Top 10 TV Theme Songs That Get Me Pumped to Watch the Show

A theme song is the first impression of the show. It’s the firm handshake that reassures. It’s the jingle that gets stuck in your head during the day, so when you get back home, all you can think about is watching the show. (I also think about dinner.) Let’s face it, most television theme songs are enjoyable. However, every now and again, there is a song that beeps loudly on your "good taste" radar. It’s catchy. It’s foot-tapping goodness. It’s a promising download for your iTunes collection.  

Here are the theme songs from TV shows, past and present, that really boost my TV watching morale. These songs not only get me pumped to watch the show, they lift my spirits on a depressing January day in New England. I examined all my options (listened to SO many theme songs) and decided I wanted a variety in my list. I wanted a mix of recent shows, nostalgic shows and more obscure shows.

The protocol for a theme that gets me pumped to watch the show is this: 1. This theme literally has to make me want to stand up and dance, and/or 2. This song puts me on the edge of my seat. I need to see my favorite characters again. I am SO pumped. 

I will warn you, some great theme songs won’t be on here due to lack of upbeat energy. I’m looking at you, ‘Mad Men.’ 

10. 'Summer Heights High'

I have to admit, this is one of my favorite TV mockumentaries. I’ve watched this more times than I’ve watched the road while driving. The intro music is like a choir of harmonious angels introducing me to the cheekiest high school parody. Chris Lilley’s character work is exceptional. Jonah, Ja’mie, and Mr. G. are dear to my heart. If you have never seen this Australian gem, be sure to check it out.

9. 'Freaks and Geeks' -- Joan Jett and the Black Hearts - "Bad Reputation"

When 'Freaks and Geeks' was cancelled in 2000, my friend and I wrote hundreds of letters to different networks. (Thanks, copy machine.) We pleaded with the executives and begged for someone to pick up the show. We wrote, “please, pick up the show. It’s our favorite. How will we live without this?” Shortly after our letters were sent, ABC Family decided to re-air 'Freak and Geeks.'  I can't say I've written another letter since. (Mostly joking.) 

8. 'Saved by the Bell'

I had to put this on the list. I probably could have filled this list with TV shows from the late '80s, early '90s. I am slightly proud of my restraint, as I've recently been bitten by the nostalgia bug. 

7. 'Pretty Little Liars'

If I had a nickle for every time I sang along to this theme song, held my finger up to my mouth and said, “Shhhh,” with Lucy Hale, I would have three dollars and sixty cents. That would be 72 times. The song is sung by The Pierces, entitled "Secret."

6. 'Outrageous Fortune' -- Hello Sailor -"Gutter Black"

I’ve recently stumbled upon  ‘Outrageous Fortune' on Netflix.  I was hooked the moment I watched the theme/first five minutes of this racy New Zealand show. The danceability factor of this tune really gets me ready for this emotionally hysterical crime drama. Cherlyn West (Robyn Malcom) and Jethro West (Antony Starr) are a fantastic mother/son pairing. 

5. 'I Dream of Jeannie' 

Yes Master. Jeannie (Barabara Eden) crossed her arms and nodded her head to get into this no. 5 spot. NBC's Sidney Sheldon created and produced 'I Dream of Jeannie' in response to the great success of ABC's 'Bewitched.' 'Jeannie' first aired on Sept. 18, 1965. Interesting fact: 'I Dream of Jeannie' has two theme songs. The first season theme was composed by Richard Wess. The theme was switched in the second season to the song in the above video, composed by Hugo Montenegro. 

4. 'Friends'--The Rembrandts-"I'll be There For You" 

I hate the idea of dancing in a fountain. I hate water soaked clothes. However, this theme song pumps me up just enough to ponder what it would be like to jump in a fountain with the ridiculously attractive cast of 'Friends.' Also, there is clapping. Clapping is the bonus thrill. I should move this to no. 1. 

3. 'The Jeffersons'

The 'All-in-the-Family' spin-off, 'The Jeffersons,' has one of the most catchy theme songs. I just can't help but get pumped about the message in the song. "Movin' on up!" This song was co-written by Ja'net Dubois and Jeff Barry. Fun Fact: Jeff Barry, and his partner Ellie Greenwich composed other popular songs in the '60s, such as "Da Doo Ron Ron," and "Be my Baby" performed by The Ronettes. 

2. 'NCIS'

The 'NCIS' theme song is "Azure Rose" by Numeriklab. It screams kick-ass. I might be biased towards 'NCIS.' I also may or may not have named my dog Ziva. Well, at least my dog is still around. Sigh. 

1. 'Fresh Prince of Bel-Air'

With James Avery's recent passing, 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' has been on my mind. The theme song recorded by Will Smith, "The Fresh Prince," was composed by Quincy Jones, an executive producer on the show. If you look closely in the video, you can see Jones moonlighting as the cab driver as he drops Will Smith off at his new Bel-Air home.  

There you go--Top 10 TV Theme Songs That Get me Pumped to Watch the Show. I hope you feel inspired to make your own list. 

To quote 'The Fresh Prince,' "Yo homes. Smell ya later."