25 greatest TV theme songs of the 80s
The tunes defined our generation -- at least from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. every weeknight during our formative years.
Today, they serve as 30-second bursts of memories of the good old days, when the most drama we had was whether to feather our hair or krimp it. Or perhaps deciding which color corduroy pants to wear with our brand-new REO Speedwagon concert tees. (You never go wrong with navy blue!)
Welcome to the official Stuck in the 80s list of the 25 best TV theme songs from our favorite decade. We considered your input along with the expert advice of Times media critic Eric Deggans to fine-tune the final rankings.
Don't forget to listen to this week's podcast, which unveils our rationale for the top 10 TV theme songs. Click here to listen. Or click here to get all our shows for free via iTunes.
In the meantime, get in full couch-potato mode and set the remote control aside for this list.
TOP 25 TV THEME SONGS OF THE 80s:
25. Star Trek: The Next Generation [watch]
24. Taxi [watch]
23. Facts of Life [watch]
22. 21 Jump Street [watch]
21. Magnum P.I. [watch]
20. Dallas [watch]
19. Dynasty [watch]
18. The Love Boat [watch]
17. Night Court [watch]
16. Full House [watch]
15. Charles in Charge [watch]
14. Moonlighting [watch]
13. It’s Garry Shandling's Show [watch]
12. The Paper Chase [listen]
11. Pee Wee's Playhouse [watch]
10. Hill Street Blues [watch]
9. The Cosby Show [watch]
8. Square Pegs [watch]
7. Greatest American Hero [watch]
6. The A-Team [watch]
5. Family Ties [watch]
4. WKRP in Cincinnati [watch]
3. Dukes of Hazzard [watch]
2. Cheers [watch]
1. Miami Vice [watch]
"Miami Vice" gets the nod over "Cheers" because it oozes the '80s from every pour. Jan Hammer's masterpiece can only be properly enjoyed in a white linen jacket, loafers and dark glasses.
So which TV theme songs did we miss out on?
Relive the music, movies and culture of the greatest decade ever with Times online editor Steve Spears. A teen during the decade, Steve is obsessed with everything from Duran Duran to Journey, John Hughes to John Cusack, and parachute pants to Reaganomics.
E-mail Steve Spears:
Yay! Pee Wee's Playhouse at number 11. (A perfect number, in my opinion...)
That theme has iconic '80s status stamped all over it: co-written by Mark Mothersbaugh and Paul Reubens and sung by Miss Cyndi Lauper, under a pseudonym which escapes me at the moment.
Pee Wee's Playhouse, an egg mcmuffin and a fountain coke were the ultimate saturday morning hangover cure for me back in college.
Posted by: jane | May 13, 2008 at 09:03 AM
Wikipedia says Ms. Lauper is credited as "Ellen Shaw" on the theme song.
Posted by: Marissa | May 13, 2008 at 09:11 AM
Wowsers! "The Paper Chase" theme is totally cheese-tastic. I remember the show, but must have locked that little diddy from the memory banks.
Posted by: Marissa | May 13, 2008 at 09:24 AM
To be honest, I prefer the "Paper Chase" theme from the Showtime version, but we can't yet find that one.
Posted by: Spears | May 13, 2008 at 09:26 AM
Where's Simon and Simon?
Posted by: Brian | May 13, 2008 at 09:34 AM
Simon & Simon? Really?
I just listened to it again. It just doesn't stand out. But I know people loved the show itself.
Here's the theme:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyNTIS-DoFQ
Posted by: Spears | May 13, 2008 at 09:42 AM
The Simpsons started in the 1989. How come it isn't on the list?
Posted by: Bassnote | May 13, 2008 at 09:46 AM
It debuted on Dec. 17, 1989. I figured just two episodes in the 80s doesn't exactly qualify someone for the Top 25 list.
Let's face it, the Simpsons were a 90s phenomenon. One of the only things I'll give the 90s credit for.
Other than perhaps the invention of the Mexi-Melt.
Posted by: Spears | May 13, 2008 at 09:50 AM
No Hardcastle & McCormick?
"Drive" has a real 80's sound and was the sole redeeming virtue of this show.
Except, of course, for Brian Keith, who completely rocked everything he touched.
Posted by: Jeff in Cuba | May 13, 2008 at 09:51 AM
I don't think I've ever seen or heard of The Paper Chase. What was it about?
Posted by: Melissa | May 13, 2008 at 09:56 AM
Hardcastle & McCormick? It sounds like something KISS would have recorded for the "Dynasty" album.
I can see Paul Stanley singing it now.
"Under the hood, got the bad and the good. Everybody's doin' time!"
No wonder my parents didn't let me see them on that tour.
Posted by: Spears | May 13, 2008 at 10:01 AM
Melissa -- here's the scoop on The Paper Chase:
http://www.tv.com/the-paper-chase/show/2450/summary.html?q=the%20paper%20chase&tag=search_results;title;1
Posted by: jane | May 13, 2008 at 10:04 AM
Great list - I wouldn't change a thing. I'll even admit to having two of the tunes (Nos. 1 & 14) on the iPod.
Posted by: Big Tex | May 13, 2008 at 10:12 AM
Wouldn't change number one (I was born in 1989, so i can objectively say that Miami Vice is the greatest TV show ever) though you forgot some other classic choons...
1. MacGyver
2. Automan
3. Father Dowling Mysteries (you've gotta do a show on this at some point- he had an evil twin for goodness sake!)
4. Airwolf
5. Magnum PI (it should have been a lot higher)
Got that off my chest.
Posted by: Synthsational | May 13, 2008 at 10:39 AM
I'm with Brian on this one. I think that Simon & Simon is a very memorable theme and should be in the top 25.
The theme from the "Fall Guy" should probably make the list.
Other good themes, but not quite list worthy:
- Knight Rider
- St. Elsewhere
- Newhart
Glad to see Moonlighting made the list.
Posted by: Ray | May 13, 2008 at 10:41 AM
AND WHERE THE HELL WAS KNIGHTRIDER?!?!?!
Posted by: Synthsational | May 13, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Synthsational, now you know you need to keep your peepers open with this blog so you can contribute regularly on the 'best of' 'worst of' lists. Or anything else, for that matter.
Posted by: Marissa | May 13, 2008 at 11:00 AM
WHOOO HOOOO, MIAMI VICE
everything else is filler ...
Here's my list:
25: Miami Vice
24: Miami Vice
23: Miami Vice
22: Miami Vice
21: Miami Vice
20: Miami Vice
19: Miami Vice
18: Miami Vice
17: Miami Vice
16: Miami Vice
15: Charles in Charge
14: Miami Vice
13: Miami Vice
12: Miami Vice
11: Miami Vice
10: Miami Vice
09: Miami Vice
08: Miami Vice
07: Miami Vice
06: Miami Vice
05: Miami Vice
04: Miami Vice
03: Miami Vice
02: Miami Vice
and Number 1: Miami Vice!
Posted by: chase | May 13, 2008 at 11:04 AM
Chase, dude! You slay me. Thanks for throwing props to my boy Scott. How freakin' generous of you! Ya big ol' Miami Vice lovin' stud.
Posted by: Marissa | May 13, 2008 at 11:09 AM
One of my favorites not on the list is Fame. I loved that theme, and sort of liked the show.
Posted by: Neil | May 13, 2008 at 12:02 PM
I agree with the mention of Airwolf. No Magnum P.I., ay?
As for Pee Wee, I'd sooner listen to BJ and the Bear, Solid Gold and The Fall Guy ad nauseum.
Posted by: Complaint Department Manager | May 13, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Okay, I'm blind. I missed the P.I. at #21.
Posted by: Complaint Department Manager | May 13, 2008 at 12:52 PM
Why are there no cartoon songs on the list? What about Jem? That was the most awesome show ever with great music. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has an awesome theme song "Heroes in a half-shell, TURTLEPOWER!"
Posted by: Rosa | May 13, 2008 at 01:20 PM
There are no cartoons on the list because Steve was already in his 40s by 1982, so it's not like he watched a lot of cartoons.
And thanks Marissa! a Stud! haven't been called that in, well, ever!
Posted by: chase | May 13, 2008 at 01:49 PM
Chase has a point. Plus, cartoons and Wild Turkey hang overs don't mix.
Posted by: Marissa | May 13, 2008 at 02:07 PM
Wow,Chase and his love for Miami Vice!
I would still put Cheers as number 1,but that`s Ok.What i don`t understand is that Cincinnati thing at nº 4 and the dukes at nº3,putting Dallas,Charles in Charge and Paper Chase out of the top 10.
Posted by: Miguel | May 13, 2008 at 02:17 PM
steve
i dont know about the paul stanley thing. but i gotta tell you, that was my first ever concert. dynasty tour 1979, dec 6th in lake charles, la. the last tour with the original lineup. being my first concert, they left the stage and we proceded to leave. i had never heard of an encore. i missed out on beth and probably rock and roll all nite. never did that again.
Posted by: chad | May 13, 2008 at 02:18 PM
as far as the list goes, i pretty much agree with everything, except the placement of the greatest american hero. i might know six or so of these songs, but the top three should be miami vice, cheers, and the greatest american hero. i think everyone knows that song. they even sang it on my name is earl, hilariously i might add. but other than that, great list.
Posted by: chad | May 13, 2008 at 02:22 PM
No CHiPS theme??
Posted by: Dave | May 13, 2008 at 02:42 PM
Great list. To bad H.R. Puff n Stuff, Sigmund and the sea monsters and Little House on the Prairie were not in the 80's.
Posted by: | May 13, 2008 at 02:53 PM
Chat, I've yet to see KISS in concert, except for on video or DVD. I consider it of several important missing pieces in my life.
Posted by: Spears | May 13, 2008 at 02:54 PM
Though Little house ran into the 80's, a 70's show none the less. God I wish I could "go back" followed by dad laughing in the audience.
Posted by: Mike in Austin | May 13, 2008 at 02:55 PM
Now, the world don't move to the beat of just one drum,
What might be right for you, may not be right for some.
A man is born, he's a man of means.
Then along come two, they got nothing but their jeans.
But they got, Diff'rent Strokes.
It takes, Diff'rent Strokes.
It takes, Diff'rent Strokes to move the world.
SERIOUSLY HOW COULD YOU MISS THIS!!!
Posted by: Jonathan | May 13, 2008 at 03:08 PM
Little House had run out of steam by the 80s.
Still, I await the chance to interview Melissa Gilbert (who had a birthday last week) on the podcast and confess my undying love.
Weird coincidence: Names of her two husbands? Bo Brinkman and Bruce Boxleitner.
I'm changing my name to Bsteve Bspears next week.
Posted by: Spears | May 13, 2008 at 03:10 PM
Jonathan, I always thought the lyrics were "They got nothing IN their jeans" -- which came across creepy.
Thanks for the clarification.
Posted by: Spears | May 13, 2008 at 03:11 PM
I saw a commercial for a Lifetime flick starring Melissa Gilbert. She's not aging well. Somewhat freakish looking. Hold on to the past, Bspearsy. She looked much better then.
Posted by: Marissa | May 13, 2008 at 03:12 PM
I'm not aging well either, Bmarissa. I'm a week away from being Abe Vigoda.
Posted by: Spears | May 13, 2008 at 03:15 PM
Actually, I think I posted some bad lyrics (cut and paste!) I think the correct lyric is "nothing but their dreams"
But seriously, Facts of Life without Different Strokes? That's like putting "A Different World" on the list without The Cosby Show!
Posted by: Jonathan | May 13, 2008 at 03:16 PM
That's Blarissa to you.
Posted by: Marissa | May 13, 2008 at 03:16 PM
Little House remains alive and well in the Martinez home. My second child, 11 yrs., Tivo's Little house and has the first few seasons. If you ever interview MG, ask her if she likes married Mexican men, we can arm wrestle over her. Tell her Bike Bartinez wants to know.
MinA
Posted by: Mike in Austin | May 13, 2008 at 03:23 PM
good selection, totally agree with Miami Vice being No 1 - but as Dave said, where is the CHiPS theme? okay, started in the 70es but ran well into the eighties...
Posted by: Dennis | May 13, 2008 at 03:31 PM
I seriously considered CHiPs, but Erik Estrada gives me the willies.
Posted by: Spears | May 13, 2008 at 03:35 PM
What about "Mr. Belvedere" or "Knight Rider?"
Posted by: Michelle | May 13, 2008 at 03:37 PM
Another reason to keep CHiPS off the 80s list -- anytime you have Leif Garrett guest-star on the show, it's not an 80s series.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uW1n00nJw-s&watch_response
Posted by: Spears | May 13, 2008 at 03:37 PM
Great subject for the podcast this week. Long overdue. One correction: the theme to "Taxi" was written by cheese-tastic smooth jazz icon Bob James, not Quincy Jones.
Mike Post would be an interesting interview for you guys to pursue.
Posted by: David P | May 13, 2008 at 04:27 PM
Here's Eric's column on TV themes, along with a link to an online quiz:
http://www.sptimes.com/2007/12/28/Tv/Those_were_the_days__.shtml
Posted by: Spears | May 13, 2008 at 04:31 PM
Diff'rent Strokes. They have jeans, not dreams. Check it out:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=SmfH1RsxWEc
Posted by: jane | May 13, 2008 at 04:33 PM
Some people dream in their jeans .. or a word that rhymes with it, anyway.
Posted by: Marissa | May 13, 2008 at 05:02 PM
Gimme a Break!
Posted by: Melissa | May 13, 2008 at 05:15 PM
Good one, Melissa. I watched that show just because I adored Nell Carter...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=op06AwHTxb0
Posted by: jane | May 13, 2008 at 05:45 PM
fyi steve
thats the second time you called me chat, maybe youre thinking of something else, maybe blarrisa, or not seeing KISS. just wanted to make you aware of it, no biggie, just saying. also ive seen the guys in makeup a total of eight times, 79, 83, 84, 85, 89, 96, 00, and 04. well technically only four times in makeup.
Posted by: CHAD | May 13, 2008 at 06:33 PM
Yeah Gimme a Break should have been included especially since it was written by Mr. Mister's Richard Page.
Posted by: 80sfan | May 13, 2008 at 09:01 PM
Nell Carter's singing of "Gimme A Break" made my ears bleed.
Posted by: Marissa | May 13, 2008 at 09:57 PM
No Perfect Strangers and no Knight Rider? I am sad.
Posted by: Pages | May 13, 2008 at 11:53 PM
No Knight Rider??? That's a CLASSIC instrumental theme!! No Gator points for you this round, Steve!
Posted by: John Hays | May 14, 2008 at 01:36 AM
Yeah Steve!! No Knight Rider. That is a crime. I also enjoyed the theme to Perfect Strangers: 'standing tall on the wings of my dreeeeeams'.....
watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vbnLYROCj8
Damn, thats 80s!
Posted by: Richard Phelps | May 14, 2008 at 03:45 AM
Where's Cagney & Macey. I have that as my ringtone!
Posted by: Emily | May 14, 2008 at 05:23 AM
Where's Cagney & Lacey. I have that as my ringtone!
Posted by: Emily | May 14, 2008 at 05:23 AM
Doh! I wrote Macy not Lacey.
Posted by: Emily | May 14, 2008 at 05:24 AM
It's OK, Emily. I called the show "Gag me and Mace me"
Posted by: Marissa | May 14, 2008 at 07:43 AM
KNIGHT RIDER,yes!Why didn`t you put it in your list,why,Stevesy,why?!
Did you know that Hasselhoff is huge in Germany?Those germans,weird dudes!!
Posted by: Miguel | May 14, 2008 at 11:26 AM
I`m watching the theme songs clips now,some of them for the very first time.I just watched the It`s Gary Shandling`s Show theme and it`s just hilarious!
Posted by: Miguel | May 14, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Ah! Night Court. I never watched this show but it sounds awesome.John Larroquette in it!
Posted by: Miguel | May 14, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Dallas just brought me great memories.
My parents used to watch it and i would run to the Tv as soon as the opening credits would start.After the theme song, i would go do something else while my parents watched the show.I don´t think i ever watched a full episode of it,but i sure did watch the opening credits of almost every episode!
Posted by: Miguel | May 14, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Pee Wee is kind of creepy! Was this theme supposed to entertain kids?
Because it just scared me!
Some people are affraid of clowns,i`m affraid of Pee Wee right now!
Gotta rewatch Square Peggs,to feel good again!
Posted by: Miguel | May 14, 2008 at 12:01 PM
Ah! Square Peggs!
Steve,i think Hill Street Blues should be in a much higher position in your list.It`s another one of those that made me run to the TV to watch when i was a kid.
Posted by: Miguel | May 14, 2008 at 12:05 PM
Hey,the Cosby Show clip is not available in my country! What the hell??
Posted by: Miguel | May 14, 2008 at 12:09 PM
The George Costanza phone message song!
It`s the first time i`m seeing Greatest American Hero,so now that i see the relation,it`s even funnier!I just thought that phone message song was made up for that Seinfeld episode.
Posted by: Miguel | May 14, 2008 at 12:13 PM
I pitty the fool!!
I pitty the fool!!
A-Team was on reruns recently and it`s still ridicoulously funny!
Posted by: Miguel | May 14, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Family Ties,my greatest Tv pleasure of any 80s shows! It`s not the best one,but it`s my guilty pleasure!I still have episodes recorded on old videotapes,altough it´s difficult to hook my VCR to the TV nowadays!
Posted by: Miguel | May 14, 2008 at 12:21 PM
I still don`t get this Cincinnati stuff.Me no likey the theme song.Was that show a sitcom?
I loved The Dukes Of Hazzard when i was a kid,but i would definitly hate it now.I don`t think i would hate that Catherine Bach,thow.Hot! Hot!
Posted by: Miguel | May 14, 2008 at 12:30 PM
Steve,didn`t you say sometime ago in your podcast that Molly Ringwald was on The Facts of Life? I didn`t see her in the theme song.
Posted by: Miguel | May 14, 2008 at 12:34 PM
I left Cheers for the end.THE GREATEST SHOW OF THE 80S.
I watch the NBA since the late 80s,when the Detroit Pistons bad boys were on top,but i`ve became a Boston Celtics fan since the begining.Maybe Cheers had something to do with it.
By the way,Go Celts,you own this season!
Posted by: Miguel | May 14, 2008 at 12:38 PM
Miguel! Go Celts indeed! I have also been a Celtics fan for as long as I can remember. And they should own this season -- if they can finally get their act together to win a road playoff game. I haven't been this excited about roundball since the days of Bird, McHale and Parrish.
Posted by: jane | May 14, 2008 at 01:09 PM
I agree with "Knight Rider." That has to be in the mix somewhere.
Where is "CHiPs?" The overhead shot of Ponch and Jon riding down the freeway?
Where is "LA Law?" One of my definite favorites.
"Dallas" needs to be much, much higher. Iconic show like that? Has to be Top 10.
I'll put in a personal, biased vote for "The Fall Guy." Maybe I just loved Heather Thomas. (Yeah, that was it.)
Posted by: Matt | May 14, 2008 at 01:39 PM
That`s right,Jane. But they´re unbeatable at the Garden.
About Cheers,recently i watched Norm(George Wendt)on Conan O`Brien.He`s on Broadway with Hairspray!!OH,My God!
Posted by: Miguel | May 14, 2008 at 02:19 PM
True, Miguel. Very true. Which is where they'll be tonight for game five against the Cavaliers. Cross your fingers...
Posted by: jane | May 14, 2008 at 02:29 PM
Miguel, Molly was only one the first season of the show...much as George Clooney was on the last season :D
Posted by: Michelle | May 14, 2008 at 04:06 PM
on, I mean. Sheesh.
Posted by: Michelle | May 14, 2008 at 04:07 PM
With the expection of Miami Vice & the A-Team theme, that list has to be the cheesiest selection ever! This is the cool top five! -
1. Knight Rider
2. Miami Vice
3. Airwolf
4. Magnum
5. A-Team
Posted by: Dark Knight | May 15, 2008 at 05:58 PM
No Silver Spoons?, I always associate Facts of Life and Silver Spoons together for some odd reason.
on a side note
How about a little Family Guy singing 80s TV theme songs...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NckJXtZqQA
Posted by: Mark | May 17, 2008 at 01:50 PM