1. Gilligan’s Island (1964–1967) – “Just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale…”
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2. The Brady Bunch (1969–1974) – “Here’s the story of a lovely lady…”
It’s impossible to think of The Brady Bunch without immediately hearing that upbeat, catchy theme song in your head. The show about a blended family of eight had one of the most recognizable theme songs of all time, recounting the story of Mike and Carol Brady and their six kids in a catchy singalong format. The tune not only set up the premise of the show, but it became a cultural anthem, still hummed and sung today at the mere mention of the Bradys.
2ed mostly in the 60s, its syndicated reruns in the 70s cemented its theme song in pop culture. With its memorable lyrics recounting the fateful shipwreck of the S.S. Minnow, this jingle is still beloved. People of all ages can rattle off the names of the passengers and crew: Gilligan, the Skipper, the millionaire and his wife, the movie star, the professor, and Mary Ann. For a lot of us, it’s one of the first TV theme songs we ever learned by heart.
3. Happy Days (1974–1984) – “Sunday, Monday, Happy Days…”
Few songs encapsulate the nostalgia of the 50s quite like Happy Days‘ theme song. That opening line and the accompanying doo-wop vibe were the perfect introduction to the Cunningham family and their pal, the Fonz. The song set the tone for the feel-good show, making it a musical time capsule of a simpler era. Even today, you only have to hear the first few words, and you’re right back in the Fonz’s world of jukeboxes, sock hops, and leather jackets.
4. Laverne & Shirley (1976–1983) – “We’re gonna make it!”
Anyone who grew up in the 70s or 80s can still belt out the opening to Laverne & Shirley. The theme song, Making Our Dreams Come True, was as upbeat and optimistic as the show’s leading ladies, Laverne and Shirley. That unforgettable opening chant, which the two characters recited while skipping down the street, became a pop culture staple, and it’s one of the most quoted TV intros of the decade. The song perfectly captured the joy and ambition of two best friends chasing their dreams in Milwaukee.
5. The Jeffersons (1975–1985) – “Well we’re movin’ on up…”
The Jeffersons gave us one of the most uplifting and empowering theme songs of the 70s. Movin’ On Up celebrated the success of George and Weezy Jefferson as they left their old neighborhood behind for a “deluxe apartment in the sky.” The gospel-inspired theme was more than just a catchy tune—it was a reflection of the American Dream and the joy of achieving success. To this day, that chorus still makes you want to sing along and celebrate.
6. The Partridge Family (1970–1974) – “Come on, get happy!”
The Partridge Family’s theme song, Come On, Get Happy, was pure joy wrapped in a bubblegum pop tune. Every time the show came on, you were instantly transported into the bright, colorful world of the musical Partridge family. With its upbeat melody and cheerful lyrics, it was impossible to hear this song without feeling just a little bit lighter. Even today, it’s one of those tunes that can bring a smile to your face, reminding us of simpler, happier times.
7. Sanford and Son (1972–1977) – Instrumental Funky Goodness
Sanford and Son may not have had lyrics, but its instrumental theme song by Quincy Jones is still iconic. That funky, bass-heavy groove is instantly recognizable and transports you straight to the junkyard with Fred and Lamont Sanford. The song, titled The Streetbeater, became synonymous with the hilarious misadventures of the father-son duo, and even without words, it’s a tune that you can’t help but hum when you think of the show.
8. Three’s Company (1977–1984) – “Come and knock on our door…”
The light, breezy theme song to Three’s Company perfectly captured the comedic chaos of roommates Jack, Janet, and Chrissy. With its inviting lyrics, Come and Knock on Our Door became the perfect intro to one of the most popular sitcoms of the 70s and early 80s. The song’s upbeat tempo and simple lyrics made it easy to remember, and decades later, it still takes you back to misunderstandings, slapstick humor, and Jack Tripper’s charming antics.
9. The Love Boat (1977–1987) – “Love, exciting and new…”
Who can forget the smooth, crooning intro to The Love Boat? Sung by Jack Jones, the theme was like a promise of romantic adventure on the high seas. The song’s mix of romance and excitement perfectly matched the feel-good, escapist vibe of the show. It was the kind of theme song that made you want to book a cruise just to see if life could really be that glamorous. Even if you haven’t watched the show in years, those opening lines will come flooding back whenever you hear them.
10. Good Times (1974–1979) – “Temporary lay-offs… Good times!”
The theme song to Good Times was a soulful, gospel-tinged anthem that perfectly summed up the struggles and triumphs of the Evans family. With its catchy chorus and heartfelt lyrics, it was a song that spoke to both the highs and lows of life in a Chicago housing project. The line “Ain’t we lucky we got ‘em” became a mantra for appreciating the little things in life, and the song’s upbeat melody has made it a lasting favorite, long after the show went off the air.
11. M*A*S*H (1972–1983) – “Suicide is Painless”
The hauntingly beautiful theme song to MASH* is one of the most recognizable yet melancholy tunes in TV history. While the show was a dramedy set during the Korean War, the song, Suicide is Painless, set a more somber tone. Though the lyrics weren’t included in the TV version, the instrumental version became an iconic part of the show’s identity. It’s one of those songs that sticks with you, even if you haven’t watched an episode in years.
12. Charlie’s Angels (1976–1981) – Instrumental with Attitude
While Charlie’s Angels didn’t have a singable theme song, its instrumental score still became an iconic part of 70s TV. The music that accompanied the intro sequence, showing off the Angels in action, perfectly captured the energy and intrigue of the show. With its upbeat, almost heroic sound, it made you feel like you were about to embark on an action-packed adventure with three of the coolest women on TV. That music still conjures up images of Farrah Fawcett and feathered hair in a heartbeat.
13. WKRP in Cincinnati (1978–1982) – “Baby, if you’ve ever wondered…”
The opening theme to WKRP in Cincinnati had a laid-back, almost rock ‘n’ roll vibe that immediately pulled you in. With lyrics about wondering what happened to the radio station and its quirky staff, the theme song was the perfect fit for this comedy set in the world of broadcasting. It was catchy, cool, and had just the right amount of 70s groove to make it unforgettable. Even today, it’s one of those theme songs that instantly brings a smile to your face.
The 70s gave us some of the most iconic TV theme songs of all time—songs that are still stuck in our heads decades later. Whether they were fun and light-hearted like The Brady Bunch or funky and soulful like Sanford and Son, these tunes became part of the cultural soundtrack of the era. The best part? You only need to hear the first few notes of any of these songs, and you’re instantly transported back in time, reliving the simpler days of prime-time television.
