1. The Greatest American Hero
“Believe It or Not” might be one of the most recognizable TV theme songs of the ’80s, even if you can’t remember much about the show itself. Joey Scarbury’s soaring voice made it sound like an instant pop hit, and in fact, it actually charted on the Billboard Hot 100. The lyrics about feeling like you’re walking on air were simple but so infectious that people couldn’t help but hum along. Even today, it’s the kind of tune that gets stuck in your head after one listen. The show about a reluctant superhero never reached the same level of fame as its theme.
While The Greatest American Hero had a quirky charm, it’s the theme song that really gave it staying power. People who didn’t watch a single episode still knew the tune from radio play. It’s a rare case where the theme completely outshined the show’s legacy. To this day, many fans remember the words even if they’ve long forgotten the plot. That says a lot about the power of a truly catchy song.
2. Charles in Charge
Charles in Charge was a sitcom that came and went with mixed reviews, but its theme song has lived on in nostalgia. With lines like “I want Charles in charge of me,” it was playful and lighthearted, making it sound like a happy jingle more than just an opening credit song. Written by Shuki Levy and Haim Saban, it had a sing-song quality that kids loved. Even if you weren’t a fan of Scott Baio, the music was hard to resist.
The funny thing is, the song almost became more iconic than the actual series. While Charles in Charge had its fans, it didn’t exactly become a cultural landmark. The theme, however, became one of those tunes you didn’t want to admit was stuck in your head. It was cheesy, sure, but that was part of the charm. Nostalgia for the song has lasted much longer than nostalgia for the show itself.
3. Perfect Strangers
“Nothing’s Gonna Stop Me Now” by David Pomeranz had an undeniable bounce that fit right into the upbeat optimism of the ’80s. The song was full of bright energy, making you feel like anything was possible if you had a buddy by your side. It perfectly matched the show’s theme of cousins from different worlds navigating life together. But if we’re being honest, the theme song has had more staying power than the sitcom itself.
Perfect Strangers was fun and wholesome, but it never reached the heights of some of its ABC neighbors like Full House. The opening song, on the other hand, felt like a mini pop anthem. Even those who barely recall Balki’s antics will remember that infectious chorus. It’s one of those rare theme songs that captured the decade’s hopeful spirit in under a minute.
4. Growing Pains
“As Long As We Got Each Other” was the theme that gave Growing Pains a warmth and familiarity that drew people in. Sung by B.J. Thomas and later joined by Jennifer Warnes, it was melodic, smooth, and sentimental. It sounded like something that could have been on the radio between Air Supply and Chicago. The song itself charted with multiple versions, proving how much people loved it.
Interestingly, the song’s legacy has become bigger than the show’s. Growing Pains had its moment, but it isn’t as widely revisited as some of its contemporaries. The song, though, gets stuck in people’s memories almost instantly. It was a reminder of simpler times, when family sitcoms ruled the airwaves and theme songs could tug at the heartstrings. Today, it’s remembered as one of the most hummable TV themes of the decade.
5. Silver Spoons
“Together” was one of those songs that wrapped you in instant nostalgia even as the show was still on the air. It had a soft rock vibe that fit right into the early ’80s soundscape. The lyrics about finding your way together felt sweet and hopeful, capturing the father-son story at the heart of the series. But if you ask most people, they’ll recall the theme before they can tell you much about the show itself.
Silver Spoons was a decent sitcom with Ricky Schroder in the lead, but it didn’t carve out the kind of legacy its theme did. The song had a singable quality that made people feel good, whether or not they were tuning in every week. Even today, fans of ’80s TV will smile when they hear the opening notes. It’s one of those cases where the intro set expectations higher than the show ever quite delivered.
6. Diff’rent Strokes
“It Takes Diff’rent Strokes” was funky, playful, and instantly memorable. With Alan Thicke as one of the writers, it had all the makings of a TV jingle you couldn’t forget. The way the chorus hit made it one of those songs you’d find yourself humming randomly days later. It matched the show’s quirky premise about two kids from Harlem moving in with a Park Avenue millionaire.
While Diff’rent Strokes had a long run and plenty of fans, the theme song almost became the bigger star. Even people who never watched much of the show still know the chorus. It captured the playful energy of late ’70s and early ’80s TV themes, bridging into the new decade. And let’s be honest, it’s one of the catchiest tunes to ever kick off a sitcom.
7. The Facts of Life
“You take the good, you take the bad…” — everyone can finish that line, even if they don’t remember a single plotline from The Facts of Life. The theme song explained the show’s premise in such a catchy way that it became its own pop culture phrase. Written by Alan Thicke, Gloria Loring, and Al Burton, it was as singable as any Top 40 hit of its time. It had just the right mix of camp and charm to stay with people.
The show itself had its ups and downs and went through plenty of cast changes. But the song? That never lost its charm. Decades later, it’s still quoted, parodied, and remembered fondly. In a way, the song’s straightforward wisdom outlasted the show’s storylines. It remains one of the most memorable parts of ’80s television.
8. My Two Dads
“You Can Count on Me” was the theme song that tried to make My Two Dads feel like a heartwarming classic. With Greg Evigan himself singing it, the tune had a friendly, reassuring feel. It was catchy in a soft rock, sing-along sort of way, and it fit right into the decade’s style. While the show’s premise about two men raising a teenage girl was fresh at the time, the show itself faded fairly quickly.
The song, though, had a different fate. People who barely remember the sitcom still hum the chorus when reminded of it. It gave the show more emotional weight than the scripts often managed to pull off. And honestly, it’s a theme that deserved to outlast its series. Even today, it’s a gem of a forgotten ’80s TV tune.
9. Who’s the Boss?
“Brand New Life” was the theme for Who’s the Boss? and it’s one of those songs that just feels like the ’80s. Its hopeful lyrics about starting over made it instantly uplifting. While the show had Tony Danza and Judith Light carrying plenty of charm, the theme song had its own magic. Every time it started, you felt like you were stepping into a brighter, happier world.
The funny part is, the song’s reputation may have outshined the sitcom in the long run. While Who’s the Boss? was popular in its day, it hasn’t stayed as relevant in reruns as some of its peers. The theme song, however, remains instantly recognizable. It’s one of those tunes you can hear just once and instantly be transported back to a cozy family sitcom night in the ’80s.
10. Just the Ten of Us
“It’s Such a Good Feeling” was a cheery, upbeat theme that made Just the Ten of Us sound like it was going to be the next big family sitcom. It leaned into pop harmonies that were instantly singable. The show itself was a spin-off of Growing Pains, but it never quite caught the same momentum. The theme song, though, was the kind of thing that stuck in your head long after the credits rolled.
Even fans who only watched a handful of episodes will tell you they still remember the song. It promised warmth and family fun, even when the scripts were sometimes uneven. The fact that people remember the tune more than the show says a lot. It’s one of those forgotten gems in the long history of catchy TV themes.
11. Mr. Belvedere
“According to Our New Arrival” opened with a tone that felt both quirky and oddly refined, much like Mr. Belvedere himself. Sung by Leon Redbone, it had a playful, jazzy style that set it apart from most ’80s sitcom themes. It didn’t sound like a standard pop tune but had a distinctive vibe you couldn’t forget. The show itself about a proper English butler in a suburban American family was charming but niche.
The song, however, has stuck around in people’s memories. Its oddball delivery made it stand out from a sea of generic jingles. Even if you don’t recall much about the Owens family, the theme instantly brings the show back to mind. It’s one of those rare cases where the intro had more staying power than the scripts.
12. Webster
“Then Came You” was the heartwarming theme that gave Webster a bigger emotional punch than it sometimes deserved. With lyrics about love and togetherness, it sounded like it could have been lifted straight from an adult contemporary station. It was smooth, easy to sing, and completely in line with the sentimental side of ’80s TV. While Emmanuel Lewis made the show memorable, the series itself often leaned into sugary plots.
The song, though, elevated everything. It made the sitcom feel more important than it really was, promising heart and connection in every episode. People who grew up with Webster often remember the song first. It captured that blend of family warmth and optimism that the decade’s TV loved to sell. More than the show itself, the theme is what lingers.
13. Benson
“Benson Theme” may not have had words, but its jazzy instrumental riff was so catchy it deserves a spot here. With its upbeat horns and polished arrangement, it felt classy and fun all at once. The music set the mood better than the show itself sometimes did. While Benson was a political comedy that had a loyal audience, the theme is what sticks in your head.
Even without lyrics, people still hum or whistle the melody decades later. It’s proof that you don’t need words to create an iconic TV tune. The show might not be in the spotlight anymore, but the song still has a way of making people smile. It’s a prime example of a theme that overshadowed the sitcom it introduced.
14. Kate & Allie
The theme song for Kate & Allie was light, catchy, and full of that breezy optimism that defined so many ’80s shows. With its easy-to-sing chorus, it perfectly captured the spirit of two friends starting over and supporting each other. The show itself was a solid sitcom with a loyal following but never became a cultural giant. The theme, however, had a knack for staying with you.
People who grew up watching it often find themselves humming the song even if they can’t remember specific episodes. It had that magical quality of turning into a mini earworm with every play. While the series is more of a nostalgic memory now, the song remains a highlight. It’s one of those cases where the music aged better than the show it was attached to.
