The Patty Duke Show
The upbeat theme for The Patty Duke Show was one of the most fun TV jingles of the decade. It spelled out the show’s whole premise, introducing viewers to Patty, the all-American teen, and Cathy, her worldly “identical cousin.” With its sing-song rhythm and catchy rhymes, it was impossible not to hum along.
Back in the day, kids sang this one on the playground without even realizing it. Today, though, most people couldn’t get past the first few lines. Still, it remains one of the cleverest examples of a theme song doing the heavy lifting to explain a sitcom.
Gilligan’s Island
“Just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale” is a line that instantly takes you back. The theme for Gilligan’s Island worked like a sea shanty, walking viewers through exactly how the castaways ended up stranded on their not-so-deserted island. It was campy, cheerful, and totally unforgettable.
At the time, nearly every household knew it by heart. These days, though, people rarely hum it unless they stumble across a rerun. Still, it was one of the most effective theme songs ever written, with its singalong style that stuck in your head long after the show ended.
Green Acres
Few shows made their stars sing their own theme song, but Green Acres pulled it off with flair. Eddie Albert and Eva Gabor playfully argued through the lyrics, with him praising farm life and her longing for city luxuries. It was clever, funny, and set the stage for every episode’s tug-of-war.
While it was once a regular earworm, it doesn’t come up much anymore. Fans who grew up with it still remember the silly back-and-forth, but younger audiences rarely encounter it. It’s one of those gems from the ’60s that deserves more love today.
Bewitched
Bewitched had a whimsical, jazzy theme that perfectly matched Samantha’s magical antics. The opening cartoon sequence made it extra memorable, showing her flying on a broomstick and wiggling her nose. The light and breezy tune felt like a spell in itself.
Although many still remember Elizabeth Montgomery’s nose wiggle, the actual melody has slipped from pop culture. Back then, it was one of the most recognizable sounds on television. It’s a shame more people don’t hum it today, because it’s still enchanting.
The Addams Family
The theme for The Addams Family might be the most interactive song of the decade. With its catchy harpsichord melody and finger snaps, it invited the whole family to play along. The lyrics were cheeky, describing the spooky-but-fun Addams clan.
At one time, kids couldn’t resist snapping along every week. Today, it’s still remembered, but mostly in fragments. The full version is less likely to be sung, even though it remains one of the quirkiest and cleverest TV themes ever created.
The Beverly Hillbillies
“Come and listen to a story ’bout a man named Jed” was a line just about everyone knew. The bluegrass-flavored theme to The Beverly Hillbillies was sung by bluegrass legends Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, which gave it authentic twang. It doubled as both an opening and a storytelling device.
It was one of the most effective ways to set up a show’s premise every single week. Now, though, it doesn’t pop up nearly as often as it used to. But back in the day, it was practically a folk song everyone could belt out.
Get Smart
The Get Smart theme didn’t need lyrics to be memorable. Instead, it relied on a bold brass fanfare and the iconic imagery of Maxwell Smart walking through endless security doors. The music was sharp, confident, and a little ridiculous, just like the show itself.
It was instantly recognizable to viewers in the ’60s, even if they only caught a few notes. Nowadays, you don’t hear people whistling it the way they did with other themes. Still, it’s a great example of instrumental TV music that set a perfect tone.
Hogan’s Heroes
With its military-style march, the theme to Hogan’s Heroes sounded both serious and cheeky at the same time. The brisk tempo gave it energy, while the context of the show kept it lighthearted. It was unusual in that it didn’t need words, just a strong melody.
Back then, the tune was instantly tied to Colonel Hogan and his clever crew. Today, though, it’s one of those songs that’s faded from memory despite how often it played on TV. It’s a little surprising, considering how big the show once was.
Batman
The Batman theme was simple: a pulsing riff and the word “Batman” shouted over and over. But it worked brilliantly, making it feel both comic-book campy and cool at the same time. With its surf-rock edge, it was as much fun as the show itself.
It was such a phenomenon in the ’60s that nearly every kid ran around humming it during playtime. These days, though, you’re more likely to hear Danny Elfman’s darker movie theme than this playful one. Still, the original captured the joy of the era.
That Girl
The theme for That Girl was lively and stylish, just like Marlo Thomas’s character. With its jazzy flair, it gave the impression of a young woman making her way in New York City. The song perfectly matched the show’s independent and modern spirit.
It once stood as an anthem for young women carving their own path, even if it was just a sitcom opening. Today, though, the tune doesn’t get the same recognition. It’s a delightful piece of television history that deserves a revival.
Gilligan’s Island (later version)
Not everyone realizes Gilligan’s Island actually had two theme song versions. In the later seasons, the lyrics were updated to include “the Professor and Mary Ann,” which fans loved. It gave the tune a slightly different flow while keeping the same sing-song quality.
Most people hum the original without realizing the change. The fact that both versions existed is a fun trivia note that often gets overlooked. Either way, it’s one of the most hummable songs of the ’60s.
I Dream of Jeannie
The I Dream of Jeannie theme was exotic and playful, fitting Barbara Eden’s genie character perfectly. With a bouncing melody and Arabian-inspired touches, it immediately told you magic was in the air. The animated opening sequence added to the fun.
Fans once loved whistling along to it, and it had a way of sticking in your head. Over time, though, it hasn’t been hummed as much as other sitcom songs. Still, it’s one of the most charming TV themes of its time.
Car 54, Where Are You?
The theme to Car 54, Where Are You? was equal parts silly and memorable. Sung like a mock police dispatch, it listed off funny situations while calling out to the absent squad car. It set the tone for the show’s goofy brand of humor.
For audiences of the ’60s, it was hilarious and instantly recognizable. Today, though, it’s mostly forgotten except by devoted TV fans. It remains a great example of how theme songs could add personality to a show.
Petticoat Junction
“Come ride the little train that is rolling down the tracks” was the opening line of Petticoat Junction’s theme. It was a gentle country-style song, narrated by none other than show creator Paul Henning. The lyrics invited viewers to come stay at the Shady Rest Hotel.
It was catchy, simple, and fit perfectly with the homespun vibe of the series. While it doesn’t get sung much anymore, it once had fans humming along every week. It’s another case of a theme song that outshone the show’s memory.
The Monkees
“Hey hey, we’re The Monkees” is about as straightforward as a theme song can get. The upbeat tune captured the band’s goofy energy and told audiences exactly what to expect. It was pure pop, filled with youthful energy and fun.
The song briefly lived outside the show as well, getting radio play during the Monkees’ heyday. Nowadays, though, it isn’t sung nearly as often as their other hits. Still, as a TV theme, it was one of the most recognizable of the ’60s.
