The ‘60s were a golden era for television, and one of the reasons these shows left such an impression on us was because of their unforgettable theme songs. Whether it was the twang of a western guitar or the lively swing of a sitcom jingle, those opening tunes were often just as beloved as the shows themselves. They set the tone for what was to come, evoking excitement, humor, or even a touch of mystery. And when you hear them today, don’t be surprised if they still send a shiver down your spine. Here are 14 TV theme songs from the ‘60s that still give us goosebumps.
1. “The Andy Griffith Show”
The sound of that gentle whistle from The Andy Griffith Show evokes a simpler time, when life moved a little slower, and fishing down by the lake was a perfectly fine way to spend a day. Composed by Earle Hagen, the theme is warm and inviting, just like the fictional town of Mayberry. It’s more than a song—it’s a reminder of a time when TV was a comforting escape, a place to watch Sheriff Andy Taylor impart fatherly wisdom while Opie trailed happily by his side.
2. “The Addams Family”
“They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky…” Vic Mizzy’s theme song for The Addams Family was just as delightfully strange as the titular family itself. The harpsichord-driven melody and those signature finger snaps turned the opening sequence into a sing-along favorite. Even if the Addams’ odd antics weren’t everyone’s cup of tea, you couldn’t help but tap your fingers along to the beat and sing the lyrics under your breath.
3. “Mission: Impossible”
Few TV themes pack as much punch as Mission: Impossible. Lalo Schifrin’s frenetic, high-stakes composition is a masterclass in building suspense, making your heart race before the episode even began. The complex, syncopated rhythm and fast-paced tempo practically dared you to keep up. It wasn’t just a theme song—it was a call to action, letting you know that what was about to unfold was anything but ordinary. To this day, it’s impossible to hear it without feeling the rush of an impending impossible mission.
4. “Batman”
“Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na, Batman!” The Batman theme, with its catchy and repetitive hook, has been etched into the memories of everyone who watched Adam West don the cape and cowl. Neal Hefti’s jazzy, playful tune perfectly captured the campy, colorful world of Gotham as it existed in the ‘60s. Every “Pow!” and “Bam!” during a fight scene seemed to pulse with the rhythm of that iconic song. Even now, it’s hard not to smile and feel a sense of nostalgia whenever you hear it.
5. “Gilligan’s Island”
“Just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale…” The Gilligan’s Island theme song was like a mini-story within itself, recounting the ill-fated voyage that stranded seven castaways on an uncharted desert isle. Composed by Sherwood Schwartz and George Wyle, this catchy tune made sure you knew every character’s role on the island. Even decades later, you probably find yourself humming along, remembering the “three-hour tour” that turned into one of the most beloved sitcoms of the ‘60s.
6. “Hawaii Five-O”
From the very first blast of brass, you knew Hawaii Five-O meant business. Composed by Morton Stevens, this theme is as bold and energetic as the tropical setting it represents. Its quick tempo and powerful percussion immediately make you picture Jack Lord’s Steve McGarrett chasing down criminals against the stunning backdrop of Hawaii. The song has become so iconic that it’s been covered and reinterpreted countless times, but nothing beats the thrill of the original recording.
7. “The Beverly Hillbillies”
Who could forget the “Ballad of Jed Clampett” that kicked off each episode of The Beverly Hillbillies? With its upbeat bluegrass twang and folksy lyrics sung by Jerry Scoggins, this theme set the perfect tone for a show about a backwoods family striking it rich and moving to the opulent hills of Beverly. It’s a song that’s both charming and humorous, reminding you of the Clampetts’ innocence and good-natured fish-out-of-water story.
8. “The Twilight Zone”
With its eerie, otherworldly melody and unsettling rhythm, The Twilight Zone theme instantly made you feel like you were stepping into another dimension. Composed by Marius Constant, this theme song became synonymous with the bizarre and the uncanny. Those first few notes were enough to make you feel a chill run down your spine, setting the perfect stage for the mind-bending tales that followed. Even now, just hearing the tune can transport you back to a place where anything was possible—and reality was always up for debate.
9. “Star Trek”
The opening fanfare of Star Trek, composed by Alexander Courage, felt like a portal to the stars. Accompanied by William Shatner’s narration—“Space, the final frontier…”—the theme captured the limitless possibilities of exploring the universe. It’s ethereal and adventurous, conveying a sense of hope and wonder that matched Gene Roddenberry’s vision for the show. Even if you weren’t a die-hard Trekkie, you knew you were in for something out of this world whenever you heard that distinctive melody.
10. “Green Acres”
“Green Acres is the place to be…” The cheerful theme of Green Acres encapsulated the humorous premise of a Manhattan couple swapping city life for the country. Written by Vic Mizzy, the song’s upbeat rhythm and quirky lyrics made it one of the most memorable theme songs of the decade. It’s the kind of tune that’s bound to put a smile on your face and make you want to sing along—just like the eccentric cast of characters in the show.
11. “Get Smart”
Irving Szathmary’s theme for Get Smart is a masterclass in tongue-in-cheek espionage music. The jaunty, mischievous melody perfectly reflected the antics of bumbling secret agent Maxwell Smart. The music’s playful style, mixed with a dash of suspense, made it instantly recognizable, setting the tone for a series that poked fun at the very idea of spies and secret agents.
12. “Bonanza”
Those opening notes of Bonanza still feel like a blast of nostalgia. Jay Livingston and Ray Evans’ theme was the quintessential sound of the Old West, with a rousing melody that evoked images of cowboys galloping across the plains. It was more than a theme—it was a celebration of the Western genre, setting the stage for the adventures of the Cartwright family. Just hearing it now can make you long for the days of classic TV westerns.
13. “I Dream of Jeannie”
This catchy, whimsical theme by Hugo Montenegro matched the lighthearted and magical tone of I Dream of Jeannie. The song’s breezy, jazzy feel seemed to sparkle with mischief, just like Jeannie herself. It’s impossible to hear it without picturing Barbara Eden popping out of her bottle, ready to make mischief and misunderstandings for her hapless master, Major Nelson.
14. “Bewitched”
The twinkling melody of Bewitched, composed by Howard Greenfield and Jack Keller, is pure ‘60s magic. Its upbeat tempo and whimsical sound perfectly suited the story of Samantha the witch and her struggle to balance magical and mundane life. It’s one of those tunes that instantly makes you want to wiggle your nose and believe in a world where a little magic can make anything possible.
These theme songs weren’t just background music—they were an integral part of the viewing experience. They’re still capable of transporting us back to living rooms filled with laughter, suspense, and wonder. Even decades later, these melodies can still give us goosebumps, reminding us of a time when the world of television was just beginning to stretch its creative wings.
