20 of the Best Live Action Instrumental Theme Songs
This is where we come to the end of a journey that had us digging into the 20 best cartoon theme songs, instrumental or otherwise. Last week we dug into the theme songs with lyrics for live action TV shows. That means there's one last thing to do. Let's get into instrumental theme songs for live action TV shows!
Feel free to leave any suggestions for other theme songs in the comments even though I'm probably leaving some on the table for future posts!
TV Show:
Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955)
Why, Though:
There's something about the perfectly selected clarinet (I think... look it's been years since I went to band practice) that plays the main theme that works for me. Unfortunately, I grew up watching this show thinking that was just Alfred's theme music anytime he entered the room so I can't tell if it perfectly describes him or I only think that because it's how I was introduced to him. To find out how big a fan of Mr. Hitchcock I am, you should read this post about how I rank all the movies I've seen by him.
TV Show:
The Andy Griffith Show (1960)
Why, Though:
I dig a good whistle. Making it easy for me to join in on the fun is a great way to get me to love your theme song, so good job, Andy!
TV Show:
The Munsters (1964)
Why, Though:
It's actually two instruments that win me over on this song. The deep horn stabs that give way to the dexterous guitar riff start the song off PROPER like! I do appreciate the brass section in the middle of the song, but I love how the song starts!
TV Show:
I Dream of Jeannie (1965)
Why, Though:
In addition to actually liking the show even though I get why it's problematic, I mostly like that the theme song was sampled by the 8th best Hip-Hop Producer EVER on "Wit Yo Bad Self" (ft. Skilz). If we are just talking about the original song though, it's all about the horns that come in and out of the song for the assist.
TV Show:
The Green Hornet (1966)
Why, Though:
If you haven't figured it out already, I'm here for the horn section of any given song! This song gives the trumpet (which I played in the aforementioned band practices) a chance to SPAZZ! It doesn't hurt that it was used during the build up to the crazy 88s brawl in the 6th (at the time but who knows now) best Tarantino film!
TV Show:
Mission: Impossible (1966)
Why, Though:
What's that like a tuba hitting those low notes at the beginning connoting something really cool is about to happen? Yup! The rest of the brass gets to shine too, but the tuba is tops in this instance. Truth be told I've never seen this show, but I watch all the movies. I can't tell if I forgot to put Mission: Impossible 6 on my anticipation list this year or if I just hadn't seen the really cool trailer yet and didn't want to base my anticipation on M:I5... Either way the theme song is cool and so are the movies, for the most part!
TV Show:
Hawaii Five-0 (1968)
Why, Though:
I actually love the way the drums lead up to the horns on this one! The percussion on this song really goes hard! To say nothing of how the horns slap throughout! Give it up for another show I've never watched, even when they have gussied it up for a more modern audience. I just like the theme song.
TV Show:
The Odd Couple (1968)
Why, Though:
You might be surprised, but it's actually, what I assume is, the harpsichord at the beginning that I dig on this track. Yes the horns are great, but I can't help but give it to the, possible, harpsichord on this theme song. If you're wondering if I ever watched this show, the answer is no. But my mom loved it and I watched the Jack Lemon and Walter Matthau movie... because you've gotta see all of their movies together if you truly want to live!
TV Show:
Sanford and Son (1972)
Why, Though:
The bassline, harmonica, and overall great organ work on this theme song are what makes it so dope. The horns, of course, are the icing on the cake. In case you think I'm some kind of 90s kid who never watched anything, I did in fact watch this show when it was available to me because I'm constantly looking for Redd Foxx material, you big dummy!
TV Show:
Taxi (1978)
Why, Though:
There are many reasons to love this theme song. The pan flute (come on people it's not like I have time to research this), and horns are a couple. But for sentimental value it could be because my mom absolutely loved this song and would play it in her car to and from dropping me off at school. There is also the Hip Hop element. Sick,Wicked&Nasty does a rendition of the song during live shows because Souls of Mischief sampled it for "Cab Fare"
TV Show:
Magnum, P.I. (1980)
Why, Though:
Yo, if Cam'Ron didn't sample this theme song for "357" I don't think I'd ever know of this show or theme song. So no, I didn't watch it. I just know/think it's the role that precluded Tom Selleck from being Indiana Jones. At least you are forever connected with Dipset, dawgy! It's actually the guitar that does it for me if we're talking about the O.G. song though.
TV Show:
The X-Files (1993)
Why, Though:
Just because it's used frequently in memes these days, doesn't mean it's not a great theme song. Like the Alfred Hitchcock theme, I feel like it really gets you in the mood for the proceedings. Which, if you really think about it, should be the job of any great theme song. Not it's ability to be sampled or to get me to tap my foot.
TV Show:
Goosebumps (1995)
Why, Though:
Remember Scholastic Book Club? They really had kids thinking reading was the best! Good for them. I would look forward to my teacher bringing up that brown and red box from the office so I could get my next fix of Goosebumps or Animorphs. So imagine my delight when they said there was going to be a TV show about these books! I like that it sounds like it's got a sampled drum loop. It makes it hip hop and spooky. I'm good with that.
TV Show:
Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000)
Why, Though:
I know I like the tuba line, but is that a mandolin mixed with a piano I detect? Please don't actually tell me if I'm wrong. The point is I dig those elements. It's also another instance of me knowing that this piece of music was synonymous with the 7th best HBO show EVER before I'd even seen a scene. It's iconic!
TV Show:
Parks and Recreation (2009)
Why, Though:
I love this show. It is possibly the first victory I had in the war to make your significant other like the things you like. All of that aside, the drums and jubilant strings on this song set the mood perfectly for this show and I wish it was longer, if I'm being honest.
TV Show:
Game of Thrones (2011)
Why, Though:
It would be an understatement to say I'm into Game of Thrones. I have dedicated a podcast to detailing each moment of each episode from the last two seasons and you can listen to each episode HERE. The thing is though that I never mind how long this theme song is. It is a true piece of art that demands you lay off the fast forward button till the last notes have played!
TV Show:
Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013)
Why, Though:
Apparently I'm not allowed to hear the actual theme song on YouTube. So here's a lame imitation. The real song has a dope record scratch at the beginning with some triumphant horns throughout that really get me amped up. The show is also beyond dope. It's hard being an Andy Samberg fan. Especially when you want to watch his movies on the podcast you do with your wife. But I feel like Brooklyn Nine-Nine is the one Andy Samberg property we can all agree is great... while I think everything he does except that That's My Boy movie is amazing!
TV Show:
Luke Cage (2016)
Why, Though:
People didn't love Luke Cage as much as I did, and I still look at them funny for that. If you want to know why, check out all my reasons for loving it on this Spoiled Rotten Episode. The show was unapolegetically black. Down to the theme song. Every element of the theme song spoke to me and I implore you to check out the full score wherever you get your music from legally!
TV Show:
Stranger Things (2016)
Why, Though:
Stranger Things came out of nowhere. I remember Pauline bringing it up and then abandoning me mid first episode. I went on to sing the praises of the second season before the weekend it dropped was over! The kids acting on that show are great. But this is about the music and the KORG tastic score is a perfect fit!
TV Show:
Westworld (2016)
Why, Though:
You gotta stick with this theme song. Much like the show. It's got layers and demands that you pay attention in order for the great pay off. Although I didn't got full Game of Thrones, I did dedicate an episode of Spoiled Rotten to recapping the first season and I anxiously await the second season! The mix of strings and piano is sublime on this track. I think that perfectly sums up the show too.
-YG