15 TV Theme Songs Everyone Over 50 Still Remembers

15 TV Theme Songs Everyone Over 50 Still Remembers

There’s something magical about TV theme songs—especially the ones that defined an era. For those over 50, these tunes are more than just catchy jingles; they’re audio time machines that instantly transport you back to cozy living rooms, wood-paneled TVs, and a simpler time when family sitcoms and primetime dramas ruled the airwaves.

1. The Brady Bunch (1969–1974)

Before the first scene even rolled, this theme gave you the full rundown of the blended Brady family. Its bright, bouncy melody and simple storytelling format made it easy for kids and adults alike to sing along and remember every word.

It wasn’t just catchy—it was comforting. The upbeat harmonies and cheerful visuals became a staple of 1970s TV. Today, “Here’s the story…” is more than a lyric—it’s a cultural shorthand for any blended family or retro reference. Few theme songs have been parodied or referenced as often as this one.

2. Gilligan’s Island (1964–1967)

This sea shanty-style theme song instantly planted the premise in your head: a “three-hour tour” gone wrong, stranding seven castaways on an uncharted island. It managed to condense the entire backstory into under a minute with unforgettable rhythm and rhyme.

Even decades later, it’s hard to hear “The Minnow” without imagining the bumbling antics of Gilligan and company. The theme became so iconic that many viewers who barely remember specific episodes can still recite the entire song from memory.

3. The Beverly Hillbillies (1962–1971)

You didn’t have to grow up in the South to appreciate the banjo-driven charm of this opening tune. It starts with “Come and listen to a story ’bout a man named Jed,” and that’s exactly what millions of Americans did every week.

With humor, twang, and down-home energy, the song painted a vivid picture of a poor mountaineer who struck oil and moved his family to Beverly Hills. It’s a perfect example of how a theme can be both informative and catchy, setting the tone for the fish-out-of-water comedy to come.

4. Happy Days (1974–1984)

When the familiar “Sunday, Monday, Happy Days…” kicked in, it was like a serotonin boost straight from your TV. This theme radiated 1950s nostalgia with a peppy, feel-good tune that made you want to roll up your sleeves and dance in the kitchen.

The lyrics weren’t complex, but they didn’t need to be—they just needed to evoke joy. As the Fonz gave his signature thumbs-up and jukeboxes clicked, the music reminded you that everything would be alright. Even today, it’s hard not to smile when you hear it.

5. Cheers (1982–1993)

Few TV intros are as emotionally resonant as this one. “Where everybody knows your name” didn’t just describe a bar in Boston—it tapped into a universal longing for connection, comfort, and familiarity.

With a piano-driven melody and bittersweet lyrics, the theme stood out for its subtle melancholy mixed with warmth. It wasn’t a laugh-track jingle; it was a full-fledged song that set the emotional tone for the heartfelt moments and humor that defined Cheers. A classic, through and through.

6. The Jeffersons (1975–1985)

If any theme song felt like a victory lap, it was this one. “Movin’ on up to the East Side” served as a soulful anthem of Black excellence, upward mobility, and the American Dream.

Backed by a gospel choir and infectious rhythm, it made you want to sing, clap, and root for George and Weezy all at once. It wasn’t just a great TV tune—it was empowering, energetic, and unforgettable. That piano intro still sparks a feeling of pride and progress.

7. The Andy Griffith Show (1960–1968)

With its gentle whistling and down-home charm, this opening number didn’t need lyrics to become iconic. The image of Andy and Opie walking to the fishing hole was enough to make millions feel at peace.

In a world that often moves too fast, this theme still evokes a slower, simpler time. It’s one of the most recognizable non-verbal intros in television history, proving that sometimes, less is more. Just a whistle and a smile were all it took.

8. The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970–1977)

Empowerment and optimism were front and center with this theme. “Love is all around” wasn’t just a lyric—it was a declaration that women could take on the world with style, wit, and independence.

Whether you remember the hat toss or the idea of making it after all, the music captured the spirit of change sweeping through the 1970s. For many women (and men), it wasn’t just a TV show—it was a cultural shift, soundtracked by this unforgettable tune.

9. M*A*S*H (1972–1983)

This opening theme, often mistaken as simply atmospheric, actually has a name: “Suicide Is Painless.” Though the show used an instrumental version, the haunting melody lingered in the minds of viewers long after the credits rolled.

It perfectly mirrored the show’s emotional complexity—part comedy, part tragedy, all heart. Even without lyrics, the music conveyed the bittersweet nature of war, friendship, and survival. It was subtle but unforgettable, a quiet echo of one of TV’s most profound shows.

10. The Love Boat (1977–1986)

Setting sail for romance and adventure, this velvety-smooth theme brought a touch of glamor to your living room. “Love, exciting and new…” instantly signaled an hour of cheesy drama, exotic locales, and endless guest stars.

It felt like a lounge act in the best way—glitzy, dreamy, and just a bit camp. The theme didn’t just introduce a show—it invited you to escape, to fall in love with TV all over again, week after week.

11. The Addams Family (1964–1966)

Snap, snap! That finger-snapping intro was all it took to cue the creepy, kooky, mysterious, and spooky world of the Addamses. With its harpsichord and sing-song cadence, the tune was macabre fun at its finest.

Each line gave a playful nod to the family’s oddities, turning the gothic into giggles. And let’s face it—how many theme songs make an audience participate with a perfectly timed snap? It’s theatrical, catchy, and delightfully strange.

12. Laverne & Shirley (1976–1983)

“Making our dreams come true…” wasn’t just a lyric—it was the heartbeat of the entire show. From the second those opening lines hit, you felt the ambition, friendship, and hustle of two blue-collar women trying to carve out their place in the world.

The intro showed them marching in unison, arms swinging, energy high—echoing the American work ethic with a splash of sass. The theme song had optimism baked into every beat, and you couldn’t help but root for them.

13. Green Acres (1965–1971)

Rural charm and big city snobbery collided in this hilarious duet-style theme. “Green Acres is the place to be…” launched one of the quirkiest TV intros ever, where Oliver loved the farm life and Lisa longed for Park Avenue.

The contrast between the two voices made the comedy pop before the episode even began. It wasn’t just a song—it was a character in itself, setting the tone for a show that never took itself too seriously.

14. The Flintstones (1960–1966)

You didn’t have to be a kid to love this one. With its big band-style swing and cartoon flair, “Flintstones, meet the Flintstones…” was as unforgettable as the show’s stone-age setting.

The song brought prehistoric suburbia to life, full of brontosaurus cranes and foot-powered cars. It became one of the most enduring animated themes in TV history, spawning commercials, parodies, and family sing-alongs for generations.

15. The Twilight Zone (1959–1964)

Eerie and minimalist, this theme was less a song and more a sonic experience. Its four-note intro instantly puts you on edge, alerting your senses to the weirdness ahead.

It didn’t need lyrics to be memorable—just a few dissonant notes, a theremin, and Rod Serling’s haunting narration. Even today, it’s shorthand for anything strange, unsettling, or otherworldly. Once you hear it, you’re already halfway into another dimension.