Before streaming and skip buttons, TV theme songs were an art form that set the mood for our favorite shows. These memorable tunes became part of our cultural DNA, often as famous as the shows themselves. Let’s revisit some of the catchiest television themes from the 1970s that still get stuck in our heads today.
Table of Contents
- 1 1. The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970-1977)
- 2 2. All in the Family (1971-1979)
- 3 3. Happy Days (1974-1984)
- 4 4. The Brady Bunch (1969-1974)
- 5 5. Welcome Back, Kotter (1975-1979)
- 6 6. M*A*S*H (1972-1983)
- 7 7. The Jeffersons (1975-1985)
- 8 8. Laverne & Shirley (1976-1983)
- 9 9. Three’s Company (1977-1984)
- 10 10. Good Times (1974-1979)
- 11 11. The Rockford Files (1974-1980)
- 12 12. Baretta (1975-1978)
- 13 13. Taxi (1978-1983)
- 14 14. Sanford and Son (1972-1977)
- 15 15. Chico and the Man (1974-1978)
1. The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970-1977)
“Love Is All Around” became an anthem of female empowerment. The upbeat tune, combined with Mary’s iconic hat toss, perfectly captured the show’s optimistic spirit. Composed by Sonny Curtis, this theme song told a complete story in just a few verses, making everyone believe they were “gonna make it after all.”
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2. All in the Family (1971-1979)
“Those Were the Days,” performed by Carroll O’Connor and Jean Stapleton at a piano, became a nostalgic touchstone. The imperfect, authentic delivery by the leads made it feel like real people singing, while the lyrics cleverly set up the show’s examination of changing times.
3. Happy Days (1974-1984)
Written by Norman Gimbel and Charles Fox, this theme captured the idealized spirit of the 1950s. The song went through two versions, with the second, rock-oriented version becoming the more memorable. Its “Sunday, Monday, Happy Days” chorus became a cultural touchstone.
4. The Brady Bunch (1969-1974)
The story-telling theme song, combined with the iconic grid of family member faces, created one of TV’s most memorable openings. Composer Frank De Vol crafted a tune that not only explained the premise but became a sing-along favorite that’s instantly recognizable decades later.
5. Welcome Back, Kotter (1975-1979)
John Sebastian’s folk-rock theme became a hit single in its own right, reaching #1 on the Billboard charts. The warm, nostalgic lyrics about returning home perfectly matched the show’s premise. Its memorable melody made it one of the few TV themes to succeed as a standalone song.
6. M*A*S*H (1972-1983)
“Suicide Is Painless” originally appeared in the MASH film with lyrics, but the haunting instrumental version became iconic through the TV series. The melancholic theme perfectly captured the show’s balance of comedy and tragedy, becoming one of television’s most recognizable melodies.
7. The Jeffersons (1975-1985)
“Movin’ On Up” became an anthem of success and upward mobility. Performed by Ja’net DuBois, the gospel-influenced theme captured the show’s aspirational spirit. Its upbeat energy and memorable lyrics made it one of the most celebrated TV themes ever.
8. Laverne & Shirley (1976-1983)
“Making Our Dreams Come True” paired with the show’s “Schlemiel! Schlimazel!” chant created an unforgettable opening sequence. The optimistic lyrics and catchy melody by Cyndi Grecco perfectly captured the spirit of two independent women making their way in the world.
9. Three’s Company (1977-1984)
“Come and Knock on Our Door” became synonymous with sitcom fun. The bouncy theme song, with its invitation to “come and dance on our floor,” perfectly set up the show’s lighthearted nature. Its memorable hook made it impossible not to sing along.
10. Good Times (1974-1979)
The upbeat funk theme, performed by Jim Gilstrap and Blinky Williams, emphasized finding joy despite hard times. Its infectious groove and positive message about “keeping your head above water” resonated with audiences. The song’s energy perfectly contrasted with the show’s often serious subject matter.
11. The Rockford Files (1974-1980)
Mike Post and Pete Carpenter created this Grammy-winning instrumental theme that perfectly captured the show’s mix of action and laid-back cool. The distinctive guitar riff and driving rhythm became a template for action show themes. It even reached #10 on the Billboard Hot 100.
12. Baretta (1975-1978)
“Keep Your Eye on the Sparrow,” performed by Sammy Davis Jr., brought soul and street wisdom to police drama themes. The memorable “Don’t do the crime if you can’t do the time” tagline became part of popular culture. Its gritty urban feel perfectly matched the show’s tone.
13. Taxi (1978-1983)
Bob James’ “Angela” brought sophisticated jazz to primetime television. The melodic instrumental perfectly captured late-night city life and the melancholic hope of the show’s characters. Its gentle piano theme became a jazz standard in its own right.
14. Sanford and Son (1972-1977)
Quincy Jones’ “The Streetbeater” brought funk to family television with its distinctive bass line and quirky instrumentation. The instrumental theme became as beloved as the show’s characters. Its unique sound made it one of TV’s most recognizable themes.
15. Chico and the Man (1974-1978)
José Feliciano’s Latin-flavored theme song brought authentic cultural flair to primetime television. Its bilingual lyrics and infectious rhythm celebrated diversity while remaining incredibly catchy. The positive message about making dreams come true resonated with viewers of all backgrounds.
