#1

The Greatest American Hero

The number one TV Show Theme Song, according to EYG, is the theme from The Greatest American Hero”

Title: “Believe It or Not”

Composed: Mike Post

Lyrics: Stephen Geyer

Performed: Joey Scarbury

This TV Show theme was more than just a TV theme. It was a huge hit on the charts, reaching #2 on the Billboard Top 100.

When compiling this list, I had a hard time deciding what should be at number one. I had several theme songs that I thought could conceivably top the list. However, in the end, I knew that this song from Joey Scarbury would be the one to reach the heights. Figuratively, it was a rough flight to the top, just like it was a rough flight every time Ralph Hinkley took to the skies in his red and black super hero suit. But we always got where we needed to go. “Believe It or Not,” the theme to The Greatest American Hero is #1!

Starting tomorrow, our next Daily Countdown starts with #100 of the Top 100 Weird Al Songs!

#2

All in the Family

Title: “Those Were the Days”

Composed: Charled Strouse

Lyrics: Lee Adams

Performed: Carol O’Connor & Jean Stapleton as Archie and Edith Bunker

End credits: “Remebering You” with lyrics by Carol O’Connor

I have a soft place in my heart for All in the Family. Not only was it hilarious and way before its time, but the main two characters are very much my parents with the volume turned way up. The opening theme was always such a fun way to kick off the show.

Next…. #1….

#3

The Fall Guy

Title: “Unknown Stuntman”

Written: Glen A. Larson, Gail Jensen, and David Somerville.

Performed: Lee Majors

The producers of the show used the theme song to help pitch the show to ABC. There was a new version of the song recorded by Blake Shelton for the recent Fall Guy movie.

This is the final image from the banner to arrive. If you were looking at the banner, you knew this one was coming.

Top Two remaining….

#4

The Jeffersons

Title: “Movin’ on Up”

Written:  Ja’Net DuBois and Jeff Barry.

Performed: Ja’Net DuBois with 35-member gospel choir

Considered one of the most known and influential theme songs of all-time, The theme to The Jefferson was meant to sound like a gospel song.

#5

Hardcastle and McCormick

Title: “Drive”

Composed: Mike Post and Stephen Geyer

Performed: David Morgan

The theme featured the real star of the show… the car. The opening credits has the Coyote X flying all over the place and “Drive” is that high-energy, high-speed electric guitar power that worked so well. The show changed themes songs in the second season, but the fan base revolted and “Drive” returned.

#6

Welcome Back, Kotter

Title: “Welcome Back”

Written: John Sebastian

Performed: John Sebastian

John Sebastian, formerly of Lovin’ Spoonful, recorded this song, which went to #1 on the Billboard charts in 1976. According to Wikipedia, the success of the song convinced the producers of the show to change its title from Kotter to Welcome Back, Kotter.

John Sebastian included a harmonica solo in the full version.

#7

The Muppet Show

 “It’s time to play the music / It’s time to light the lights…”.

Written: Jim Henson and Sam Pottle

Performed: The Muppets

On the most sensational inspirational, celebrational, Muppetational

The Muppet Show was such an epic variety show featuring all of the greatest celebrities of the time. The opening theme, done in a vaudeville style, is one of the reasons this was such an amazing show.

They had Fozzie Bear early in the show’s run doing a joke in the middle of the theme. This was replaced later by Staler and Waldorf singing a verse.

First season theme

#8

Peacemaker

Season One

Season Two

James Gunn is renown for his choices in music to use with his projects. However, no one expected the opening title sequence to his HBO Max series Peacemaker to be what we got. The dance routine done by John Cena and the rest of the cast was absolutely amazing and was something that no one would skip. It was must watch every week.

Title: “Do Ya Wanna Taste It”

Composed: Trond Holter

Lyrics: Åge Sten Nilsen

Performed: Wig Wam

Then, came season two and the new theme was anticipated almost as much as the show. The new song was “Oh Lord” by Foxy Shazam. My first reaction to the new opening was… “It’s fine… it just can’t compare to the first season.” Then after about two or three weeks, it was every bit as great as the firs tone.

Title: “Oh Lord”

Composer: Foxy Shazam (Eric Nally, Loren Turner, Sky White, Daisy Caplan, Alex Nauth & Thomas Pridgen)

Lyrics: Eric Nally and Alex Nauth.

Performed: Foxy Shazam

#9

Underdog

“There’s no need to fear, Underdog is here!”

Composed: W. Watts “Buck” Biggers

Performed: Rober Ragaini

This was one of my earliest superhero TV memories. I loved these themes, with their different lyrics. I would look forward to the theme every episode to see which one would be the one.

It was apparently designed to be similar to the William Tell Overture (Lone Ranger theme).

#10

M.A.S.H.

We are into the TOP 10!!!!

Title: “Suicide is Painless”

Composed: Johnny Mandel

The MASH theme song was an instrumental version of the song “Suicide is Painless” which was the theme of the original motion picture MASH (1970). The film version of the song featured lyrics from Michael Altman and was performed by The Ron Hicklin Singers.

The MASH theme is an iconic piece of music that delivered a feeling of melancholy that echoed the show.

#11

Scooby Doo… Where Are You?

Written: David Mook & Ben Raleigh

Performed: Larry Marks (Season One); George A. Robinson Jr.

Iconic music to the classic Scooby Doo show, Scooby Doo… Where Are You? has been used in countless other projects over the year featuring Scoob and the gang.

Season Two

#12

Animaniacs

Composed: Richard Stone

Lyrics: Tom Ruegger

Performed: Yakko, Wakko and Dot (Rob Paulsen, Jess Harnell, Tress MacNeille)

…Bill Clinton plays the sax

The Animaniacs theme is frantic, chaotic and full of energy, a perfect example of what the show was going to be like.

#13

Fame

“You’ve got big dreams? You want fame? Well, fame costs. And right here is where you start paying… in sweat”.

Composed: Michael Gore

Lyrics: Erica Gimpel

Performed: Erica Gimpel

The song was originally from the movie Fame, that the TV show was based upon and the song from the film was performed by Irene Cara. That version won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for best Song in 1980.

#14

Golden Girls

Title: “Thank You for Being a Friend”

Written: Andrew Gold

Performed: Cynthia “Cindy” Fee

Originally released as a single by Andrew Gold, the song was re-recorded by Cynthia “Cindy” Fee for the series. This theme was also used for the Golden Girls’ spin off, The Golden Palace.

#15

Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes

Title: “Fight as One”

Composed: Guy Michelmore

Performed by Bad City

One of the best superhero theme songs around. The tagline “Avengers… Assemble” really worked in the middle of the song.

This show was too short as it was really a great adaptation of the Avengers into animation.