1. Cheers
Few TV openings are as inviting as Cheers. The moment those sepia-toned photos fade in with the theme song telling us, “where everybody knows your name,” you’re pulled into a cozy Boston bar where the regulars feel like family. The montage of old-timey bar patrons sets a nostalgic mood, even when you were watching it brand new in the ’80s.
It’s not flashy, but that was the magic. It made you want to sit down, sip a drink, and laugh along with Sam, Diane, and the gang. The song has been covered, parodied, and remembered long after the show ended. It’s the kind of opening that feels like a hug after a long day.
2. The A-Team
From the very first drumbeats, you knew you were in for action. The A-Team opening was practically a mini-movie, complete with explosions, car flips, and quick cuts of each team member in action. The booming voiceover about “a crack commando unit” set the tone for every wild adventure to follow.
And then came that catchy brass theme. It was bold, fast, and impossible not to hum. Watching Hannibal grin, Face charm, Murdock goof, and B.A. glare was the perfect setup. It made you feel like you had a ticket to an action-packed ride each week.
3. Miami Vice
Miami Vice didn’t just have a theme, it had an anthem. Jan Hammer’s synthesizer-heavy score was pure ’80s cool, and the neon-drenched montage of speedboats, fast cars, and flamingos made it feel like a music video. Every cut screamed style and instantly told you this wasn’t your average cop show.
Even before Crockett and Tubbs appeared on screen, the vibe had you hooked. It blended fashion, music, and mood in a way that felt fresh every time. The show’s opening became shorthand for cool in the ’80s. If awards were given for mood-setting, this one would take home the trophy.
4. Family Ties
This opening always tugged at your heartstrings. With a warm watercolor backdrop and the song “Without Us,” sung by Johnny Mathis and Deniece Williams, Family Ties felt like a soft landing into the Keaton household. The painted pictures evolving into real-life shots made it feel intimate and personal.
You could sense the love in the Keaton family right from those first frames. The opening reminded us that even though the parents were former hippies and Alex was a Reagan-loving conservative, family was the glue. That simple, melodic theme became a weekly reminder that love holds everything together. It was tender in a way that few openings managed to capture.
5. Knight Rider
If you grew up in the ’80s, that pulsing synth beat was enough to stop you in your tracks. Knight Rider had an opening that felt futuristic, sleek, and just a little dangerous. The glowing red light on KITT’s front grill paired with the narration about “a shadowy flight into the dangerous world of a man who does not exist” was irresistible.
And then came David Hasselhoff behind the wheel, looking effortlessly cool. The opening told you exactly what kind of show this was going to be—high-tech, high-speed, and packed with adventure. The music alone still sparks excitement. It deserves an award just for being one of the most iconic TV themes of the decade.
6. Magnum, P.I.
Few openings scream “adventure” like Magnum, P.I.. From the moment that energetic guitar riff kicked in, you were ready for action in paradise. The montage showed helicopters, fast cars, and of course Tom Selleck’s mustache in glorious close-up.
It managed to balance high-octane energy with laid-back Hawaiian vibes. You could almost feel the warm breeze and smell the ocean through the screen. It wasn’t just a show about solving mysteries—it was about charisma and charm, and the opening nailed that every single time.
7. The Golden Girls
Who doesn’t know “Thank You for Being a Friend”? The Golden Girls opening was simple, yet it worked so well. It gave us quick flashes of Blanche, Dorothy, Rose, and Sophia, each moment reminding us how much fun it was to hang out with them.
The song set the tone for warmth, laughter, and loyalty. It made you smile before the first joke even landed. Even today, people burst into song when they hear it. If any opening could win “Most Likely to Still Make You Grin Decades Later,” this would be it.
8. Growing Pains
There was something so comforting about Growing Pains. That family photo montage paired with “As Long As We’ve Got Each Other” made you feel like you were part of the Seaver family. It was light, playful, and captured the everyday love of family life.
Alan Thicke himself co-wrote the theme, which makes it even sweeter. You could practically hum along after the first time hearing it. The opening captured the family sitcom spirit of the era perfectly. It was like opening a scrapbook of memories before each episode.
9. Hill Street Blues
Serious dramas didn’t always get iconic openings, but Hill Street Blues broke the mold. That soft piano theme felt calm and melancholy, perfectly balancing the chaos of police work. Pair that with gritty shots of squad cars and city streets, and you had something that stood out instantly.
The most memorable touch was the roll call scene, where the cops were briefed before heading out. It felt authentic and grounded. That simple piano score is still remembered fondly by fans. If ever an opening captured the human side of law enforcement, it was this one.
10. Perfect Strangers
Nothing captured optimism quite like Perfect Strangers. With “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Me Now” playing over shots of Balki arriving in Chicago and meeting Larry, the opening told the story before you even watched the episode. It was sweet, silly, and full of heart.
The montage had everything—big city shots, two guys learning to be friends, and plenty of hope. It celebrated dreams and new beginnings in a way that made you smile every time. Even if you didn’t know what hijinks were coming, the opening gave you a reason to root for them.
11. Dynasty
If glamor could win awards, Dynasty would take home a crown. The sweeping orchestral theme set the tone for over-the-top drama, and the visuals of elegant mansions and power suits made it clear you were entering a world of wealth and rivalry.
The cast introductions were like a roll call of soap royalty. Every name card appeared with a shot dripping in style. The opening felt like Hollywood’s version of royalty announcing themselves. It was bold, flashy, and completely unforgettable.
12. ALF
Few openings had the quirky charm of ALF. With that upbeat theme and lighthearted shots of the Tanner family, the show welcomed you into a world where a sarcastic alien became part of the household. It was strange, but the opening made it feel completely normal.
The camera shots of ALF peeking in on family moments gave it a personal touch. It didn’t just set up the comedy, it made you feel like ALF was someone you’d want to hang out with. That warmth combined with the humor made it one of the most lovable openings of the ’80s.
13. Full House
The Full House opening was practically a time capsule of San Francisco in the ’80s. From the sweeping shots of the Golden Gate Bridge to the Tanner family piling into that convertible, it felt big, bright, and full of love. The song “Everywhere You Look” became one of the most recognizable TV themes of all time.
The family montage gave us each character’s personality in a glance. It had that special mix of cheesiness and charm that made you want to stick around. For many people, just hearing the theme today brings back waves of nostalgia. It’s the perfect example of how a simple opening can become iconic.
