Classic TV Show Theme Songs

This show was my absolute favorite, as a kid. My friends and I all wanted to be like Jon and Ponch. Times were much simpler, better and cops were looked at as being very cool - and highly respected by all:

 

This is my favorite. Every attempt to update Delia Derbyshire's arrangement, starting in the 80's, has only diminished its otherworldly power.

 

Not sure if this fits but that's what it is for me. I loved the show as a kid. I'd literally run on my way back from school in order to watch it.

 

Absolutely, Pokémon fits.

The day Pokémon ceases to qualify as anything but one of the greatest shows of all time, will be the day I resign from this forum - and possibly quit the internet entirely.

Post on.

 

The greatest of all theme songs performed by the greatest of all rock bands—perfection!

 

I am showing my age here. As a teenager many shows filmed near where I lived. I was there for the stuntman making the long run down the stairs to the beach on chips. In the background for the finish of cannon balloon. And several crowd scenes for shows like the A Team. It was such a deprived childhood, having to walk a whole three blocks to the beach.

 

For sheer energy, nothing matches the theme song for The Big Bang Theory performed by Barenaked Ladies.



...particulary the part that runs the end credits.

 

The theme for the show Danger Man. The show was released in the US as Secret Agent using Johnny Rivers' song "Secret Agent Man" as the theme- which is great, but I really like the frenetic harpsichord theme of the British version.

 

I used to love to whistle, so this was my fave for a long time:



There are many other great ones, but the Charlie's Angels theme still occasionally resounds in my head:



And I MUST add the Rockford Files:

 

I also have to add Get Smart. Pure genius—not only the music, but the whole opening title sequence:

 

I like this next one so much, that I use it as my ringtone:







Ahh, the good ‘ol days….

 

With all these old TV shows, we can't forget this.

 

Is it just me, or do the theme songs from 80s TV seem to be more up beat and optimistic than the earlier theme songs?

 

Pardon the flowery background in this one - it’s the only video I could find of the original intro:

 

It was a very optimistic time in general. Entertainment reflected that feeling. We were coming out of the Carter years, with crazy rules for buying gas, a bad economy, etc.

There were still everyday struggles then, but the generally positive mindset of the time made them easier to face.

 

I don't have those cheery memories of the eighties. The economy in our part of the country tanked about 1984, and we entered an extended economic depression. Businesses went under, salaries plummeted, and every available job had dozens of applicants. We held on by our fingernails, working whatever jobs we could find. If at the end of the month we had $125 for food, gas, and incidentals after paying bills and mortgage, we thought we were in great shape.