Episode 41 – TV Theme Songs

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.

Michael’s Choices

Gilligan’s Island

• “The Gilligan’s Island Theme” – Hash House Harrier Songbook

Olympic Fanfare and Theme

• “The Fascinating Origin of the Olympic Anthem” – Variety

X-Files

• “How the ‘X Files’ Composer Made TV’s Creepiest Theme Song, Partially By Accident” – Motherboard

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