Fandom Rewind: The Best Nostalgic TV Theme Songs

Sure, there are some television intros that you never skip. But still, when it comes to the theme songs that we grew up on? Well, we go out of our way to look them up for repeat listens!

So, let’s not wait another minute. These theme songs will take you back to the good ol’ days of TV and animation. Get your headphones prepped and your dance moves ready. After all, these are the best of the best.

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M*A*S*H

From afar, a helicopter rises over the mountains. Slowly, strings and woodwinds swell into harmony together. Somehow, the song is both melancholy and playful. It’s gentle, and yet far too serious. Officially, the song is titled “Suicide Is Painless.” However, the M*A*S*H theme song is an instrumental version that lets the music do the talking.

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ThunderCats

Listen, can you hear that? It’s that classic ’80s synth coupled with a powerful beat and the roar of the ThunderCats. In the 1980s, it was fairly common for cartoon themes to sing the name of the show. That way, the show could announce its presence with the theme saying, “Wait, don’t change the channel. ThunderCats is finally here!” And we sure did listen up.

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X-Men: The Animated Series

Wait, you didn’t think we’d skip the X-Men did you? Honestly, this might be our very favorite theme on this list. Who wouldn’t feel powerful with that shredding guitar and the power of those hi-hats? Plus, each character is introduced with a beautiful animation showcasing their powers. First, Cyclops, Wolverine, Rogue, and Storm appear in all their mutant glory. Then, Beast, Gambit, Jubilee, Jean Grey, and of course, Professor X are presented. Finally, the X-Men come together against the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, and it just feels so good!

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Friends

So, no one told you life was gonna be this way? Well, don’t worry, because Friends understands. And while the fountain in the background made a splash on pop culture, it’s really the lyrics themselves that hook us. Because, even “When it hasn’t been your day, your week, your month, or even your year,” this TV show is always there for you. *clap clap clap clap!*

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Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Maybe it’s the killer guitar. Maybe it’s the non-stop power of the drums. But certainly, for many reasons, the theme song for Buffy the Vampire Slayer could not be any cooler. In every generation, there is one Chosen One. And in every generation, there’s only one theme song that’s this good. Plus, the song was composed by self-proclaimed “geek rock” band Nerf Herder — we’d catch them at The Bronze any night!

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Teen Titans

In 2003, DC Comics and WB Animation collaborated on a TV show that would make a whole new generation of super hero fans. Luckily, they had the Japanese pop rock group Puffy AmiYumi to write the theme. Just like a classic ’80s cartoon, the name of the show repeats throughout the theme. Frankly, we don’t know anyone who doesn’t sing along when this song comes on. Teen Titans, go!

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Cheers

Sometimes, you want to go where everybody knows your name. And sometimes, you want to watch the same beloved show where you know all the characters’ names. In 1982, Cheers made its TV debut. Since then, it’s become a comfort show for plenty and a classic for all.

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The Jeffersons

Well, we’re movin’ on up. And, of course, we’re absolutely loving The Jeffersons theme song, sung by Ja’Net DuBois. Truly, this theme sounds divine. After all, the vocals are backed by a gospel choir. While it started as a spin-off of All in the Family, this sitcom quickly established a place for itself in the American television hall of fame.

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The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

Now, it’s pretty rare for the star of the show to sing their own theme song. Still, if anyone can do it, it’s The Prince of Bel-Air. In the show, Will Smith helped us laugh and cry along with the Banks family. In this instantly quotable theme song, the drums and bass give us a groove while Will tells us his story — go on, you know the lyrics.

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Pokémon

Once again, this is a classic theme that repeats the name of the show. It makes it catchy for kids, but it also introduces a new word to new fans. And sure, all of the theme songs on this list are classics. However, the Pokémon theme song likely shows up at more karaoke nights than any other song on this list. Arguably, that makes it the very best (like no one ever was).

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The Golden Girls

Cynthia Fee brings her all when she sings  the legendary “Thank You for Being a Friend.” Ultimately, that’s what The Golden Girls is all about. It takes strong friendships to get through these kinds of misadventures and silliness over the span of so many decades. Plus, plenty of cheesecake.

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Mighty Morphin Power Rangers

Last but not least, this list wouldn’t be complete without the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers theme. This song was composed by Ron Wasserman, the same musical genius behind the X-Men: The Animated Series theme. Naturally, the theme song has Wasserman’s trademark electric guitar sound. And of course, the song pumps you up by literally chanting, “Go Go Power Rangers!” Yes, it’s simple — but it’s still that good.

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What are your favorite classic TV intros? Join us over at Sideshow Social Network or in side.show/geekgroup, and don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!