When it comes to TV series, the main theme music serves as the auditory hook that captures the attention and sets the tone for each episode. From exhilarating and catchy tunes to haunting and atmospheric melodies, the main theme music of a TV series can greatly enhance the viewing experience. But amidst the vast array of television shows, which one boasts the best main theme music? This question is not an easy one to answer as opinions may vary depending on personal preference and taste. However, several TV series stand out for their exceptional main theme music, which not only complements the show but also becomes iconic in its own right.
One notable TV series that frequently comes up in discussions about the best main theme music is HBO’s Game of Thrones. Composed by Ramin Djawadi, the main theme for Game of Thrones is an epic and grandiose composition that captivates audiences from the very first note. Incorporating powerful orchestration, haunting choirs, and a distinct melody that evokes a sense of adventure and impending danger, this main theme perfectly sets the stage for the complex world of Westeros. Its popularity has even led to numerous covers and adaptations by fans and musicians alike.
Another TV series with an unforgettable main theme music is the Netflix original Stranger Things. Composed by Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein of the electronic band S U R V I V E, the main theme instantly transports viewers to the nostalgic world of the 1980s. With its pulsating synth beats, ethereal melodies, and mysterious undertones, the Stranger Things main theme creates a sense of intrigue and sets the eerie tone for the supernatural events that unfold within the show. The unique combination of nostalgia and contemporary electronic music has garnered widespread acclaim and recognition for its brilliance.
Moving away from the realm of fantasy and science fiction, the main theme music of AMC’s Breaking Bad is often praised for its edgy and suspenseful nature. Composed by Dave Porter, the main theme for Breaking Bad is a dark and gritty composition that reflects the transformation of protagonist Walter White from a mild-mannered chemistry teacher to a ruthless drug lord. The use of buzzing synths, pulsating beats, and menacing undertones create a sense of tension and unease, underscoring the show’s themes of greed, power, and moral ambiguity.
In the realm of crime dramas, one must mention the iconic main theme music of The Sopranos. Composed by Alabama 3, the song “Woke Up This Morning” perfectly captures the essence of the mobster drama. With its bluesy guitar riff, driving beat, and gritty vocals, the main theme adds a layer of grit and authenticity to the show. It serves as a fitting introduction to the morally complex and violent world of mob boss Tony Soprano, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
Shifting gears to the world of animation, the main theme music of The Simpsons is an instantly recognizable melody that has become deeply ingrained in popular culture. Composed by Danny Elfman, the main theme for The Simpsons is a lively and playful tune that perfectly captures the essence of the long-running animated series. With its jazzy motifs, catchy hooks, and unique instrumentation, the theme music reflects the quirky, lighthearted, and satirical nature of the show. Its popularity has even led to the release of various remixes and covers by artists around the world.
Stepping into the realm of superhero TV series, Marvel’s Daredevil stands out for its powerful and atmospheric main theme music. Composed by John Paesano, the main theme for Daredevil sets a brooding and dark tone, reflecting the gritty and morally complex world of the blind vigilante. With its somber strings, haunting choir, and pulsating percussion, the theme music perfectly captures the intense action and psychological depth of the show, immersing viewers in the Daredevil’s world of crime-fighting and justice.
Other noteworthy mentions for their exceptional main theme music include the iconic opening theme of The X-Files, composed by Mark Snow, which perfectly captures the show’s mysterious and paranormal themes; the hauntingly beautiful main theme of Westworld, composed by Ramin Djawadi, which sets the tone for the show’s existential exploration of consciousness and reality; and the bombastic main theme of Doctor Who, composed by Ron Grainer, which has become an integral part of the British science fiction series for over five decades, evolving and reinventing itself with each new iteration of the Doctor.
In conclusion, the question of which TV series has the best main theme music is subjective, as different individuals will have different preferences and opinions. However, several TV series stand out for their exceptional main theme music. Whether it’s the epic and grandiose composition of Game of Thrones, the nostalgic and eerie sounds of Stranger Things, the edgy and suspenseful score of Breaking Bad, or the catchy and playful melody of The Simpsons, each of these main theme music compositions has left a lasting impact on viewers and has become an integral part of the overall viewing experience. These themes not only enhance the atmosphere and storytelling of the respective shows but also become iconic musical pieces in their own right, representing the essence of the series they accompany.
Psych
Star Trek DS9 S1-S3
There is only one right answer:
Dallas or Knight Rider
Firefly.
The Sopranos
**All in the Family**
*Boy, the way Glenn Miller played*
*songs that made the hit parade*
*Guys like me we had it made*
*Those were the days*
*Didn’t need no welfare state*
*ev’rybody pulled his weight*
*gee our old LaSalle ran great*
*Those were the days*
*And you knew who you were then*
*girls were girls and men were men*
*Mister we could use a man like Herbert Hoover again*
*People seemed to be content*
*fifty dollars paid the rent*
*freaks were in a circus tent*
*Those were the days*
*Take a little Sunday spin*
*go to watch the Dodgers win*
*Have yourself a dandy day*
*that cost you under a fin*
*Hair was short and skirts were long*
*Kate Smith really sold a song*
*I don’t know just what went wrong*
*those were the days*
Sanford and Son. Barney Miller. Game of Thrones.
The original Battlestar Galactica.
The best theme song I’ve heard in a recent TV show is the title theme for Evil. It’s over a minute long and has a Hungarian Rhapsody ramp up from slow and serious to wildly frenetic by the end. Paired with the wild images in the title screens it’s pretty great. 🙂
As far as my favorite television theme song of all time ever, though, it’s probably the Rockapella theme for the game show Where In the World is Carmen San Diego? Just in terms of being a great, catchy song it’s easily one of the best.
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I’ll throw a quirky honorable mention down as well for the end credits theme for the Adult Swim show The Shivering Truth, which uses a specific verse of the classical song Long Lankin, with my favorite of them being the version by The Wainwright Sisters. There’s just something really creepy about that which perfectly fits the bizarre nature of that show.
The Greatest American Hero
Rockford Files
“Jem and the Holograms” season 1 intro! Truly Outrageous!
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Death note. Specifically season 2.
I love the Parks and Rec intro
Succession. All bangers, all the time.
Cheers
I like [Westworld theme](https://youtu.be/elkHuRROPfk?si=ro7gquJkoVTu7MP3)
The X-Files. Perfectly sets the tone for the show.
My daughter and I really enjoy “The Manellorian” theme music… the ending music that is. We also like the credit music for “Star Trek: Lower Decks”. We even do the “Pew pew!” part, and have gotten quite adept at our timing with the “Chirp” part too. Staying with Star Trek, she and I also sing along with the credits music for “Strange New Worlds” as well.
The Streets of San Francisco
*A Quinn Martin production* ..
Starsky and Hutch
Yellowstone.