1. The Jeffersons – “Movin’ On Up”
When you hear the opening bars of The Jeffersons theme song, you know you’re in for a journey through a new life of luxury. The lyrics “Well we’re movin’ on up, to the east side” quickly became synonymous with the show’s message of social mobility and success. Written by Jeff Barry and Ja’Net DuBois, this song captured the spirit of the show, which followed George and Weezy Jefferson as they moved to a more affluent neighborhood in New York. The infectious tune, with its upbeat rhythm and catchy lyrics, became an anthem for upward mobility.
Even decades later, the song remains a pop culture staple, often referenced in everything from television parodies to real-life moments of achievement. Its instant recognition speaks to the timeless nature of The Jeffersons, a groundbreaking show that portrayed African American success in ways that had rarely been seen before on TV. The theme continues to be beloved for both its optimism and its association with a pivotal moment in TV history.
2. Good Times – “Good Times”
“Good Times, any time you meet a payment”—this unforgettable line is still a classic among TV theme songs. The song, performed by Jim Gilstrap and Blinky Williams, perfectly mirrors the tone of Good Times, which centered on the struggles and joys of the Evans family in Chicago. Though the song captures the family’s resilience, it also serves as a reminder of the hardships they face living in a rough Chicago neighborhood. With its upbeat, jazzy style, “Good Times” has a way of sticking with you.
Despite the sometimes heavy themes of poverty and social issues explored on the show, the song remains iconic because of its hopeful message. The Evans family’s unwavering love and support for each other, despite the challenges, resonated deeply with audiences. The song is still a staple on nostalgia playlists, a reminder of both the joy and the struggle that defined this era of television.
3. Happy Days – “Rock Around the Clock”
When you hear the familiar opening riff of Happy Days’ theme song, you can’t help but smile. “Rock Around the Clock” by Bill Haley & His Comets is the perfect representation of the 1950s era that Happy Days nostalgically portrayed, even though the show aired in the ’70s. The rock-and-roll anthem, initially released in 1954, served as the ideal backdrop for Richie Cunningham, the Fonz, and their friends, who navigated their teenage years in the late ’50s and early ’60s.
The song became synonymous with the show’s sense of carefree fun and youth. While Happy Days was set in a previous decade, its theme song helped solidify its timeless appeal. It remains one of the most iconic TV theme songs from the ’70s, continuing to evoke memories of the simpler times it depicted.
4. The Mary Tyler Moore Show – “Love Is All Around”
With its upbeat melody and cheerful lyrics, “Love Is All Around” became an anthem for The Mary Tyler Moore Show, which broke new ground in its depiction of a single woman working in the news industry. The theme song, sung by Sonny Curtis of the Crickets, reflects the optimistic tone of the show as Mary Richards, played by the incomparable Mary Tyler Moore, set out to build a career in Minneapolis. The opening line, “Who can turn the world on with her smile?” perfectly captured the warmth and energy Moore brought to the role.
The song’s enduring popularity lies in its feel-good message of independence, hope, and the power of human connection. Even today, its connection to Moore’s groundbreaking role as a feminist icon resonates with audiences, evoking fond memories of the show’s impact on television and culture. It’s a theme song that is as heartwarming now as it was in the 1970s.
5. Laverne & Shirley – “Making Our Dreams Come True”
If there’s one thing that Laverne & Shirley taught us, it’s that dreams can come true, especially when you’ve got your best friend by your side. The theme song, “Making Our Dreams Come True,” sung by Cyndi Grecco, perfectly encapsulates the optimistic spirit of the show, which followed two women navigating their way through life in Milwaukee. The energetic song echoed the duo’s unstoppable bond and quirky ambition, making it one of the most memorable theme songs of the ’70s.
Whether they were working in a bottling factory or taking on the world, Laverne and Shirley’s camaraderie and carefree attitude made their theme song an anthem of possibility. Today, the song still carries a sense of unbridled optimism, reminding us that with determination and a little bit of fun, anything is possible. It’s a theme song that never fails to make you smile and sing along.
6. All in the Family – “Those Were the Days”
The opening chords of All in the Family’s theme song, “Those Were the Days,” instantly transport viewers back to a simpler time—a sentiment that is ironic given the show’s satirical take on American society. Sung by Carroll O’Connor and Jean Stapleton, the song reflected the show’s nostalgic tone, even though it often poked fun at the past. The catchy tune captures the essence of All in the Family’s unique ability to blend humor with social commentary.
“Those Were the Days” remains iconic for its portrayal of Archie Bunker’s conservative views and his interaction with his progressive family. The song’s simplicity, coupled with its nostalgic lyrics, helped make it one of the most memorable theme songs in TV history. Even today, it carries an unmistakable air of a bygone era, one that was both idealized and critiqued.
7. The Partridge Family – “C’mon Get Happy”
If you didn’t sing along to The Partridge Family’s theme song, “C’mon Get Happy,” did you even watch TV in the ’70s? The song’s infectious melody and upbeat rhythm perfectly matched the show’s feel-good storyline about a family of musical prodigies. Sung by the Partridge family members themselves, the song’s lyrics “C’mon, get happy” are practically a call to action, urging viewers to embrace the joy and happiness of the Partridge family’s musical journey.
The song became an anthem of optimism, with its catchy chorus and carefree vibe. Even now, it brings back memories of the show’s wholesome charm and the family’s adventures. The song continues to be a nostalgic favorite, reminding us of the innocence and joy that The Partridge Family encapsulated during its run.
8. Cheers – “Where Everybody Knows Your Name”
While Cheers aired in the early ’80s, its theme song, “Where Everybody Knows Your Name,” encapsulated the spirit of TV theme songs from the ’70s. Written by Gary Portnoy and Judy Hart Angelo, the song was a perfect match for the cozy bar where the show’s characters gathered, forming a close-knit, supportive community. Its lyrics—”Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name”—resonated with audiences, offering a sense of belonging that the show portrayed so brilliantly.
This theme song’s enduring popularity speaks to its universal message of friendship and camaraderie. It’s a song that has stood the test of time, and even today, it is instantly recognizable and synonymous with the feeling of home and community. The song’s nostalgic charm continues to make it a fan favorite, no matter the era.
9. The Brady Bunch – “The Brady Bunch Theme”
No list of recognizable ’70s TV theme songs would be complete without The Brady Bunch’s cheerful opening. “The Brady Bunch Theme,” written by Sherwood Schwartz, captured the essence of the blended family dynamic with its catchy tune and memorable lyrics. From “Here’s the story of a lovely lady” to “Now it’s the Brady Bunch,” the song perfectly introduced viewers to the family’s adventures in a fun and lighthearted way.
The song’s charm has kept it alive in pop culture, being parodied and referenced in countless TV shows and movies. Its upbeat tune, combined with the wholesome image of the Brady family, made it one of the most recognizable theme songs of the era. Decades later, the song still brings a smile to faces, evoking the innocent and nostalgic vibe of a time when family sitcoms ruled television.
10. The Odd Couple – “The Odd Couple Theme”
The opening notes of The Odd Couple’s theme, composed by Neal Hefti, set the tone for the comedic antics of Felix and Oscar. This instrumental theme, which cleverly reflected the contrasting personalities of the two lead characters, became as iconic as the show itself. The playful, jazzy tune conveyed the constant clash between Felix’s neatness and Oscar’s messiness, which drove much of the show’s humor.
Even without lyrics, the song’s instantly recognizable melody became synonymous with the show’s hilarious premise. The theme’s jazzy style has continued to endure over the years, with The Odd Couple remaining a beloved classic in TV history. The theme’s simplicity and elegance capture the essence of the show’s humor, and it remains one of the most beloved instrumental TV themes of all time.
11. Knight Rider – “Knight Rider Theme”
When Knight Rider premiered, the theme song, composed by Stu Phillips and Glen A. Larson, instantly gave viewers a sense of the show’s high-tech, action-packed premise. The synthesizer-driven tune, which accompanied Michael Knight’s adventures in the futuristic KITT car, perfectly set the stage for the show’s blend of science fiction and detective drama. The driving rhythm and electronic melody became iconic, creating a soundscape that still evokes excitement and nostalgia today.
The Knight Rider theme remains unforgettable, both for its role in the show’s success and for its place in ’80s pop culture. Even after all these years, the theme is easily recognizable, frequently referenced in parodies and homages. Its bold, futuristic sound was ahead of its time and continues to be celebrated as one of the best TV themes of its era.
12. M*A*S*H – “Suicide Is Painless”
One of the most poignant TV theme songs ever written, M*A*S*H’s “Suicide Is Painless,” written by Johnny Mandel and Mike Altman, set the tone for the show’s dark humor and emotional depth. The melancholic melody, combined with the haunting lyrics, reflected the harsh realities of war, while still offering moments of levity. The song’s contrast between the lighthearted sound and the heavy subject matter made it all the more impactful.
Despite its somber theme, “Suicide Is Painless” became an iconic part of M*A*S*H’s legacy. The song’s stark, emotional depth made it stand out among other theme songs, and it continues to be one of the most memorable in TV history. Even decades after the show’s end, its music still resonates, offering a haunting reminder of the show’s unique ability to blend humor with serious social commentary.
