring the Shat-Man himself.
    As for Trek, I love OS Trek like Dan Same loves Arnie. (but less disturbing) ;), I love it Like Rogue loves Batman, like Loeff loves Craig, like Monique loves Pierce, etc, etc.

    Shatner counted to infinity, twice.
    Shatner won a stare off, with the sun!
    Shatner's awesomeness has no limits.

    Same here. I love Bond, and I love my comic book movies, but Trek was there first, long before I'd discovered Batman, Iron Man, James Bond or girls.


    I'm at work so I can't post links to videos, but a few more do come to mind.

    Star Trek: The Animated Series; it had a really great variation (almost an inversion) of the classic theme song.

    The Odd Couple, with a great theme by Neal Hefti.

    The Outer Limits, more for the innovative opening ("There is nothing wrong with your television...") than the still eerie music

    Gerry Anderson, All his shows - Space 1999, UFO, Thunderbirds, etc. - had some great themes, mostly by Barry Gray, and very innovative opening credits.
  • SPECTREagent-1SPECTREagent-1 Posts: 36MI6 Agent
    RogueAgent wrote:
    And although Alex and Tony have already recognized the awesomeness of Star Trek's theme, there was always one other that I thought was much cooler:

    SPACE: 1999

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DF9nDJZrdA

    God, I loved this show. B-)


    That sounds pretty cool. :)
  • Lazenby880Lazenby880 LondonPosts: 525MI6 Agent
    A TV show unjustly maligned, and the theme tune does sum up everything about it: The OC.
  • RogueAgentRogueAgent Speeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
    edited August 2008
    SPECTREagent-1 wrote:
    RogueAgent wrote:
    And although Alex and Tony have already recognized the awesomeness of Star Trek's theme, there was always one other that I thought was much cooler:

    SPACE: 1999

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DF9nDJZrdA

    God, I loved this show. B-)


    That sounds pretty cool. :)


    Yes it does. Very 70s but quite unexpected for a sci-fi theme tune.

    I used to buy the Charlton Comic & the paperbacks during its heyday on the tube but I don't think that it had a strong enough following like Star Trek did. :(

    352535640_fddc1d2274.jpg

    Back then, you'd have to have been a sci-fi geek to really appreciate this show ;% . I've got to get this set on DVD already.

    Also *Geezer alert!*

    Here's an ABC oldie that had cool theme music:

    THE MOD SQUAD

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kd85Qim_Z6A

    As a kid, I always wondered who the hell were they running from? :))
    Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"

    Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
    -Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
  • darenhatdarenhat The Old PuebloPosts: 2,029Quartermasters
    Favorite TV Themes?

    Lost in Space!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wm9coGY75Os

    Tales of the Gold Monkey
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qe_zbyn1hQE
    (I was actually saddened one day when I couldn't recall it to memory...I thought it would be lost forever!)

    And one of the best...
    The Rockford Files
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxXUY7-2c5w
  • A7ceA7ce Birmingham, EnglandPosts: 656MI6 Agent
    I 2nd Monique's Cheers and Darrenhat's Rockford files - both classics
  • HardyboyHardyboy Posts: 5,906Chief of Staff
    More '80s, more greatness. . .

    St. Elsewhere, the best medical show ever made--and what a cast!

    And, though I didn't watch it much, everyone knew the theme to Hill Street Blues.

    Those were the days. . .
    Vox clamantis in deserto
  • LoeffelholzLoeffelholz The United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
    darenhat wrote:
    Favorite TV Themes?

    Lost in Space!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wm9coGY75Os

    And one of the best...
    The Rockford Files
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxXUY7-2c5w

    Total agreement with both of those...but Lost In Space is a key memory of my childhood...one of my favourite aspects of the remake film was a techno remix of the classic theme playing over the end credits B-)
    Check out my Amazon author page! Mark Loeffelholz
    "I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
    "Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
  • 72897289 Beau DesertPosts: 1,691MI6 Agent
    I guess my age is showing but,

    The Man from UNCLE (First Season)

    The Baron

    and more recently

    Mannix
    Bond’s Walther PPK
    Bond’s Beretta
    The Handguns of Ian Fleming's James Bond
  • scottmu65scottmu65 Carlisle, Cumbria, UKPosts: 402MI6 Agent
    Mine are:

    The Saint: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdoRdK6_bsg

    Grandstand (LOL): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nq86haQn9iw&feature=related

    and who can forget:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyz_2DEah4o
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  • Lady RoseLady Rose London,UKPosts: 2,667MI6 Agent
    A7ce wrote:
    The Return of the Saint
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1dtGfMGBo

    Top choice A7ce {[]

    I loved this.Even had it as a ringtone on my mobile for a while.

    Other favs include ....

    Randal and Hopkirk Deceased (original version)

    http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=wo3lTbYFK6A

    The Sweeney

    http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=D99O6oTJVHo

    The original Incredible Hulk ending, The Lonely Man :(


    And a Lee Majors classic

    The Fall Guy

    http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=dPT3rnzXT4A
  • RogueAgentRogueAgent Speeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
    edited August 2008
    Who remembers getting pumped up from this show's theme song on Friday nights?

    The Six Million Dollar Man B-)

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P56takQOons&feature=related

    And because I used to love looking at Valerie Bertinelli, the theme song was cool...

    One Day At A Time

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M82CUd6isyY

    MAUDE had a cool little beat.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NglGyn8yE20&feature=related

    The Partridge Family

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOiKa51ll-k
    Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"

    Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
    -Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
  • LexiLexi LondonPosts: 3,000MI6 Agent
    I'll 3rd Monique on Cheers!

    Inspector Morse: A beatiful haunting piece of music.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwoq8q8rFoA

    Black Beauty: Sad, sad, sad.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwN_CXi41s4

    Would I get kicked off if I said Star Trek TNG?
    (not going to put a link to it...I just have a feeling it might go down badly! :D )

    Bagpuss

    The Onedin Line and

    I've saved my favourite for last:

    Dr Who, 3rd series. Awesome!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irGFjO9caxc
    She's worth whatever chaos she brings to the table and you know it. ~ Mark Anthony
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