1. All in the Family
If you grew up in the ’70s, there is no way you did not sing along to this one. The moment Carroll O’Connor and Jean Stapleton sat at that piano, you knew exactly what kind of show you were in for. The lyrics felt like a grumpy but oddly comforting lecture about how things “used to be.” It was funny, nostalgic, and slightly uncomfortable all at once, which made it unforgettable. Even people who never watched the show seem to know every word.
What made the theme so sticky was how personal it felt. It sounded less like a polished TV song and more like something your own relatives might argue about at the dinner table. That rough, unpolished charm is why it still pops into people’s heads decades later. One line is enough to trigger the whole tune. It is basically impossible to hear it without smiling or cringing just a little.
2. The Mary Tyler Moore Show
This theme feels like a burst of optimism every single time it starts. From the opening notes, it promised independence, confidence, and a fresh start in the city. Mary tossing her hat in the air sealed the deal and burned the song into pop culture forever. It was cheerful without being cheesy, which is harder than it sounds. You could not help but feel like everything was going to be okay.
What really stuck was the message tucked into the melody. It made viewers feel seen, especially anyone figuring life out on their own. Even today, humming it feels like a little pep talk. The tune has that rare quality where it instantly lifts your mood. That is why it still lives comfortably in everyone’s head.
3. Good Times
This theme hit with energy right from the start. It was upbeat, catchy, and somehow joyful even though the show tackled serious topics. The music made you feel like you were about to watch something warm and meaningful. You did not need lyrics to know what kind of heart the show had. The melody alone told the story.
There is something timeless about how optimistic it sounds. The tune gets stuck fast and refuses to leave. Even hearing a few notes can send you straight back to that opening sequence. It proves that a great theme does not need to be complicated. Sometimes a simple, happy groove is all it takes.
4. M*A*S*H
This theme is the definition of haunting. It floated in quietly and immediately set a reflective, almost melancholy mood. Unlike most TV themes, it did not try to pump you up. Instead, it made you slow down and pay attention. That contrast made it stand out instantly.
The melody sticks because it is so emotionally loaded. Even without lyrics, it carries a sense of sadness and irony that fits the show perfectly. Once it gets into your head, it lingers in the background like a memory. It is not a tune you forget easily. That lingering quality is exactly why it remains so iconic.
5. Happy Days
Few theme songs scream nostalgia louder than this one. From the first cheerful notes, it felt like a friendly wave from a simpler time. It captured the idea of good friends, good times, and easy laughs. The melody was so inviting that you felt welcome before the episode even started. It was pure comfort TV in musical form.
What makes it stick is how instantly recognizable it is. You only need a second or two to know exactly what it is. The tune feels warm and familiar, like an old jacket you never want to throw away. Even people born long after the show ended know it by heart. That is serious staying power.
6. Laverne & Shirley
This theme was playful, bouncy, and impossible to ignore. It perfectly matched the goofy energy of the show. The rhythm alone could put a smile on your face. You could feel the friendship between the characters just by listening. It made you excited for whatever chaos was coming next.
The song sticks because it feels fun without trying too hard. It has that singable quality that sneaks up on you. Once it starts playing in your head, it tends to loop. It is one of those tunes you catch yourself humming without realizing it. That is the mark of a truly great theme.
7. The Jeffersons
This theme was bold, confident, and full of swagger. It announced success loud and clear from the first note. You knew the show was about upward movement and big personalities. The lyrics were basically a victory lap set to music. It made success sound fun.
What keeps it lodged in our brains is that triumphant feel. The tune is catchy in a way that feels empowering. It is hard not to sing along once it starts. Even today, it still feels like a celebration. That energy is impossible to forget.
8. Three’s Company
This theme has a light, playful quality that fits the show perfectly. It sounded like mischief in musical form. The melody bounced along just like the misunderstandings on screen. You always knew something awkward and funny was about to happen. The song set that expectation beautifully.
It sticks because it is simple and memorable. The tune sneaks into your head and refuses to leave. Even humming it brings back the feel of late nights watching reruns. It has that breezy charm that never gets old. That is why it still pops up out of nowhere.
9. The Love Boat
This theme felt like an invitation to escape. The music alone could transport you to the ocean before you ever saw the ship. It sounded romantic, adventurous, and slightly glamorous. You knew the hour ahead would be full of drama and laughs. The song promised all of that upfront.
What makes it unforgettable is how perfectly it matched the show’s vibe. The melody flows smoothly and sticks easily. It feels like a mini vacation for your ears. Even now, it can make you picture waves and sunsets instantly. That kind of mental imagery is powerful.
10. Barney Miller
This theme was cool without trying too hard. The jazzy bass line instantly set it apart from other sitcoms. It felt modern, urban, and a little edgy for its time. You could tell the humor would be smart and dry. The music did a lot of storytelling on its own.
That bass line is the reason it never leaves your head. It is simple, smooth, and endlessly loopable. Once you hear it, you can practically play it back note for note. It feels timeless in a way many TV themes do not. That is why it still gets hummed today.
11. The Bob Newhart Show
This theme had a laid-back, easygoing feel. It matched Bob Newhart’s calm, understated humor perfectly. The music felt reassuring, like settling into a comfortable chair. You knew you were about to watch something gentle and smart. It set the tone without stealing attention.
What makes it memorable is that quiet confidence. The melody sticks subtly rather than loudly. It creeps into your head and stays there. Even now, it feels soothing and familiar. That gentle stickiness is what keeps it alive in memory.
12. Chico and the Man
This theme had warmth and heart right from the start. It sounded hopeful and emotional without being over-the-top. The music reflected the show’s mix of humor and sincerity. It made you feel connected before the first scene even began. That emotional hook mattered.
The song sticks because it carries genuine feeling. It feels personal rather than generic. Once it settles into your head, it stays there quietly. It is the kind of tune that comes back when you least expect it. That lasting impression is what makes it unforgettable.
