“TV Show Themes: The Disappearing Art of Catchy Introductions”

TV show themes are often one of the most memorable aspects of a TV show. They can capture the tone, style, and feeling of a show in just a few notes. Unfortunately, the art of crafting a catchy introduction has disappeared in modern TV shows. Let’s take a look at some of the classic TV show themes from the 70s and 80s that were masters of the craft.

First up, we have the iconic theme from the TV show The Greatest American Hero. The theme song “Believe It or Not” became a hit on its own, reaching the top 40 in the US charts in 1981. The theme’s upbeat melody perfectly captured the show’s sense of adventure and fun.

Next, we have the theme from the TV show Knight Rider. The theme’s iconic synthesizer riff has become synonymous with the show and is instantly recognizable. The theme’s futuristic sound was a perfect fit for the show’s high-tech premise.

Another memorable theme is from the TV show The A-Team. The theme’s militaristic snare drum and triumphant horns perfectly captured the show’s sense of heroism and adventure. The theme became so popular that it was released as a single, reaching number 10 on the UK charts.

Moving on to the 80s, we have the theme from the TV show Cheers. The theme’s melancholic lyrics and catchy melody perfectly captured the feeling of a neighborhood bar where everybody knows your name. The theme became so popular that it was covered by a number of artists, including Gary Portnoy, who co-wrote the song.

Next up is the theme from the TV show Magnum, P.I. The theme’s combination of rock guitar, synths, and horns perfectly captured the show’s adventurous, tropical setting. The theme became so popular that it was released as a single, reaching number 25 on the US charts.

Another classic theme from the 80s is from the TV show Miami Vice. The theme’s synthesizer-heavy sound was a perfect fit for the show’s neon-lit, 80s aesthetic. The theme became so popular that it was released as a single, reaching number one on the US charts.

But what happened to the art of the catchy TV show theme? One theory is that TV shows have become more serious and gritty in recent years, with less room for the kind of catchy, upbeat themes that were prevalent in the 70s and 80s. Another theory is that audiences have become more sophisticated and demanding, with a preference for more subtle, understated music.

However, there are still shows out there that are keeping the spirit of the catchy TV show theme alive. The Netflix show Stranger Things has become famous for its synth-heavy theme that perfectly captures the show’s 80s sci-fi aesthetic. Similarly, the opening theme for the show Cobra Kai is a riff on the classic “You’re the Best” from The Karate Kid, perfectly capturing the show’s underdog story.

The disappearing art of the catchy TV show theme is a shame, but we will always have the classics from the 70s and 80s to look back on. These themes were more than just background music, they helped to define the shows themselves and became an integral part of pop culture. While modern shows may not place as much emphasis on the theme, we should never forget the joy and nostalgia that these classic themes bring. So the next time you hear the theme from your favorite childhood TV show, let it transport you back to a simpler time when the world was a little less complicated.