1. Laverne & Shirley – “Making Our Dreams Come True”
It’s hard not to smile when you hear Cyndi Grecco’s upbeat voice belting out “Making Our Dreams Come True.” The song, which peaked at No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1976, captured the optimism of two single women chasing independence in Milwaukee. Viewers saw themselves in the hustle, the friendship, and the fun. Radio listeners loved it, too, making it a rare sitcom theme that stood on its own. As Grecco once said, “It was about hope, plain and simple,” and decades later, it still feels like a burst of bottled-up sunshine from the golden days of TV.
2. Dallas – Theme from Dallas
Few TV themes feel as grand as the sweeping orchestral opener to Dallas. Jerrold Immel’s instrumental became synonymous with oil-rich ambition, family feuds, and high-stakes drama. Without a single word, it set the tone for the Ewings’ sprawling empire and the intrigue that kept viewers hooked. It played over iconic shots of Texas skylines and luxury, a musical cue that you were entering a world of power plays. Even decades later, just a few bars bring back memories of the “Who shot J.R.?” craze, reminding us how music alone can make a show unforgettable in pop culture history.
3. Miami Vice – “Miami Vice Theme”
When Jan Hammer’s slick synth beats hit in 1984, they defined more than just a show, they defined a vibe. The “Miami Vice Theme” was all pastel blazers, speedboats, and late-night streets bathed in neon. Released as a single in 1985, it topped the Billboard Hot 100 and won two Grammys, proving TV music could dominate radio charts. Hammer once called it “a minute of mood,” and that’s exactly what it was, a pulse that told you this was television like nothing before. It inspired countless imitators, but the original still owns the title of coolest theme of its time.
4. MAS*H – “Suicide Is Painless”
Johnny Mandel’s haunting melody for MAS*H had a story of its own, with lyrics penned by director Robert Altman’s teenage son, Mike. Though the TV version was instrumental, the full song became an Academy Award-winning piece after appearing in the 1970 film. On screen from 1972 to 1983, it underscored moments of quiet reflection and bittersweet humor in the Korean War-set series. As Mandel once put it, “It was a sad song for a sad situation.” Its simple, mournful notes stuck with viewers, making it one of the rare sitcom themes to carry genuine emotional weight beyond its opening credits.
5. The Young & the Restless – “Nadia’s Theme”
Before it was tied to The Young and the Restless, “Nadia’s Theme” began as music for a 1971 film. Barry De Vorzon and Perry Botkin Jr.’s instrumental gained fame after being used in Olympic gymnastics coverage, especially for Nadia Comăneci’s 1976 performances. The soap opera embraced it as its signature, and for decades it’s played over scenes of romance, betrayal, and family tension. The gentle piano and sweeping strings make it instantly recognizable to fans. As one viewer once put it, “The first notes tell you exactly what you’re in for, drama, but the beautiful kind.”
6. The Love Boat – “The Love Boat”
There’s something instantly comforting about Jack Jones’s smooth delivery of “The Love Boat” theme. Written by Paul Williams and Charles Fox, it promised romance and adventure before a single scene played. Each week, viewers boarded alongside an ever-changing guest cast, eager for escapism on the high seas. The breezy melody and warm vocals perfectly fit the show’s lighthearted charm. Williams once said it was meant to feel like “a vacation in song,” and it worked, decades later, hearing it still feels like casting off for somewhere sunny and uncomplicated.
7. Three’s Company – “Come and Knock on Our Door”
Joe Raposo, known for Sesame Street classics, gave Three’s Company a theme that felt playful and inviting. Sung by Ray Charles (not the soul legend, but a studio vocalist), it teased the cheeky misunderstandings that drove the show’s humor. The upbeat rhythm made it easy to hum along, while the lyrics set the stage for its offbeat living arrangement. As one fan put it, “You knew trouble and laughs were on the way the second it started.” It’s the kind of theme that feels like an open invitation, and who could resist?
8. Welcome Back, Kotter – “Welcome Back”
John Sebastian’s “Welcome Back” didn’t just fit the sitcom; it topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1976. Written after producers asked him to capture the feeling of returning home, it became an anthem of warmth and nostalgia. With its gentle folk-rock sound, it was more than a theme; it was a full-fledged hit on the radio. Sebastian himself admitted he was surprised it resonated so widely, but the sentiment was universal. It made Gabe Kotter’s return to his Brooklyn high school feel personal, like you were walking back into familiar halls with an old friend.
9. The Jeffersons – “Movin’ On Up”
Few TV themes matched the energy of “Movin’ On Up,” sung by Ja’net Dubois with gospel-powered joy. Written by Dubois and Jeff Barry, it celebrated the Jeffersons’ leap from Queens to Manhattan’s upper crust. The soaring vocals and celebratory beat turned the opening credits into a weekly victory lap. Dubois called it “a song about finally getting what you’ve worked for,” and it became an enduring symbol of pride and progress. Even without the visuals, the music alone conjures images of that high-rise apartment and a hard-earned seat at the table.
10. S.W.A.T. – “Theme from S.W.A.T.”
Barry De Vorzon’s “Theme from S.W.A.T.” proved a TV theme could compete with mainstream radio hits. Its funk-inspired groove and driving tempo hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1976, making it a standout in music history. The instrumental’s tight rhythm and brass flourishes matched the show’s action-packed pace, creating instant tension and excitement. As De Vorzon once noted, “It had to be urgent, you had to feel it in your chest.” Even today, it’s a reminder that TV scoring can be as bold and memorable as anything on the charts.
11. Sanford and Son – “The Streetbeater”
Quincy Jones’s “The Streetbeater” has a looseness that feels like pure fun. With harmonica hooks and a bassline that bounces, it gave Sanford and Son its unmistakable swagger. Jones reportedly recorded it in about 20 minutes, but its staying power has lasted decades. The instrumental didn’t need words, Fred Sanford’s world was already in every note. Fans still rank it among the greatest sitcom themes, not just for its groove but for how perfectly it fit the show’s humor and heart. It’s the kind of tune you can’t help but hum along to.
12. The Dukes of Hazzard – “Good Ol’ Boys”
Waylon Jennings brought his outlaw-country edge to “Good Ol’ Boys,” giving The Dukes of Hazzard an opening that felt lived-in and authentic. Not only did Jennings sing it, but he narrated the show as “The Balladeer,” adding wry commentary. The single hit No. 1 on the Country chart in 1980 and crossed over to the Hot 100, proving its wide appeal. Jennings playfully noted in the lyrics that TV never showed his face, only his hands. The song’s easy drawl and mischievous tone fit Bo and Luke Duke perfectly, making it a country classic that still turns up on nostalgic playlists.
13. Angie – “Different Worlds”
Maureen McGovern’s “Different Worlds” brought warmth to Angie, even if the sitcom only lasted two seasons. Written by Norman Gimbel and Charles Fox, the theme reached No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Adult Contemporary chart in 1979. With a disco-tinged melody and heartfelt delivery, it told the story of love bridging gaps. McGovern later called it “a joy to sing,” and for many viewers, it was the highlight of tuning in. It remains a hidden gem among TV themes, proof that even short-lived shows can leave a lasting musical mark.
14. Diff’rent Strokes – “It Takes Diff’rent Strokes”
Alan Thicke, Gloria Loring, and Al Burton crafted a theme that summed up Diff’rent Strokes in under half a minute. Sung by Thicke himself, it began with the memorable line, “Now the world doesn’t move to the beat of just one drum,” setting up the blended-family comedy. Thicke later said writing a theme was “a different art form” because you had to tell a story fast. This one did exactly that, with an upbeat melody that made diversity and togetherness sound downright catchy. It’s a song that’s stuck in the heads, and hearts, of fans for decades.
15. The Facts of Life – “The Facts of Life”
Gloria Loring’s clear, warm vocals made “The Facts of Life” theme feel like friendly advice from someone who’d been there. Written by Alan Thicke, Loring, and Al Burton, the lyrics “You take the good, you take the bad…” became a catchphrase for life’s ups and downs. Earlier versions featured Charlotte Rae, but Loring’s recording from season two onward stuck. It was more than a catchy opener; it reinforced the show’s wholesome message. Fans still sing along today, proving some TV themes outlive their series in the best possible way: as gentle reminders of life’s lessons.
16. Soap – “Theme from Soap”
George Tipton’s instrumental for Soap struck the perfect balance between drama and comedy. Without words, it captured the parody spirit of a sitcom built around the wild twists of soap operas. The sweeping strings and playful beats made even the most outrageous plotlines feel larger than life. Tipton designed it to sound “both serious and not,” which fit the show’s mix of absurdity and heartfelt moments. It stood out in an era when most TV themes relied on lyrics, proving music alone could carry the humor and intrigue of a weekly serial spoof.
17. Alice – “There’s a New Girl in Town”
Linda Lavin, who starred as Alice, sang the show’s theme with an earnestness that matched her character’s fresh start. Written by Alan and Marilyn Bergman with David Shire, the song told the story of a woman chasing a new life while keeping her humor intact. Lavin recorded several versions over the show’s run, each reflecting Alice’s growth. Fans connected with its gentle optimism, and Lavin herself called it “a little window into Alice’s heart.” It was one of those rare themes that felt like part of the character’s personal diary, set to music.
18. Fame – “Fame”
Irene Cara’s “Fame” was already a hit from the 1980 movie before the TV show brought it into living rooms. For the series, Erica Gimpel and later Loretta Chandler sang it, keeping the energy and ambition alive. The lyrics promised that dreams could be reached through hard work, a message that fit perfectly with the show’s story of performing arts students. Cara’s version hit No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a global anthem. Even today, just hearing the opening line, “I’m gonna live forever”, stirs up that feeling of chasing something bigger.
19. All in the Family – “Those Were the Days”
Carroll O’Connor and Jean Stapleton sang “Those Were the Days” as Archie and Edith Bunker, their voices slightly off-key but full of personality. Written by Lee Adams and Charles Strouse, the song nostalgically pined for “the good old days” while the show itself challenged those very ideals. That contrast made it powerful, and memorable. The opening became a ritual for viewers, with the piano intro and bickering harmonies instantly setting the tone. It’s a reminder that a theme doesn’t have to be polished to be perfect; it just has to be true to the story it’s telling.
20. The Greatest American Hero – “Believe It or Not”
Joey Scarbury’s “Believe It or Not” was the rare case of a TV theme outshining its show. Written by Mike Post and Stephen Geyer, it reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1981 and stayed there for weeks. Its uplifting, almost goofy optimism matched the offbeat superhero comedy it introduced. Over the years, it’s popped up in sitcom parodies and karaoke nights, proving it still has charm. As Scarbury once said, “It’s a happy song for a happy accident.” And like the character it introduced, it soared higher than anyone expected.
We know we didn’t include all- there are so many great ones that we couldn’t fit them all in one story. Feel free to add any more in the comments section, and we’ll try to add it in another story like this.
This story These 20 TV Theme Songs Ruled the ’70s and ’80s and Some Even Topped the Charts first appeared on Daily Fetch
