MusiClack – Reader’s picks for best television instrumental theme song

Tara: Last week, Michael and I got to thinking about our favorite television theme songs. Originally, we thought of the ones that had lyrics, and lots of the old standards came to mind. And plus? We realized this idea had already been done. So it followed that we take on the ones without lyrics, to twist it up a bit.

Well! There was a huge response (thanks for that) and several people clamored about why their personal favorite was left out. So we’re indulging those of you who took the time to leave a comment. Here we go …

Katie and Toni wanted this one included …

 

Michael: I’ve never seen a single episode of The Office and, believe it or not, barely recognized the tune.

Tara: As I boycott everything that Steve Carell does, I was lost on this one as well. He was my teacher at Second City in Chicago, and he told me I tried too hard to be funny. Even though I just think he said this because he was jealous that I was more amusing than he? I’ve had a longstanding feeling of disdain for the man. Gee! Another celebrity Tara has met and hated! What are the chances?

Michael: Oh … don’t be so hard on yourself. 

A “second” Katie suggested this one, the What’s Happening theme:

 

Tara: I admit to watching this show. But hey! I was like twelve or something! Catchy tune.

Brittany wanted Law and Order:

 

Michael: So many different versions of this song season to season and show to show … but always instantly recognizable.

Mikki wanted Sanford and Son:

 

Michael: Well … what do you know? Just so happens this was one of my picks as a CliqueClack Flashback about a dozen moons ago … and one of my favorite television themes as a matter of fact.

Tara: And when people sing it, they always say the word doo. Have you noticed? As in “Doo doo doooo doo. Doo  doo dooo do doo do doo.” Funny. Perfect song though. It “feels” like a funky junkyard!

Michael: I don’t “doo doo doooo doo” when I “sing” this, I “bomp-womp-womp womp-womp waaaah-waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahh” it. But, you know that. It’s in the link above.

Tara: I try not to read anything else you write. That would be overkill.

Michael: *heheh*

Kim wanted Taxi:

 

Tara: There was a time when this theme was a wildly popular radio hit. That doesn’t happen often with television theme songs.

Michael: I beg to differ. The Andy Griffith Show, the theme from Friends, M*A*S*H and even the 1960’s Batman theme were all pretty popular in the day, to name a few.

Tara: Fine. Then I’ll modify and say it hasn’t happened recently. Geez.

Kim wanted Get Smart too:

 

Michael: Watching this show as a kid, I was more than a little frightened at all the doors and mysterious contraptions opening and closing.

Here’s Doug’s for Kolchak: The Night Stalker but he whistles. That’s OK with me …

 

Scott suggested The West Wing.

 

Tara: I just think that song is beautiful. I only caught The West Wing sporadically, but this theme is super majestic and relatable to Wahington politics. Or what we’d like Washington politics to sound like, if it had a soundtrack.

Our own Debbie McDuffee wanted Magnum P.I. included …

 

Tara: Tom Selleck. Yum. This theme is a great one because it’s fast and tough and happenin’, like Magnum himself.

Michael: No comment.

Most of Nyela’s had words. Did you know The Andy Griffith Show theme had words at one time? So I chose The Dick Van Dyke Show theme from her suggestions …

 

Tara: Who doesn’t know this television theme? And how well does it fit Dick Van Dyke falling over furniture? It’s amusing and quirky and fun. Definitely a classic. I myself have seen almost every episode of Dick Van Dyke.

And! I was soooo remiss in not including The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson:

 

Michael: Iconic and classic. Simply put, it’s Johnny set to music.

Tara: I can’t believe I forgot to include it. Not only because it’s one of the best theme songs ever, but for the memories it holds for me. If I could stay up late enough when I was a kid, my Dad would knock on the wall separating our bedrooms when Johnny’s theme came on and that meant I could go jump in bed with him and watch The Tonight Show. I loved that.

Michael: I know there are plenty more out there we’re missing, but over the last couple MusiClacks, we’ve hit a nice little number of them, don’t you think?