Top 10 Sitcom Theme Songs That Went HARD

It’s an early 2000’s sitcom with Reba McEntire playing the titular lead role, so who else could possibly sing the theme song? Just like every other time Reba belts one out, her vocals in “I’m a Survivor” are beautiful, and the story she tells through the song is fun and heartbreaking all at the same time. The show is about Reba McEntire as Reba Hart, who is trying to navigate being a single mom after her husband leaves her for his mistress. It isn’t always easy, as she struggles to raise three kids and a granddaughter while making ends meet, but as the song says, no matter what is thrown her way, she’s a survivor.

We can’t resist watching our six favorite 20-something New Yorkers awkwardly dancing in the water, and the soundtrack they do it to is absolutely perfect. “I’ll Be There For You” is an anthem that was co-written by the show's creators for every young adult that is trying to figure out their job and their relationships. Hardly any viewer can hardly resist clapping along three times to this one, and this comfort TV show full of friends that have always been there for each other has always been there for us. And if you ever feel like you're stuck in second gear, grab your friends and head to your local fountain to dance your troubles away to this Rembrandts classic.

We think that this song could have definitely made the hit parade. In this 70’s sitcom we see ultra-conservative Archie Bunker along with his wife Edith, daughter Gloria, and son in-law Meathead, oh, we mean Mike. As Archie watches the world change from his living room chair, he longs for a simpler time, and that’s what this song is all about. The Bunkers reflect on the days when guys like them had it made and fifty dollars paid the rent. While Archie does eventually adapt to changing tides, this unique theme song which was sung by the two leads, always got us excited to see what the Bunkers were up to.

Some earlier sitcoms revealed the entire plot of the show in the theme song, and few did this better than “The Ballad of Gilligan’s Isle.” When we sit back and hear their tale, we learn about the whole scenario that landed this eclectic crew in this twisted situation. Throughout the song we get introduced to every character that ended up stranded on Gilligan’s Island. The opening theme song is so fun and the end credits manage to bookend the episodes perfectly. The second part of the theme song invites us to tune in each week to get a smile, which is exactly what we did.

We love seeing the animated version of Miss Fran Fine, and this fun song fits the animation perfectly. While working at a bridal shop, Fran gets fired after her boyfriend breaks up with her, and she tries to sell makeup to the Sheffields. She becomes their nanny, and in the following seasons she ends up changing the kids' lives as well as her own, and we see this whole plot play out as an anthem to the lady in red. As the show goes on, we see her relationship progress with Mr. Sheffield and we see the kids grow up, but the theme song always has a fun way of reminding us where the characters started from.

While a lot of sitcoms show friendships being at their peak in your twenties and thirties, “The Golden Girls” showed that you can have great companionship in your later years. While the four golden girls had already lived four separate lives, their paths led them to each other, and we are so happy it did. This show and this theme song illustrated the importance of friends at all ages, and being grateful to have people in your lives who would do anything for you. The theme song also talks about how if you’ve got friends like Rose, Dorothy, Sophia, and Blanche, what’s there to be sad about?

When a theme song can get you physically snapping your fingers along to it, you know it’s a good one. They’re creepy and kooky, and all together ooky, and we love watching the show about this spooky family. Unlike other TV theme songs, this show doesn’t explain much about this lovable oddball family, but gives us just enough description to pique our interest. Even though this show premiered way back in the 1960’s, this catchy tune is totally timeless and fun, and generations of viewers can’t help but sing along.

Nothing can drum up 1950’s nostalgia quite like this song. This 70’s sitcom set in the 50’s shows us everything we loved about that era, and the opening scenes with this song encapsulates that time. Every adult can agree that some of the happiest days of their lives were when they were carefree teenagers. The song talks about the 50’s and this tender age being the good old days, back when the only worries were what your friends were up to and who had the coolest car. And while the “Happy Days” crew may have also inadvertently created that iconic term when Fonzie jumped over a live shark on water skis, they definitely didn’t jump the shark with this tune.

This theme song screams 1990’s and we are here for it. The opening credits show retro colors and 90’s fashion set to the soundtrack of how Will’s life got flipped-turned upside down. This song has truly earned its place on this list by also being a hit song outside of the TV show, as most people who haven’t seen the show will have at least heard its theme. While the subject matter of the song is relatively serious, with Will getting into a fight and leaving his hometown, it has an upbeat and amusing tone. The only thing that would’ve made this opening and theme song better would’ve been seeing Carlton doing his legendary dance to it.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“As Days Go By”, “Family Matters” (1989-98)
The Only Thing More Memorable Than Steve Urkel Is This Song

“The Facts of Life”, “The Facts of Life” (1979-88)
You Take the Good, You Take the Bad, You Take Them Both & There You Have This Marvelous Tune

“The Big Bang Theory”, “The Big Bang Theory” (2007-19)
The History of the World Sung by the Barenaked Ladies

“Movin’ On Up”, “The Jeffersons” (1975-85)
The Jeffersons Move Away from the Bunkers to the Upper East Side

“Everywhere You Look”, “Full House” (1987-95)
The Most Wholesome TV Family Has to Have the Sweetest Theme Song

Is there anything better than enjoying a beer with your pals in a bar that feels like home? That’s exactly what we get with this 80’s sitcom, and this theme song brings us all the feels. We love the piano, the old-timey images, and the lyrics about wanting to be around those who make you feel seen. This theme song gives us everything we could have hoped for as it’s so fun to sing along to and is the perfect juxtaposition for the series. Even though this show aired decades ago, the themes of friendship, camaraderie, and just trying to make your way in the world are universal and timeless.