25 Best 1970s TV Theme Songs You Can Still Hum

Feature Photo: Malinda Kachejian

If you grew up in the 1960s or ’70s as a young kid, teenager, or even a 20 or 30-something, you probably watched a lot of television. I was born in 1961, so for me, the 1970s were really my introduction to pop culture. We didn’t have cable television, especially at the beginning of the decade; it was mostly just broadcast TV channels such as ABC, CBS, and NBC. Of course, we had the local affiliates in New York: Channel 11 WPIX, Channel 5 WNEW, and Channel 9 WOR. I shouldn’t forget Channel 13, the public television network, which was mainly Saturday morning TV or weekday afternoon TV when you stayed home from school pretending you were sick. The 1970s were very distinct for the theme songs that opened every television show. This list highlights 25 of our favorites. To make this list, the TV show had to have premiered in the 1970s. There were many great television shows in the 1970s that originated in the 1960s, and we felt we would keep them for our 1960s list instead.
When writing this, I tried to mix it up a bit. Of course, I wanted to include the huge ones we’ll never forget. And I also wanted to dig a little deeper. Shows that I remember, and that I often talk about, the people who look at me like I’m nuts. Like they never existed. But yeah, the proof is below, they did. Hope you enjoy this one, it was really fun to write. Look out for the 60s one coming next.

# 25 – Kojak

Debuting on CBS in October 1973, Kojak introduced audiences to Telly Savalas as the charismatic and relentless Lieutenant Theo Kojak, supported by a cast that included Dan Frazer, Kevin Dobson, and George Savalas. The series theme was composed by Billy Goldenberg, whose atmospheric arrangement set the tone for the show’s gritty New York storytelling. Although the theme was not released as a charting single, it became tightly linked with Savalas’s iconic portrayal and remains one of the most recognizable musical signatures of seventies crime television.

# 24 – What’s Happening

What’s Happening premiered on ABC on August 5, 1976 and ran through April 28, 1979, following the lives of three Los Angeles teenagers played by Ernest Thomas, Haywood Nelson, and Fred Berry, with supporting performances by Danielle Spencer, Shirley Hemphill, and Mabel King. The theme music was written and composed by Henry Mancini, who crafted a lighthearted, groove oriented piece that matched the show’s comedic tone and youthful energy. The recording featured Mancini’s trademark blend of rhythm and melody, delivered through a polished studio ensemble that helped establish the series’ instantly recognizable sound.

# 23 – WKRP in Cincinnati

WKRP in Cincinnati debuted on CBS on September 18, 1978 and ran until April 21, 1982, centering on the staff of a struggling Cincinnati radio station led by Gary Sandy, with Gordon Jump, Loni Anderson, Howard Hesseman, Tim Reid, Richard Sanders, Frank Bonner, and Jan Smithers rounding out the cast. The theme song, “WKRP in Cincinnati,” was written by Tom Wells and Hugh Wilson, with vocalist Steve Carlisle performing the full length version that appeared on radio and later compilations. The closing theme, also written by Wells, became memorable for its intentionally nonsensical lyrics crafted to mimic rock vocals heard without clarity.

# 22 – Adams Rib

This may be the deepest track on the list, but it’s definitely a warranted pick. The theme song sounds like Laura Nyro could have written it. It’s simply stunning. Adam’s Rib aired on ABC from September 14, 1973 until December 28, 1973, bringing to television a sitcom adaptation of the classic film with Ken Howard and Blythe Danner starring as husband and wife Adam and Amanda Bonner. The theme song, “Two People,” was written by Perry Botkin Jr. and Gil Garfield, who also produced the show’s score.

# 21 – The Jeffersons

Premiering on CBS in January 1975, The Jeffersons became one of television’s most successful sitcoms, built around the unforgettable performances of Sherman Hemsley as George Jefferson and Isabel Sanford as Louise Jefferson, with supporting roles from Marla Gibbs, Roxie Roker, Franklin Cover, and Paul Benedict. Its theme song, “Movin’ On Up,” was written by Jeff Barry and Ja’net DuBois, with DuBois performing the jubilant lead vocal that helped define the show’s identity. The recording featured a full gospel styled arrangement that matched the series’ celebratory tone, and while the theme was not released as a charting single, it became one of the most enduring and widely recognized television themes of the decade.

# 20 – Barney Miller

Barney Miller premiered on ABC on January 23, 1975, and ran through May 20, 1982, becoming one of the most memorable ensemble sitcoms of the decade with Hal Linden, Abe Vigoda, Ron Glass, Max Gail, Jack Soo, and Steve Landesberg shaping its identity. Its theme song was composed by Jack Elliott and Allyn Ferguson, who crafted a jazz-influenced piece performed by leading Los Angeles studio musicians, including bassist Chuck Berghofer, guitarist Dan Ferguson, and drummer Paul Humphrey. The track’s distinctive groove became instantly recognizable and remains one of the most enduring television theme recordings of the seventies.

# 19 – The Love Boat

The Love Boat premiered on ABC on September 24, 1977 and continued until May 24, 1986, featuring a main cast that included Gavin MacLeod, Lauren Tewes, Fred Grandy, Bernie Kopell, Ted Lange, and Jill Whelan. The theme song, titled “Love Boat,” was written by Charles Fox with lyrics by Paul Williams and was performed for the series by Jack Jones, whose recording became closely associated with the show. When Jones released the song as a single in 1979, it reached number thirty seven on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart in 1980.

# 18 – Sanford And Son

Sanford and Son premiered on NBC on January 14, 1972 and continued through March 25, 1977, driven by the unforgettable performances of Redd Foxx as Fred Sanford and Demond Wilson as his son Lamont. The series featured one of television’s most iconic instrumental themes, “The Streetbeater,” written and performed by Quincy Jones. The recording brought together standout Los Angeles musicians including Ray Parker Jr and Arthur Adams on guitar, Wilton Felder on bass, Ed Greene on drums, and percussionists Bill Summers and Ralph MacDonald, all contributing to the theme’s unmistakable blend of funk and jazz.

# 17 – Chico And The Man

Audiences in the mid-seventies were instantly drawn to Chico and the Man when it arrived on NBC on September 13, 1974, carried by the unforgettable pairing of Jack Albertson as Ed Brown and Freddie Prinze as Chico. The series quickly became known for its warmth and sharp comedic timing, and its identity was further shaped by José Feliciano, who wrote and performed the theme song that shared the show’s title. Feliciano’s recording, built around his signature acoustic style and emotive vocal phrasing, resonated strongly with viewers and achieved commercial success, reaching number 91 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1975.

# 16 – The Rockford Files

Viewers who tuned in to The Rockford Files when it premiered on NBC in 1974 were met with a detective series that blended grit, humor, and character driven storytelling, anchored by James Garner’s celebrated performance as Jim Rockford. The theme music became equally memorable, composed by Mike Post and Pete Carpenter, who crafted an instrumental track built around electric guitar, synthesizers, and a rhythmic groove that set the tone for the show’s contemporary style. The recording, performed by session musicians under Post’s direction, struck a chord with the public and achieved significant chart success, reaching number ten on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1975 and later winning a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition.

# 15 – Good Times

Life inside a Chicago housing project found its heartbeat in Good Times, and the show’s theme song helped audiences feel that pulse the moment it arrived on CBS in 1974. Esther Rolle and John Amos led the cast as Florida and James Evans, supported by Jimmie Walker, BernNadette Stanis, and Ralph Carter, creating one of television’s most memorable family ensembles. Composer Dave Grusin crafted the music, with Alan Bergman and Marilyn Bergman writing the lyrics, and Jim Gilstrap and Blinky Williams delivering the spirited vocal performances that gave the song its signature sound. The theme reached number eighty on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1975.

# 14 – Theme From Baretta

A gritty crime drama like Baretta found its unmistakable identity through the theme song “Keep Your Eye on the Sparrow,” introduced to viewers when the series premiered on ABC in 1975, starring Robert Blake. The music was composed by Dave Grusin, with lyrics by Morgan Ames, and the version most widely associated with the show was performed by Sammy Davis Jr, whose unmistakable vocal style added a dynamic presence to the series. The single became especially successful outside the United States, reaching the top of the Dutch Singles Chart in 1976.

# 13 – Hart To Hart

Once you get past the spoken word introduction by Max, you are greeted by a sensational melody that can’t be forgotten. A series as stylish as Hart to Hart quickly became known for its polished presentation, and its theme music played a significant role in shaping that identity when the show premiered on ABC in 1979. Starring Robert Wagner and Stefanie Powers as the wealthy crime-solving couple Jonathan and Jennifer Hart, the series paired its cinematic look with a theme composed by Arthur B. Rubinstein, who also scored much of the show’s background music. The theme was performed instrumentally, matching the elegant tone that defined the series throughout its run, which ended in 1984.

# 12 – The Streets Of San Francisco

A hallmark of seventies crime television, The Streets of San Francisco debuted on ABC in 1972 with a theme that captured the show’s tense, urban energy. The series starred Karl Malden as Lieutenant Mike Stone and Michael Douglas as Inspector Steve Keller, later joined by Richard Hatch after Douglas left the series. The theme music was composed by Patrick Williams, whose work established the mood for each episode’s dramatic pace and San Francisco setting. Williams’ orchestral approach became closely tied to the series throughout its five season run, which continued until 1977.

# 11 – The Persuaders (British TV Drama)

Premiering on ITV in 1971, The Persuaders! starred Tony Curtis as Danny Wilde and Roger Moore as Lord Brett Sinclair in a high spirited British action drama created for international audiences. Its famous instrumental theme was composed by John Barry, whose distinctive arrangement blended contemporary pop elements with his signature orchestral style. The recording featured session musicians contracted specifically for Barry’s production, giving the theme its polished, cinematic sound. The single reached number thirteen on the United Kingdom Singles Chart.

# 10 – Toma

Dark and gritty, I wonder how many people remember this one. I loved the show while it lasted. When Toma premiered on ABC in March 1973 the show brought a tough new edge to the police-drama landscape with Tony Musante starring as real-life detective Dave Toma, alongside Susan Strasberg and Simon Oakland supporting the cast. The theme music was crafted by Mike Post and Pete Carpenter, whose instrumental score underscored the series’ gritty mood. The show ran for one season and twenty-two episodes before Musante stepped away from the role. The following year, ABC replaced it with Baretta.

# 9 – Maude

Premiering on CBS in September 1972, Maude offered a sharp, socially conscious sitcom led by Bea Arthur alongside Bill Macy, Adrienne Barbeau, and Conrad Bain. Its theme song, “And Then There’s Maude,” was composed by Dave Grusin with lyrics by Marilyn and Alan Bergman, and performed with commanding flair by Donny Hathaway, whose soulful delivery became one of the most memorable musical signatures of any seventies television comedy. The theme was not released as a commercial single, but its association with Arthur’s fearless title character made it an instantly identifiable part of the show’s identity.

# 8 – The Partridge Family

I wonder how many of us can claim that The Partridge Family was really our first favorite band. I know I can. I was only 9 years old at the time, but there was just something about this show and the music that really hooked me. I didn’t understand why I liked it; it just felt right. I could never have thought at the time that for the majority of my life, I would make a living as a rock and roll musician. This is where it started for me. Most people say the Beatles. For me, all you had to do was put me in the direction of Albuquerque and meet me halfway.

# 7 – All In The Family

Debuting on CBS in January 1971, All in the Family reshaped American television with its bold approach to social issues and its unforgettable central performances by Carroll O’Connor, Jean Stapleton, Rob Reiner, and Sally Struthers. Its theme song, “Those Were the Days,” was written by Charles Strouse and Lee Adams and performed live each week by O’Connor and Stapleton as Archie and Edith Bunker, giving the show one of the most recognizable openings of the decade. Released briefly as a promotional single, the theme became a cultural touchpoint and remains inseparable from the series’ enduring legacy.

# 6 – Happy Days

Premiering on ABC in January 1974, Happy Days became one of the defining sitcoms of the decade, built around the Cunningham family and starring Ron Howard, Henry Winkler, Tom Bosley, Marion Ross, Erin Moran, and Donny Most. Its upbeat theme song, “Happy Days,” was written by Norman Gimbel and Charles Fox, with vocals performed by Jim Haas and other studio singers, replacing Bill Haley and His Comets’ “Rock Around the Clock,” which had been used during the earliest seasons. The later theme version became closely tied to the show’s identity, and when released as a single in 1976 it reached number five on the Billboard Easy Listening chart and number thirty on the Billboard Hot 100.

# 5 – Welcome Back, Kotter

In high school, I had photography first period. I was always late to school. But every day I used to give my teacher, Mr Pastor, an excuse. After a while, he gave me the name Epstein simply because he was a big fan of this show. When Welcome Back, Kotter premiered on ABC in September 1975, it introduced viewers to the lively world of the Sweathogs, led by Gabe Kaplan as teacher Gabe Kotter, with John Travolta, Marcia Strassman, Robert Hegyes, Ron Palillo, and Lawrence Hilton Jacobs rounding out the main cast. The theme song, “Welcome Back,” was written and performed by John Sebastian, whose warm, melodic style helped give the series its instantly recognizable identity. The single became a major success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100, and its popularity played a key role in shaping the show’s cultural impact during its four-season run.

# 4 – Taxi

Just think about all the stars that were born out of this show. Premiering on ABC in 1978 before later moving to NBC, Taxi followed the lives of New York City cab drivers and featured an ensemble cast that included Judd Hirsch, Danny DeVito, Marilu Henner, Tony Danza, Christopher Lloyd, Jeff Conaway, and Andy Kaufman. Its theme, titled “Angela,” was composed and performed by Bob James, who recorded the piece with his studio ensemble, giving the show its unmistakably smooth jazz identity. The song became one of James’s most recognizable works and reached number twenty six on the Billboard Hot 100.

# 3 – The Mary Tyler Moore Show

Debuting on CBS in 1970, The Mary Tyler Moore Show centered on Mary Tyler Moore as Mary Richards and featured an accomplished ensemble that included Edward Asner, Valerie Harper, Gavin MacLeod, Ted Knight, Cloris Leachman, Betty White, and Georgia Engel. Its theme song, “Love Is All Around,” was written and performed by Sonny Curtis, whose warm vocal delivery and memorable melody helped define the show’s uplifting tone. The single later charted in the United Kingdom, where it reached number twenty six.

# 2 – Laverne & Shirley

Premiering on ABC in 1976, Laverne and Shirley introduced audiences to the unforgettable duo played by Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams, supported by Michael McKean, David Lander, Eddie Mekka, and Phil Foster. Its opening theme, “Making Our Dreams Come True,” was written by Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel and performed by Cyndi Grecco, whose energetic delivery set the tone for the sitcom’s upbeat spirit. The single became a commercial success, reaching number twenty five on the Billboard Hot 100 and solidifying its status as one of the most enduring television themes of the decade.

# 1 – Mash

A landmark in American television, MASH premiered on CBS in 1972 with a theme song that became instantly recognizable to viewers. The series starred Alan Alda, Wayne Rogers, Loretta Swit, McLean Stevenson, Larry Linville, and, later, Mike Farrell, Harry Morgan, and others who helped carry the show through its eleven-season run. The theme was titled “Suicide Is Painless,” composed by Johnny Mandel with lyrics written by Michael Altman, and its instrumental arrangement for the series set the emotional tone for each episode. The song gained additional recognition when released in vocal form in connection with the original 1970 film, where it became a charting hit in the United Kingdom, reaching number one.

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