The ’80s gave us some of the most unforgettable TV shows, but just as memorable were their theme songs. Whether they were upbeat and catchy or heartfelt and emotional, these opening tunes became anthems of the era. Some even outlived the shows themselves, becoming part of pop culture history. Let’s take a trip back and remember 14 classic TV theme songs from the ’80s that are still stuck in our heads.
1. Cheers – “Where Everybody Knows Your Name”
Few theme songs capture the essence of a show as perfectly as Cheers’ iconic opening tune. With its warm melody and comforting lyrics about a place “where everybody knows your name,” it instantly set the mood for the beloved sitcom. The song, written by Gary Portnoy and Judy Hart Angelo, made viewers feel like they were stepping into their favorite neighborhood bar. In fact, 40 years later, it’s still a lot of people’s favorite, going by what TODAY reports.
Even today, the song brings back feelings of nostalgia, making it one of the most recognizable TV themes of all time. It’s been covered, referenced, and even parodied countless times, proving its lasting impact. Whether you were a regular viewer or not, chances are you know every word by heart.
2. The Golden Girls – “Thank You for Being a Friend”
Few songs make you smile as instantly as The Golden Girls theme, Thank You for Being a Friend. Originally written by Andrew Gold in 1978, it was re-recorded by Cynthia Fee for the show’s opening credits. Its message of lifelong friendship perfectly matched the dynamic between Dorothy, Blanche, Rose, and Sophia. It makes it all the more surprising to know that some this iconic quartet didn’t always get along, according to CBR.
The song became so iconic that even people who never watched The Golden Girls can hum along to it. It’s been used in countless commercials, tributes, and internet memes, proving it’s more than just a theme song—it’s an anthem for friendship. Every time it plays, you can’t help but think of cheesecake and late-night conversations.
3. The A-Team – Instrumental Theme
Some theme songs don’t need words to be legendary, and The A-Team theme is proof of that. Composed by Mike Post and Pete Carpenter, the powerful brass and percussion instantly signaled action was about to begin. It was the perfect setup for a show about a ragtag team of Vietnam veterans turned mercenaries for hire. To this day, fans are still ranking their favorite seasons, such as Atreylo Palit over on Screen Rant.
Even decades later, the theme still evokes excitement and adventure. Whether it’s played in a movie trailer, sporting event, or a nostalgic YouTube clip, hearing those first few notes makes you want to hop in a van and save the day.
4. Family Ties – “Without Us”
Family Ties was all about generational differences, but its theme song, Without Us, was pure harmony. Sung by Johnny Mathis and Deniece Williams, the song had a warm, sentimental feel that perfectly captured the love within the Keaton family. With its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics, it made viewers feel like they were part of the family.
Unlike some high-energy ’80s theme songs, this one stood out for its softness and sincerity. It’s one of those tunes that sneaks up on you—before you know it, you’re singing along without realizing it. Even after all these years, it still tugs at the heartstrings.
5. Growing Pains – “As Long as We’ve Got Each Other”
Few theme songs scream ’80s more than Growing Pains’ uplifting tune, As Long as We’ve Got Each Other. With its soaring chorus and feel-good lyrics, it was the perfect introduction to the Seaver family’s adventures. The song, performed by B.J. Thomas and later with Jennifer Warnes, was just as beloved as the show itself.
It’s impossible to hear this song and not feel a wave of nostalgia. It’s been parodied, referenced, and even revived for the occasional reunion, proving its staying power. No matter how many years go by, it’s still an earworm that’s impossible to shake.
6. Knight Rider – Instrumental Theme
David Hasselhoff may have been the face of Knight Rider, but its instrumental theme was just as much a star. The synthesizer-heavy tune, composed by Stu Phillips and Glen A. Larson, was futuristic, cool, and instantly recognizable. The pulsing beat set the perfect tone for a show about a talking, crime-fighting car.
Even today, the Knight Rider theme is a go-to reference for anything that needs a sleek, action-packed vibe. It’s been sampled in songs, remixed, and even used in commercials, proving it never lost its cool factor. One listen, and you’re right back in the ’80s, ready for adventure.
7. Miami Vice – Instrumental Theme
Jan Hammer’s Miami Vice theme wasn’t just a TV intro—it was a full-blown hit. The synth-driven instrumental perfectly captured the show’s stylish, high-energy feel. In fact, it was so popular that it became a chart-topping single, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1985.
Few TV themes had the cultural impact of this one, influencing everything from fashion to music videos. Even today, the Miami Vice theme remains one of the most instantly recognizable pieces of ’80s music. If you hear it, you can’t help but picture pastel suits, speedboats, and neon lights.
8. Perfect Strangers – “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Me Now”
If you needed an anthem for chasing your dreams in the ’80s, Perfect Strangers had it. Nothing’s Gonna Stop Me Now was an uplifting, inspirational theme song performed by David Pomeranz. It matched the show’s story perfectly—two mismatched cousins navigating life together with optimism and humor.
Even if you don’t remember the show, the song sticks with you. It’s the kind of feel-good track that instantly transports you back to a time when anything felt possible. It’s pure ’80s magic.
9. Who’s the Boss? – “Brand New Life”
A lot of ’80s theme songs were full of heart, and Who’s the Boss? had one of the most uplifting. Brand New Life had a hopeful, soaring melody that perfectly captured the show’s theme of unexpected changes leading to new beginnings. Sung by Larry Weiss, it made viewers feel like they were right there with Tony, Angela, and the gang.
Even if you haven’t heard it in years, the chorus comes rushing back the moment the first notes play. It’s the kind of song that makes you nostalgic for simpler times. Whether you watched every episode or just caught a few reruns, this theme song stuck with you.
10. The Facts of Life – “You Take the Good, You Take the Bad”
If there was ever a theme song that doubled as life advice, The Facts of Life had it. You Take the Good, You Take the Bad was a catchy yet meaningful tune that summed up the entire premise of the show. Written by Alan Thicke, Gloria Loring, and Al Burton, it reminded viewers that life is full of ups and downs, and you just have to roll with it.
Sung by Gloria Loring, the theme song became just as iconic as the show itself. Even today, people reference it when talking about life’s unexpected twists and turns. If you grew up in the ’80s, there’s a good chance you still find yourself humming this one from time to time.
11. Diff’rent Strokes – “It Takes Diff’rent Strokes”
Diff’rent Strokes didn’t just have a great theme song—it had one with a message. It Takes Diff’rent Strokes was an upbeat, feel-good tune that celebrated diversity and the idea that everyone is different, but that’s what makes life interesting. Written by Alan Thicke, Gloria Loring, and Al Burton, it set the perfect tone for a sitcom about two boys from Harlem being adopted into a wealthy household.
It’s hard not to sing along once this song starts playing, thanks to its catchy melody and memorable lyrics. Even if you haven’t seen an episode in years, the phrase “What might be right for you, may not be right for some” probably still pops into your head. It was the perfect theme for a show that brought people together.
12. Charles in Charge – “Charles in Charge”
Few ’80s theme songs could match the sheer singalong power of Charles in Charge. This upbeat, catchy tune perfectly introduced the story of a live-in college student helping to take care of a household of kids. The lyrics made it clear—everyone wanted a Charles in charge of their days and their nights.
The song’s infectious energy made it a lasting favorite, even among those who didn’t watch the show religiously. Just hearing the opening line brings a wave of nostalgia, and it remains one of the most recognizable TV themes of the era. If you were a fan of Scott Baio’s sitcom days, this song is permanently etched in your memory.
13. Magnum, P.I. – Instrumental Theme
Some theme songs don’t need lyrics to be legendary, and Magnum, P.I. is proof of that. This fast-paced, instantly recognizable tune, composed by Mike Post and Pete Carpenter, was the perfect match for a show about an adventurous private investigator in Hawaii. The soaring electric guitar and pulsing rhythm made it feel like something big was about to happen.
Even today, the Magnum, P.I. theme is used in commercials, parodies, and nostalgic throwbacks to the ’80s. The moment you hear those first few notes, you can practically see Tom Selleck’s mustache and Hawaiian shirts. It’s a theme song that defined an era of action-packed television.
14. Silver Spoons – “Together”
Silver Spoons gave us one of the sweetest and most memorable family sitcom theme songs of the ’80s. Together was a feel-good anthem about a father and son learning to navigate life together. The soft, uplifting melody and heartfelt lyrics captured the heartwarming tone of the show perfectly.
Even though Silver Spoons may not be as frequently referenced as some other ’80s sitcoms, its theme song remains an earworm for those who watched it. It’s a tune that instantly brings back memories of a time when family sitcoms were all about warmth and optimism. Just one listen, and you’re back in the era of arcade games, trains in the living room, and a young Ricky Schroder growing up on screen.
TV in the ’80s just wouldn’t have been the same without these unforgettable theme songs. They set the tone, became cultural staples, and still get stuck in our heads all these years later. Which one is your favorite? Let us know which theme song still plays on repeat in your mind!
