Best TV Theme Songs: Top 20 Picks for 2024

Television theme songs are often a crucial part of the viewing experience. They can set the tone for a show, evoke emotions, and become iconic in their own right. From the catchy tunes of sitcoms to the epic orchestral scores of dramas, a great theme song can stay with you long after the show has ended.

In this article, we will be exploring the best theme songs from TV. We’ve listened to countless hours of music, watched iconic opening sequences, and analyzed the impact these songs have had on their respective shows. Whether you’re a fan of classic TV or the latest streaming hits, we’ve got you covered.

When it comes to choosing the best theme songs, there are a few critical factors to consider. First and foremost, the song should be memorable and instantly recognizable. It should also fit the tone of the show and capture its essence. Finally, the theme song should be able to stand on its own as a piece of music, even without the visuals of the opening credits.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the world of TV theme songs and explore the best of the best.

Best TV Theme Songs

We all know the feeling of getting hooked on a TV show and eagerly anticipating the opening credits just to hear that iconic theme song. A great theme song sets the tone for the show and can even become a cultural phenomenon. In this roundup, we’ve compiled a list of the best TV theme songs that have stood the test of time. From classic sitcoms to current dramas, we’ve got you covered. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the trip down memory lane as we take a look at some of the most memorable TV theme songs of all time.

Ultimate TV Themes: 93 Songs from Your Favorite Shows

If you’re a fan of classic TV shows and their iconic theme songs, then you should definitely consider purchasing the Ultimate TV Themes songbook.

Pros

• Contains 93 songs from popular TV shows
• Easy-to-read sheet music with accurate arrangements
• Perfect for nostalgic sing-alongs or performances

Cons

• Some popular TV themes are missing
• Arrangements may not be as good as original scores for some songs
• Not many songs are suitable for acoustic guitar

This songbook is a great addition to any music lover’s collection, especially if you’re a fan of classic TV shows. The book contains 93 songs from a variety of popular TV shows, all arranged for piano, voice, and guitar.

The sheet music is easy to read and the arrangements are accurate, making it easy to play along with your favorite TV themes. It’s also a great resource for singers, as the vocal arrangements are well done and true to the original songs.

One downside to this songbook is that some popular TV themes are missing, which may be disappointing for some fans. Additionally, while the arrangements are good, they may not be as good as the original scores for some songs.

Overall, the Ultimate TV Themes songbook is a great purchase for anyone who loves classic TV shows and their iconic theme songs. It’s perfect for nostalgic sing-alongs or performances, and the accurate arrangements make it easy to play along.

Hit Movie -amp; TV Instrumental Solos: Songs and Themes from the Latest Movies and Television Shows (Trumpet), Book -amp; CD (Instrumental Solos Series)

If you’re a trumpet player looking for some fun and challenging pieces to play, the Hit Movie -amp; TV Instrumental Solos book and CD is a decent option. While there are some drawbacks, overall, this product can help you improve your skills and add some new songs to your repertoire.

Pros

• The book includes a variety of songs from popular movies and TV shows, making it a great choice for those who want to play recognizable tunes.
• The CD includes both full recordings and accompaniment tracks, giving you the option to play along with the music or listen to the full arrangements.
• The pieces are arranged at a moderate difficulty level, making them accessible to intermediate players who are looking to improve their skills.

Cons

• The arrangements are not particularly innovative or challenging, which may be disappointing for more advanced players.
• The book is only 28 pages long, which means that there are only a limited number of songs included.
• Some reviewers have noted that the accompaniment tracks are not always well-matched to the sheet music, which can make it difficult to play along.

Overall, we would recommend the Hit Movie -amp; TV Instrumental Solos book and CD for intermediate trumpet players who are looking for some fun and recognizable pieces to play. While the arrangements may not be particularly challenging or innovative, they are well-suited to players at this level. However, more advanced players may find that the book is not challenging enough for their needs.

Hit Movie -amp; TV Instrumental Solos for Strings: Songs and Themes from the Latest Movies and Television Shows (Violin), Book -amp; CD (Instrumental Solos Series)

If you’re a fan of playing the violin and love to play along with the latest movie and TV show themes, then Hit Movie -amp; TV Instrumental Solos for Strings is a great book to add to your collection.

Pros

• The book includes a CD with orchestral accompaniment to play along with.
• The level of difficulty is intermediate, making it great for those who want a challenge without getting bored.
• The book includes a wide range of popular movie and TV show themes.

Cons

• The book only includes 28 pages, which may not be enough for those looking for a more comprehensive collection.
• The book is only for violin players, so it may not be suitable for those who play other string instruments.
• The book does not include any original compositions, only arrangements of existing themes.

We found the book to be a great addition to our collection, as it allowed us to play along with some of our favorite movie and TV show themes. The CD accompaniment was a great addition, as it allowed us to hear the full orchestral arrangement while we played. The level of difficulty was just right, providing a challenge without being too difficult or too easy.

However, we did find that the book was quite short, with only 28 pages, which may not be enough for those looking for a more comprehensive collection. Additionally, the book is only for violin players, so it may not be suitable for those who play other string instruments. Finally, we were disappointed that the book did not include any original compositions, only arrangements of existing themes.

Overall, if you’re a violin player looking to play along with some of the latest movie and TV show themes, then Hit Movie -amp; TV Instrumental Solos for Strings is definitely worth checking out.

Hit Movie -amp; TV Instrumental Solos: Songs and Themes from the Latest Movies and Television Shows (Clarinet), Book -amp; CD (Instrumental Solos Series)

If you’re an intermediate clarinet player looking to add some fun and exciting new songs to your repertoire, then Hit Movie -amp; TV Instrumental Solos is definitely worth considering. The book comes with a CD and all of the piano accompaniments, making it a comprehensive and enjoyable learning experience.

Pros

• The book includes a variety of popular songs and themes from recent movies and TV shows, making it a great way to stay current with your music choices.
• The CD and piano accompaniments allow for a full and immersive learning experience, helping you to improve your skills and play with confidence.
• The book is well-organized and easy to navigate, with clear instructions and helpful tips throughout.

Cons

• The book is relatively short, with only 28 pages of music.
• Some of the songs may be challenging for less experienced players, so it may not be the best choice for beginners.
• The book is only available in paperback, which may not be as durable as a hardcover option.

Overall, we would recommend Hit Movie -amp; TV Instrumental Solos to intermediate clarinet players who are looking to expand their repertoire and improve their skills. While it may not be the best choice for beginners or those looking for a longer book, the CD and piano accompaniments make it a fun and engaging learning experience.

Top-Requested Movie -amp; TV Sheet Music: Easy Piano (Top-Requested Sheet Music)

If you’re looking for an easy piano book with popular movie and TV themes, Top-Requested Movie -amp; TV Sheet Music: Easy Piano is a solid choice.

Pros

• The book is easy to read and play, making it a great option for beginners.
• It includes a variety of popular themes from movies and TV shows.
• The arrangements are well-written for easy piano.

Cons

• Some reviewers noted that the book is basic and more suited for beginners.
• A few of the songs may be more suited for intermediate players.
• The book only includes 88 pages, so it may not have as many songs as some other collections.

As someone who has used this book with piano students, we can confidently recommend it to beginners or those looking for easy arrangements of popular movie and TV themes. The book is easy to read and play, and the arrangements are well-written for easy piano. It’s a great way to learn some fun and recognizable tunes.

However, if you’re an experienced piano player looking for more challenging arrangements, this book may not be the best fit for you. Some reviewers noted that the book is more suited for beginners and that a few of the songs may be more suited for intermediate players.

Overall, if you’re looking for an easy piano book with popular movie and TV themes, Top-Requested Movie -amp; TV Sheet Music: Easy Piano is a solid choice.

Hal Leonard Peter Gunn (Theme Song from the Television Series) Piano Library Series (Level Late Inter/Level 5)

If you’re a fan of the classic TV show “Peter Gunn,” you might be interested in learning how to play the iconic theme song on the piano. The Hal Leonard Peter Gunn Piano Library Series offers sheet music for the theme song at a late intermediate/level 5 difficulty level.

Pros

• The sheet music accurately reflects the original recording of the theme song, making it a great option for fans who want to learn how to play it.
• The book is relatively inexpensive, making it an affordable option for those on a budget.
• The compact size of the book makes it easy to store and transport.

Cons

• The late intermediate/level 5 difficulty level might be too challenging for beginners or those with limited piano experience.
• The book only includes sheet music for the theme song, so it might not be the best option for those looking for a more comprehensive piano lesson book.
• The sheet music is only available in physical book format, so it might not be the best option for those who prefer digital sheet music.

Overall, if you’re a fan of “Peter Gunn” and want to learn how to play the iconic theme song on the piano, the Hal Leonard Peter Gunn Piano Library Series is a great option. However, it might not be the best choice for beginners or those looking for a more comprehensive piano lesson book.

The Disney Collection, Volume One Best-Loved Songs from Disney Motion Pictures, Television, and Theme Parks

If you’re a fan of Disney music, the Disney Collection, Volume One Best-Loved Songs from Disney Motion Pictures, Television, and Theme Parks is a must-have. With 24 of the best-loved songs from Disney’s motion pictures, TV shows, and theme parks, this collection is perfect for anyone who wants to relive their childhood memories or introduce their kids to the magic of Disney music.

Pros

• The collection includes a wide variety of songs from different Disney movies, TV shows, and theme parks, making it perfect for fans of all ages.
• The songs are beautifully remastered, so they sound better than ever before.
• The CD is reasonably priced, making it an affordable addition to your music collection.

Cons

• Some customers have reported that the CD skips or has other issues, so it may not play perfectly on all devices.
• While the collection includes many classic Disney songs, there are some notable omissions that may disappoint some fans.
• The packaging is fairly basic, so it may not be the best choice if you’re looking for a collector’s item.

Overall, we highly recommend the Disney Collection, Volume One Best-Loved Songs from Disney Motion Pictures, Television, and Theme Parks to anyone who loves Disney music. With a wide variety of songs and beautiful remastering, this CD is sure to bring a smile to your face and transport you to the magical world of Disney.

Bluey Talking Bandit (Dad) 14″ Talking Plush Bandit Plush Toy with 9 Phrases Theme Song

If you’re a fan of the Bluey TV show and looking for a fun and cuddly toy to bring home, the Bluey Talking Bandit (Dad) 14″ plush is a great option.

Pros

• Press Bandit’s tummy to activate sounds!
• Sing along to the Bluey theme song.
• Bandit says 9 different phrases from the Bluey TV show.

Cons

• Batteries required (2 AA batteries included).
• Recommended for ages 36 months – 15 years.
• Some may find the price a bit steep.

The Bluey Talking Bandit (Dad) 14″ plush is made with premium soft deluxe fabrics and detailed stitching, making it soft and cuddly for showtime or storytime. It also comes in a colorful display tray pack, making it a great gift for any Bluey fan.

Press Bandit’s tummy to hear 9 fun phrases that Bandit says from the Bluey TV show. You can even sing along with Bandit to the Bluey theme song! At 14″ tall, Talking Bandit (Dad) is the perfect size for cuddles.

Overall, we would definitely recommend the Bluey Talking Bandit (Dad) 14″ plush to any Bluey fan looking for a fun and interactive toy to add to their collection.

The Best Movie Themes Ever – Piano Solo

If you’re a fan of movie soundtracks and love playing the piano, then The Best Movie Themes Ever – Piano Solo is a must-have for your collection.

Pros

• The book features a great selection of movie themes from different eras.
• The arrangements are faithful to the original music and not oversimplified.
• The book is reasonably priced.

Cons

• Some of the songs might be too difficult for beginners.
• The book is not spiral-bound, which may make it difficult to keep open on a piano stand.
• The selection of songs may not be for everyone.

We recently purchased The Best Movie Themes Ever – Piano Solo and were impressed with the selection of songs included in the book. The arrangements are well-done and faithful to the original music, making it a joy to play along with your favorite movie soundtracks.

One downside of the book is that some of the songs may be too difficult for beginners. However, with a little practice, intermediate-level players should be able to master most of the songs.

Another issue we encountered was that the book is not spiral-bound, which can make it difficult to keep open on a piano stand. We recommend getting it bound at a local office supply store for ease of use.

Overall, we think The Best Movie Themes Ever – Piano Solo is a great addition to any movie soundtrack or piano collection. It’s reasonably priced and features a great selection of songs from different eras, making it a great value for your money.

Greatest Piano Themes from the Movies

If you’re looking for a collection of advanced piano arrangements of your favorite movie theme songs, then Greatest Piano Themes from the Movies might be worth considering.

Pros

• Offers a variety of movie theme songs to learn and play.
• Provides advanced arrangements that are interesting and challenging.
• Comes with a decent number of pages.

Cons

• May not be suitable for beginners or those looking for easy arrangements.
• Some of the arrangements may be too difficult for some players.
• Does not include any audio recordings to guide players.

We recently got our hands on this book and were impressed with the variety of movie theme songs included in it. From classics like The Godfather and Star Wars to newer hits like La La Land and The Greatest Showman, there’s something for everyone.

The arrangements themselves are advanced and require a certain level of skill to play. While this may be a downside for beginners or those looking for easier arrangements, it’s a plus for more experienced players who want a challenge.

One thing to note is that some of the arrangements may be too difficult for some players, so it’s important to assess your own skill level before purchasing. Additionally, the book does not come with any audio recordings to guide players, so you’ll need to rely on your own ear and skill to learn the pieces.

Overall, if you’re an advanced player looking for a collection of challenging movie theme song arrangements, then Greatest Piano Themes from the Movies is definitely worth checking out.

Buying Guide

When it comes to selecting the best theme song from TV, there are a few things to consider. We’ve put together a guide to help you make an informed decision.

Genre

The first thing to consider is the genre of the TV show. Is it a drama, comedy, or action series? The theme song should reflect the tone of the show and get you excited for what’s to come. A catchy and upbeat tune may work well for a comedy, while a dramatic and intense score may be better suited for a thriller.

Lyrics

Some theme songs have lyrics, while others are purely instrumental. If the theme song has lyrics, make sure they are relevant to the show and add to the overall experience. However, if the lyrics are distracting or don’t fit with the show’s tone, it may be better to opt for an instrumental theme.

Memorable

A great theme song should be memorable and stick with you long after the show has ended. It should be easy to hum or sing along to and evoke emotions related to the show. If you find yourself humming the tune long after the show has ended, it’s a good sign that the theme song is a winner.

Production Quality

Finally, it’s important to consider the production quality of the theme song. Is it well-produced and does it sound good? A poorly produced theme song can be distracting and take away from the overall experience of watching the show.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best theme song from TV that perfectly captures the essence of the show and enhances your viewing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some iconic TV theme songs from the 2000s?

The 2000s brought about some iconic TV theme songs that are still remembered today. Some of the most popular ones include “I’ll Be There for You” from Friends, “Where Everybody Knows Your Name” from Cheers, “The Office Theme Song” from The Office, and “Bad Reputation” from Freaks and Geeks.

Which TV show theme songs are considered the best of all time?

There are several TV show theme songs that are considered the best of all time. Some of the most popular ones include “The Simpsons Theme Song,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Theme Song,” “Cheers Theme Song,” “I Love Lucy Theme Song,” and “The Twilight Zone Theme Song.”

What are the top TV theme songs in the hip hop genre?

The hip hop genre has produced some memorable TV theme songs. Some of the top ones include “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” by Will Smith, “In Living Color” by Heavy D, “The Boondocks” by Asheru, and “The Jamie Foxx Show” by Jamie Foxx.

Can you list some of the most memorable rock theme songs from television?

Rock music has also played a significant role in TV theme songs. Some of the most memorable ones include “Happy Days Theme Song” by Pratt and McClain, “Mission: Impossible Theme Song” by Lalo Schifrin, “The A-Team Theme Song” by Mike Post and Pete Carpenter, and “Hawaii Five-O Theme Song” by Morton Stevens.

Which TV show theme songs have won significant awards or accolades?

Some TV show theme songs have won significant awards or accolades. For example, “The Simpsons Theme Song” won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Main Title Theme Music in 1990. “Cheers Theme Song” won a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocal(s) in 1983. “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Theme Song” won an ASCAP Award in 1991.

Are there any TV show theme songs that are known for their unique changes in every episode?

Yes, there are several TV show theme songs that are known for their unique changes in every episode. Some of the most popular ones include “The Brady Bunch Theme Song,” “The Flintstones Theme Song,” and “Gilligan’s Island Theme Song.”