A TV show doesn’t have to have a memorable theme song to be known as great – but it sure helps. The right theme song makes an immediate connection with the show. From the first notes of the song, you know what to expect and, over time, it creates a Pavlovian reaction as you instinctively are ready to watch.
SHOW NOTES
Michael’s Choices
Gilligan’s Island
- “The Gilligan’s Island Theme” – Hash House Harrier Songbook
Olympic Fanfare and Theme
X-Files
Married…With Children
- “19 Fun Facts About ‘Married…With Children'” – Mental Floss
Richard’s Choices
Sanford and Son
- “Sanford and Son Theme (The Streetbeater)” – Song Facts
Hawaii Five-O
- “Is Hawaii Five-O the Most Enduring Theme Song Ever?” – Entertainment Weekly
ABC’S Wide World of Sports
- “The Award Winning Composer Behind the ‘Wide World of Sports’ Theme and Other ‘Songs of Our Lives'” – Emmy Online
Tonight Show with Johnny Carson
“‘Tonight Show’ Theme: Evolution” – JazzWax