Theme Tunes That Stuck in Our Heads:
The Secret Power of Sitcom Theme Songs
Rather listen than read? Here is the audio version.
There’s something undeniably magical about a great sitcom theme tune.
In just 30 seconds (or sometimes even less), a theme tune has the power to set the tone, signal comfort, evoke nostalgia, and make you feel like you're stepping into a familiar world. It’s part branding, part storytelling, and part emotional manipulation - in the best possible way.
For those of us raised on UK, US, and Aussie telly, sitcom theme tunes are more than jingles. They’re cultural bookmarks. Memory triggers. The musical equivalent of your nan’s house or a Friday night takeaway.
Let’s explore why they matter — and look at a few unforgettable examples that nailed the brief.
The Function of the Theme Tune
First, it’s worth asking: why do sitcoms even need theme tunes?
On a practical level, it sets the scene. In the pre-binge era, when you might miss a week (or two or ten), the theme song reminded you who everyone was and what the vibe was.
But the real purpose? It’s to make you feel something before the story even starts.
Whether it’s the melancholy whimsy of The Office (UK) or the hopeful strum of Friends, the theme tune is an emotional handshake between the show and the viewer.
The Brits: Irony, Quirk, and Sentimentality
British sitcoms often favour underdog energy and understated humour, and their theme songs usually match.
The Office (UK)
Handbags and Gladrags was an odd choice on paper. The ballad famously sung by Rod Stewart about materialism, arranged into a sad little waltz? But it was perfect. It signalled right away that this was not a laugh-track-fuelled farce. This was about pathos, longing, and awkward realness.
Only Fools and Horses
One of the few sitcoms with two original theme tunes (opening and closing), both sung by John Sullivan, who also wrote the show. It told you everything you needed to know: working-class hustle, hope, failure, repeat. The kind of theme that got stuck in your head for years — and somehow, you were glad of it.
The Royle Family
A rare example of using an existing song (Half the World Away by Oasis), and using it perfectly. Melancholic, warm, slightly ramshackle, much like the show itself.
Dad’s Army
Dad’s Army - “Who do you think you are kidding, Mr. Hitler?” was clever, catchy, and in character - a faux-WWII song that helped parody the self-seriousness of the Home Guard. A theme that worked as a history lesson, pastiche, and rallying cry all in one. A brave choice also with WWII only ending just over twenty years before.
Red Dwarf
A true cult classic, Red Dwarf paired sci-fi chaos with an unapologetically cheesy theme. “It’s Cold Outside…” starts crooning over space visuals and ends up being one of the most recognisable and oddly heartfelt theme tunes of British comedy. It felt wrong and perfect at the same time, much like the show.
British themes often leaned toward mood rather than exposition. You weren’t being told what the show was about, you were being asked to feel something. Usually a mixture of mild dread and reluctant fondness.
The Americans: Big Feels and Literal Lyrics
In contrast, American sitcoms weren’t afraid to be obvious — and brilliant — with their themes.
Friends
I’ll Be There For You by The Rembrandts became an anthem for a generation. Clapping included. Sure, it was on-the-nose (“your job’s a joke, you’re broke...”) but it worked because it was the show. A big, heart-forward declaration of loyalty and friendship. Plus, if you grew up with it, chances are you still know every word.
Cheers
Where Everybody Knows Your Name is arguably one of the most iconic theme songs ever written. Melancholy, comforting, and aspirational all at once. The lyrics were so strong they could almost stand alone as poetry — a feat few sitcoms managed. On a personal level, this is my favourite theme tune and is still my phone ringtone.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Possibly the most famous exposition theme song in TV history. It literally told you the entire backstory, in verse. Catchy, charismatic, unforgettable.
The Golden Girls
Thank You for Being a Friend gave us that rarest thing: a theme that felt genuinely kind. It wasn’t a joke. It was a hug in a melody. Plus, it became a gay bar staple - no one saw that coming in the 1980s.
Where British themes were ironic or wistful, American ones were bold, catchy, and literal - a musical mission statement. It was less “guess the mood” and more “this is what we’re about, and you’re going to love it.”
The Australians: Cult Quirk and Comedy Chaos
Australian sitcoms may be less globally dominant, but their theme tunes are every bit as memorable, often leaning into camp, satire, or total genre-bending.
Kath & Kim
This delightfully chaotic show opened with The Joker by Gina Riley (aka Kim), sung in a hyper-stylised lounge-act style. It was camp, confusing, and completely iconic, setting the tone for a show that was equal parts satire and celebration of Aussie suburban life.
Mother and Son
A more grounded example from 1980s Australian television, this beloved sitcom about a son caring for his ageing, forgetful mother had a gentle instrumental theme that was comforting and nostalgic — a far cry from the brash energy of other shows. It didn’t demand attention — it just quietly invited you in.
Why Theme Tunes Matter (Still)
Even in the age of streaming, where the “skip intro” button tempts us all, a good theme tune can still do emotional heavy lifting. It can reset your brain, prep your heart, and signal that you’re stepping into a familiar story-world.
In fact, because we’re so overwhelmed with content now, theme tunes have new power. They cut through the noise. They brand the show. They bring a kind of ritual to our viewing - a brief musical contract that says, “You’re here. Let’s go.”
Modern Nod: Ted Lasso
Though not technically a sitcom in the classic sense, Ted Lasso deserves a nod. Its theme, composed by Marcus Mumford, captures something few modern shows attempt - emotional warmth without irony. It’s hopeful without being saccharine, much like the show itself. It proves that in an age of content fatigue, a theme tune with heart still matters.
Final Thoughts
Theme tunes are more than nostalgia. They’re storytelling tools. Identity shapers. Emotional shortcuts. And when done well, they become as iconic as the shows themselves.
So next time you hear those first few notes - whether it’s a cheesy synth, a soulful ballad, or a flat-out banger, take a moment. Feel what it stirs. Because chances are, it’s not just a tune. It’s a portal.
What’s your favourite sitcom theme of all time? Drop it in the comments or send me your top five. Bonus points if you still know every word.
Thank you!
