The Top 10 90s TV Themes

<<< See #25 through 11

10. In Living Color 1990-1994

The theme song, performed by the late, great Heavy D was perfect for introducing the sketch comedy show alternative to Saturday Night Live.  It brought the Wayans family to prominence and also introduced the world to previously unknown comedians Jim Carrey and Jamie Foxx, among others.

9. Married….With Children (Love and Marriage) 1987-1997

What can you say about the theme song to Married….With Children other than the fact that it was sung by the legendary Frank Sinatra?  Poor Al Bundy, working in a women’s shoe store, living off of his high school glory days, and with a dysfunctional family to top it off.  No wonder he created the National Organization of Men Against Amazonian Masterhood.  How do I start my own chapter?

8. Beverly Hills 90210 1990-2000

Originally revolving around the lives of the Walsh twins as they moved to Beverly Hills from Minnesota in the typical “fish out of water” type storyline, Beverly Hills 90210 evolved into so much more.  The series tackled issues of the day, from AIDS to domestic abuse to apartheid.  Throughout it all (or at least after season 1 when the theme changed), the theme song kept rocking.

7. Quantum Leap 1989-1993

One of the most original shows of the 90s, about Dr. Sam Beckett’s journey through history as he attempts to return to his own time.  The thing that stands out about this theme is that it follows the time-honored tradition of explaining the premise of the show at the beginning of every episode.

6. The Simpsons 1989-Present

Do you remember the early days of the Simpsons?  They were everywhere.  Posters, video games, shirts, trading cards.  Just some examples of how much a piece of pop-culture was completely controlled by the Simpson family in the early 90s.  The best part of the show intro was waiting to see what Bart would be writing on the blackboard and how the family would end up on the couch at the end.  The theme song was composed by legendary score composer Danny Elfman (also of Oingo Boingo fame).

If you’re into Lego Mini-figures check this one out:

 5. Doogie Howser, M.D. 1989-1993

Honestly, the thing that I remember most in connection with the theme song, more than the show itself, is Doogie typing the moral of the episode at the end.

4. Fresh Prince of Bel-Air  1990-1996 

Can you remember when Will Smith was still a rapper?  The theme song, which is actually a much shorter version of the original song that explains that he didn’t actually take a cab from West Philadelphia to L.A., is very representative of his early work with DJ Jazzy Jeff.

3. Law and Order 1990-2010

Throughout all of the show’s versions the theme changed slightly.  However, it always retained the same basic tune and became iconic of the modern police procedural drama.  The theme is, of course, composed by the legendary Mike Post.  On a side note, Post is also responsible for the trademark “Clang” sound that you hear when switching scenes.

2. Friends (I’ll Be There For You) 1994-2004

The theme song to Friends was performed by the Rembrandts.  While it wasn’t originally recorded to be released as a single, they decided to do so after some Nashville DJs began playing it on a loop.  It peaked at #17 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart.  If you watched Friends, you most likely felt a connection with one of them.  In my group of friends I was Chandler.  I always thought it was because I was funny and sarcastic.  My friends used to tell me it was because I kind of came off as gay.  Not that there’s anything wrong with that.  Which brings us to…#1

1. Seinfeld 1989-1998

Arguably one of the greatest sitcoms of all time.  The “show about nothing” made more contributions to pop culture than anything else in the 90s.  The theme song had its bass line interspersed throughout the show as it cut from scene to scene which helped it to become ingrained in our collective subconscious.  I still hear it in my head sometimes as I leave my house and go anyplace else.

Honorable Mention: Northern Exposure, Mad About You, Melrose Place, Ally McBeal, China Beach, Frasier

 

Brian Morin is a fan of anything related to the 80s.  His love of playing with G.I. Joe developed into an obsession that continues to this day.  He hosted an 80s themed radio show while in college which justified the building of a library of over 250 80s CDs.  When he isn’t collecting and obsessing he is spending time with his wife and kids in Myerstown, PA.