Do you ever find your self unable to skip the intro to a TV show because the theme song is just too good? Sometimes I wish I could listen to that intro over and over again, so I do some research to find out there is a full version of the song I never knew about. This list features 10 TV Show Theme songs that have full length versions and are what I believe to be the best ones I've heard. I'm focusing on songs that have lyrics and vocals, so if you don't see your favorite instrumental theme song, that's why! I also decided to only include "grown up" tv shows, but I'm looking forward to sharing some of my Disney and Nickelodeon favorites in the future! Lets get into it.
10. Pretty Little Liars - Secret by The Pierces
Pretty Little Liars is a mystery drama show based off the book series by Sara Shepard about a group of friends whose "leader", Alison, went missing. A year later, they begin receiving suspicious and threatening text messages from someone named "A". The theme song is an iconic one with the haunting lyrics, "Two can keep a secret if one of them is dead". What you might not have known is the song is titled "Secret" and is by the sister duo, The Pierces. It was suggested by Ashley Benson, who plays Hannah, one of the main characters on the show, when they were trying to find a song for the theme. It ended up there couldn't be a better song to match the story of this show. The full version is creepy, but in a really great way - especially if you've seen the show. They also have a newer version of the song that was released in 2020 that has more of a modern twist for the PLL spin off, Original Sin. Listen to that version here!
9. Reba - I'm a Survivor by Reba McEntire
Reba McEntire is a country superstar. Even if you're not a big fan of country music, you know exactly who Reba is. Back in 2001, Reba had her own sitcom show about being a single mother having to deal with her ex-husband and his new wife. Although the show is non-biographical, at the time Reba had already experienced many hard-ships in her life which included beating the odds as a 3 month premature baby, growing up with a unloving father and competitive siblings, and a divorce at the young age of 21. "I'm a Survivor" is a country-pop song that was written by Shelby Kennedy and Philip White for Reba, but at the time they didn't know that it would be chosen as the very memorable theme song for Reba's TV show. The lyrics "A single mom who works two jobs (who works too hard are the lyrics in the show), who loves her kids and never stops; with gentle hands and the heart of a fighter; I'm a survivor", are ones that many found to be relatable and empowering.
8. Grace & Frankie - Stuck In The Middle With You by Grace Potter
Grace & Frankie is a Netflix Original Sitcom about two women who learn their husbands (who are also business partners) have been having an affair with each other for years. Grace & Frankie never particularly liked one another, but are all each other have left while their soon-to-be ex-husbands ride off into the sunset. They were jointly given a beach house that the couples owned together, forcing them to live with each other while also dealing with the loss of their decades-long marriages. Their clashing personalities make for an entertaining show, Grace being high-class and sophisticated and Frankie being more down to Earth and artsy. The theme song is a cover of the classic 70's song, "Stuck In The Middle With You" with a modern and female twist sung by singer/songwriter, Grace Potter. It's the perfect rendition of this song to match the show.
7. Grey's Anatomy - Cosy In The Rocket by Psapp
Grey's Anatomy is an iconic show with an iconic and recognizable theme song. The show is on season 20 and counting, and is one of the most popular drama shows of all time. Following Meredith Grey, a surgeon at Seattle Grace Hospital, this show has provided entertainment for drama lovers since 2005. One thing you might not know, is that the theme song is a real song with a full version you can listen to. The theme song was created by the experimental electronica British Duo, Psapp who invented a new style called "toytronica" which is a form of electronic music created by using toy instruments. The eerie yet addicting song, "Cosy In The Rocket" won multiple BMI awards due to it's uniqueness and association with Grey's Anatomy.
6. The Big Bang Theory - The Big Bang Theory by Barenaked Ladies
The beloved sitcom, "The Big Bang Theory" is about a group of male scientists and a girl they become friends with named Penny who, let's just say, is the opposite of a scientist. This hilarious show (which was one of the last sitcoms to be filmed in front of a live audience) comes along with an incredibly catchy theme song which was written specifically for it, also titled "The Big Bang Theory". The song was written and performed by the Canadian comedic rock band, Barenaked Ladies who are well known for their hit song, "One Week". With genius-worthy lyrics and a tune that'll get stuck in your head for days, there's no doubt that this theme song is one of the best of all time when it comes to popular TV shows.
5. That 70's Show - In The Street by Cheap Trick
Even if you've never watched That 70's Show, you still probably know exactly what it's theme song sounds like. The show is exactly about what it's titled; a young group of friends from Wisconsin in the 70's who are just figuring out life. This classic sitcom is still one of the most highly demanded shows within streaming services today. If you ever wish you could just rewind and listen to that intro over and over, you don't have to anymore! There's a longer version of this song that you can put on loop for as long as you want. The song is called "In The Street" by the 70's rock band, Cheap Trick.
4. Full(er) House - Everywhere You Look by Carly Rae Jepsen
Full House is one of the most wholesome sitcom's of all time. This 90's show was one that many would sit and watch for hours during those nighttime marathons. The theme song is infamous, and until 2016, the song wasn't longer than a minute. Originally the song was created for the show and was written AND performed by film composer and singer, Jesse Frederick James Conaway. When the Netflix Original spin off show, Fuller House came out, they took the original theme song, extended it into a full-length song, and gave it a nice modern twist - this time performed by the lovely Carly Rae Jepsen. Now we're able to enjoy a longer version of this very beloved song.
3. Friends - I'll Be There For You by The Rembrandts
"I'll Be There For You" from Friends is undoubtedly one of the most well-known TV Show theme songs of all time, just like Friends is undoubtedly one of the most popular TV Shows of all time. Even if you've never personally watched this show, you definitely can recognize this song and can't help yourself when it's time to do the clap. Don't lie, this song has definitely gotten stuck in your head every time you've heard it. The song was written by the alt. rock duo, The Rembrandts, specifically for this show. The official music video even featured the cast!
2. The Fosters - Where You Belong by Kari Kimmel
The iconic and emotional Freeform drama, The Fosters, follows a family consisting of a lesbian couple, their 3 children and their new 2 foster kids, Callie and Jude. Callie has been in and out of Juvie, but one of the mother's (Stephanie) is a cop and decides to take her and her brother in so they don't get separated again. This show is probably more on the underrated side, but if you love a good drama I highly suggest watching it! What's also underrated is their incredibly beautiful theme song. "Where You Belong" is written and performed by Kari Kimmel, who is known for her work with creating music for TV shows and movies as well as being an actress herself. The theme for The Fosters is very uplifting, especially if you've ever been in a situation as rough as some of the characters on this show.
1. Orange Is The New Black - You've Got Time by Regina Spektor
When the Netflix Original Series 'Orange Is The New Black' came out in 2013, it was one the most popular shows of the decade and won 4 EMMY awards. Based on a true story about author Piper Kerman, OITNB follows Piper Chapman as she goes to prison on smuggling charges from trying to help her criminal ex-girlfriend. This comedy-drama is probably one of the saddest shows as it gives an insight on what it's really like to go to prison and how brutal it can be. I've always admired the theme song in this song, because not only is it perfect for the show but paired with the intro footage, it really hits you hard. The song is called "You've Got Time" by indie artist Regina Spektor. While the song plays, we're shown footage of faces of real-life female convicts. The part that hits the most is when Regina sings, "Think of all the roads; think of all their crossings; taking steps is easy, standing still is hard. Remember all their faces, remember all their voices; Everything is difference the second time around". This song is hands down one of the best songs and best pairings for a TV Show theme song.
What did you think of this list? Were there any theme songs you didn't know had full versions? Do You think there's a theme song that is better that we missed? Follow us at our socials below and let us know in our comments!
Written By Kaitlyn Nicole
*copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.