How many programs out there do you know of that changed their opening theme?

This is not about shows that remixed/revamped their original theme ex. Facts of Life but instead got a new theme.


These are what I know of already:

Happy Days - Originally used "Rock Around The Clock" and then changed to "Happy Days"

Walker, Texas Ranger - Originally used an instrumental and then changed to "Eyes of a Ranger"

Ed - Originally used the song "Next Year". It was changed to "Moment in the Sun" and then went back to "Next Year".

"Boy Meets World" changed theme songs almost every season
"The Drew Carey Show" had at least three theme songs during it's run (Moon Over Parma, Six O'Clock World, and Cleveland Rocks)

LOST IN SPACE got a new theme in Season 3
BACHELOR FATHER got a new theme season 2
I DREAM OF JEANNIE got a new theme season 2

Family Matters changed from It's a wonderful world by Louis Armstrong in the first season and after that it changed.

Family Matters changed from It's a wonderful world by Louis Armstrong in the first season and after that it changed.
Yeah, What A Wonderful World was used in the first five episodes before being changed to As Days Go By.

Hope & Faith had a different theme song each season, all 3 seasons.

Magnum, P.I. - for most of the 1st half of S1, they used an entirely different theme song that sounded jazzy. By the 2nd half of S1 and for the rest of the series' run, they used the more familiar theme song composed by Mike Post and Pete Carpenter.

Simon & Simon - For S1, they used a theme song that sounded Salsa-like before they began using the more familiar theme song composed by Barry DeVorzon. Also, the closing theme for S1 was also different as well. It had lyrics performed by The Trasher Bros. as well.

ALF - The theme song for the 1st 2 seasons was a somewhat fast-paced, piano-driven melody. Changed for S3-S4 to a slower-paced, sax-driven theme song that sounded like something from a talk show.

The Flintstones - The 1st 2 seasons, which was sometimes referred to as "Rise and Shine" was an instrumental theme, while the more familiar "Meet the Flintstones" theme had lyrics and was used from the 2nd or 3rd episode of S3 until the series' end.

Bob Newhart Show, The - The 1st 3 seasons was originally "Home to Emily" that had piano, percussion, and horns. While the final 3 seasons was called "Home from Emily" and was a much more upbeat theme song.

Nurses - They changed their theme 3 times throughout its 3-season run.

The 1st version (1991-92) was a sensual lyrical theme called "Here I Am."

The 2nd version (1992-93) became more of a latin beat-like theme song.

The 3rd version (1993-94) was driven more with piccolos and pianos.

Sabrina, The Teenage Witch - also changed their theme songs, too.

The Snorks - they had 3 three songs, all of them contained lyrics.

The 1st season (1984-85) was called "Snork Along"

The 2nd season (1985-86) was called "We're the Snorks"

The 3rd season and 4th seasons, (all of which were during the 1st-run syndie era) were called "Come Along with the Snorks"

Garfield and Friends - They had 3 theme songs.

The 1st 2 seasons was called "Friends are There"

The 3rd season to 6th season was called "We're Ready to Party"

The 7th and final season was changed to a crappy hip-hop-like theme.

The Munster's got a new theme for season 2.
I Dream Of Jeannie got a new theme for season 2.
Leave It To Beaver got a new theme for its 6th season.

"That Girl" got lyrics for season 5.
"Rhoda" had changes probably each season (with the worst being that "La La" version.
"Mary Tyler Moore" changed lyrics after the first season.
"Diff'rent Strokes" was updated for the final season.
"Father Knows Best" original openers changed themes (minor updates) for the 4th, then the 6th season.
"Donna Reed Show" jazzed it up for the last 2 seasons. Same for "Dennis the Menace".
"Partridge Family" had a totally different song after the first season: "When We're Singin'" for the first season and "Come On Get Happy" for the last 3.
In the non-sitcom area "What's My Line?" changed themes at least 3 times over 18 seasons.

The Wonder Years took two different parts of Joe Cocker's "With A Little Help From My Friends" for the theme, one part from 1988-91 (the junior high years) and the other from 1991-93 (the high school years).

That '70s Show - athough most of the theme lyrics stayed the same for the most part, they changed the singers. For S1, it was sung by Alex Chilton (sp?), while from S2 and beyond it was sung by Cheap Trick.

Also, for the final season, the scenes changed from driving in the car to sitting in the circle in the basement.

Same goes for Love, American Style - the theme song lyrics stayed the same, but they changed singers. S1 was sung by The Cowsills, while S2 and beyond was sung by The Charles Fox Band.


The Cosby Show -this one's kinda iffy because:
1). Techincally, every seasons' theme is an update of the 1st season's version
2). The theme song for S5 and especially S6-S7's versions are entirely different than the other themes for this show.

S1 - Van Version
S2 - Freestyle Dance
S3 - Salsa Dance
S4 - Top Hats, also the instruments were sung by Bobby McFerrin
**S5 - Tropical Dance**

**This is where the theme song began straying away from the original 4 versions, b/c it sounds nothing or contains little to no portions of the 1st 4 seasons' theme songs.**

***S6-S7 - Broadway Apollo Dance***

***This theme is far different than the other ones combined***

S8 - The Hip-Hop Dance

"monk" in season 1 there was a jazz theme song then by season 2 they added randy newman "its a jungle out there"

The game shows Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune changed their theme songs a number of times. There were five versions of the Jeopardy theme in 1984-1992, 1992-1997, 1997-early 2001, Early 2001-2008, and 2008-present. And there were nine versions of the Wheel of Fortune theme in 1983-1989, 1989-1992, 1992-1994, 1994-1997, 1997-2000, 2000-2002, 2002-2004, 2004-2006, and 2006-present.

The game shows Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune changed their theme songs a number of times. There were five versions of the Jeopardy theme in 1984-1992, 1992-1997, 1997-early 2001, Early 2001-2008, and 2008-present. And there were nine versions of the Wheel of Fortune theme in 1983-1989, 1989-1992, 1992-1994, 1994-1997, 1997-2000, 2000-2002, 2002-2004, 2004-2006, and 2006-present.

And you can make it 10 versions of the WoF theme song if you wanna count the original theme "Big Wheels," (1975-83) which was used all of Chuck Wollery's tenure and early on during Pat Sajak's tenure with the show.



Also:

The original "Hollywood Squares" (1966-81) had 3 themes for its 15 year run on NBC and syndication:

1966-70 (?) - "The Silly Song" by Jimmie Haskell
1970-79 - "William and Merrill's Theme" by William Loose
1979-81 - "The Hollywood Bowl" by Stan Worth

The Tom Bergeron revival (1998-2004) also changed theme songs as well:

1998-2002 - "I Love Hollywood" by Jenni Muldaur and Paul Weinberg for Mambo Music. There were 2 versions used. The 1st was from 1998-2001, the 2nd version lasted from 2001-02.

2002-04 - "Squares Biz" by Teena Marie was a remake of one of her earlier popular songs.

The Joker's Wild with Jack Barry also changed theme songs as well.

Even on the original CBS version (1972-75) they chaned themes as well!

1st theme "The Savers" (1972-74) was done by Jean Jacques Perry and Gershon Kingsley. This theme also served as the opening theme for the 1st season of the syndie run (1977-78).

2nd theme "Joker's Jive" (1974-75) was done by "Mr. Growing Pains" Alan Thicke. This theme also served as the closing theme for the 1st season of the syndie run (1977-78).

3rd theme (1978-86), well the opening theme song was kind of a new mix of "The Savers" theme song, while the closing theme, which also changed incorporated a late '70s flavor with whistles, both of which are composed by Hal Hidey.



That's My Mama! also changed theme songs through its 1 1/2 year run.

1st theme (1974-75) was a funky instrumental '70s pop music piece by Jack Eskew.

2nd theme (September 1975 - December 1975) was a sappy ballad that contained lyrics that went like "That's My Ma-ma! That's My Ma-ma!"

Party of Five used a Hootie and the Blowfish song (I think "Hold My Hand") for the first few episodes before switching to "Closer to Free" by The BoDeans.

[QUOTE=megamanj2004]ALF - The theme song for the 1st 2 seasons was a somewhat fast-paced, piano-driven melody. Changed for S3-S4 to a slower-paced, sax-driven theme song that sounded like something from a talk show.QUOTE]

The second version is one of my favs of all time!

Starsky & Hutch (http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/forumdisplay.php?f=556) - The first three seasons had a different theme with the second theme returning in the fourth and final season. thread (http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showthread.php?t=228950)

Kojak used four themes throughout their five season run (three versions of the same theme and a completely different theme in the 5th season).

Eight is Enough - changed their theme song twice.

There were three variations used on the 1st version, all of which had no lyrics:

- 1st version was only used in the original pilot episode.
- 2nd version was used for basically all episodes that featured Diana Hyland
- 3rd version was used for the post-Diana hyland eps. and probably a few eps. after Betty Buckley was added to the opening credits.



There were also 2 variations of the lyrical Eight is Enough theme, used in late 1978 until the series' end in 1981:

- 1st version was used from late 1978-80
- 2nd version was used with different drums and a few different instruments and lasted for the final season (1980-81).



Love Boat, The changed singers for the show's final 2 seasons as well as a mid-'80s update with their theme tune.

Jack Jones sang most of the show's theme song up until the final season or 2.
Dioone Warwick sang the show's theme song for the final season or two.


Martin - changed theme songs 3 times throughout its 5-season run.

Hazel changed themes at least 3 times.

Gimme a Break! - changed their lyrics in the theme song:

1st version (1981-83) - 2 variations were used:
- In the 1st variation, the backup vocal chorus wasn't as prominent as in the 2nd variation of this theme.
- In the 2nd version there is a backup vocal chorus in some parts of the theme.

2nd version (1983-87) - 1st time the lyrics were changed and like the 1st version, there were also used 2 variations:
- In the 1st variation, the singers' voices weren't as squeaky-sounding as they were in the final 2 seasons of this show.
- In the 2nd variation, the singers' voices sounded squeaky in some parts of the theme song.

Reviving this thread:

Cagney & Lacey:

The 6-episode 1st season had a drastically different theme song than the more familiar Bill Conti theme used from late 1982 until the series' end in 1988.

The original 1st season theme song had lyrics and the theme song was called "Aint That the Way."

Starsky & Hutch (http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/forumdisplay.php?f=556) - The first three seasons had a different theme with the second theme returning in the fourth and final season. thread (http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showthread.php?t=228950)

The 4th season version of the S&H theme is actually an upgraded version of the 2nd season theme song.



"CHiPs"

Only changed their theme twice.

The 1st version (1977-78) was slower and sounded like it could've been used in a sitcom.

The 2nd version (1978-83) was given a more fast-paced, upbeat disco-fied flavor to the theme song.

The p.i. series "77 Sunset Strip" got an all-new theme for its last season.

"Switch" - the '75-78 show with Eddie Albert and Robert Wagner. The first and third seasons had the same theme, but some episodes in the second season had a much different theme - I guess you could call it jazzy - while the regular theme was much more "rocky".

I know that Grace Under Fire had at least 2-3 different theme songs.

Baretta

The 1st season (January 1975-May 1975) was an instrumental

From S2-beyond the familiar lyrical theme song "Keep Your Eye on the Sparrow" by Sammy Davis Jr. was used.



The Brady Bunch

While the show's theme lyrics stayed the same for all of its 5 seasons, they did change singers though.

S1 (1969-70) was sung by The Peppermint Trolley Company

S2-S5 (1970-74) was sung by the Brady Kids themselves.



Just about all daytime soap operas changed theme opening themes one way or another. However in some cases in depended on the era you were watching.



One Live to Live - The December 17, 1984 - December 1991-era

For the 1st 2 weeks under this eras intro theme, the theme originally was backed by synthesizers, sparse bass, and guitars.

By no earlier than January 1985, the theme became re-orchastrated, complete with trumpets, which doubled the synthesizers from the December 1984 version.

And by no earlier than early 1986, the lyrics that were sung and performed by Peabo Bryson (in his September 1985 apperance on the show) were added to the main opening theme song.


As the World Turns - November 1981 - 93-era

The theme tune got a majestic sound-enhancement by at least December 1984 for the opening credits and March 1985 for the closing credits.

By September 1988 until early '93, the theme tune became a little watered down and more synthesized.

The Brady Bunch

While the show's theme lyrics stayed the same for all of its 5 seasons, they did change singers though.

S1 (1969-70) was sung by The Peppermint Trolley Company

S2-S5 (1970-74) was sung by the Brady Kids themselves.



That's true...and the Brady Kids did three different versions of it - one for season 2, one for season 3 and one for season 4. Season 5 used season 3's audio with an updated video sequence.

Empty Nest

They changed their theme twice.

The 1st version of "Life Goes On" was a sad-sounding, melancholy-like variation. Lasted from 1988-91.

The 2nd version of "Life Goes On" was a more uptempo, dance-able variation. Lasted from 1991-95.


Bonanza

They changed their theme at least 3 times throughout its long 13 1/2 season run.



The 1st version was the one everyone who watched the show knew the best. It was driven by mostly banjo guitar strings.
Lasted from 1959-68 and re-instated for the final season.

The 2nd version was a majestic-sounding update to the 1st theme song. Lasted from 1968-70.

The 3rd version was much different than the other two themes. It's also the one never used much in syndie reruns. Lasted from 1970-72.

Everybody Loves Raymond changed their opening theme a few times.

The 4th season version of the S&H theme is actually an upgraded version of the 2nd season theme song.
Even though there's three themes, it's the Gotcha theme used in Seasons 2 and 4 which is the definite one. It was also used for the 2003 video game. thread (http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showthread.php?t=146837) commercial (http://sites.google.com/site/starskyhutch75/videogamecommercial) trailer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hQw7OA6NEc)

Roc

They used 2 theme songs throughout its 3-season run.

The 1st version was a re-recorded version of "God Bless the Child," sung by Jerry Lawson of The Persuasions.

The 2nd version debuted when the series taped live permanently with "Live Your Live" by En Vogue.


The Twilight Zone

They also used 2 theme songs as well.

The 1st version, used only in S1 was a more saddder-sounding as opposed to the more familiar and far better and more familiar "Doo-Dee-Doo-Doo-Doo-Dee-Doo-Doo" one was done by Bernard Herrmann.

The 2nd version, which debuted in S2 and stayed for the rest of the series run was when they began using the more familiar "Doo-Dee-Doo-Doo-Doo-Dee-Doo-Doo," which was done by French avant-garde atonal guitar theme composer Marius Constant.

Reviving this thread from the dead:

Hardcastle and McCormick - The 1st season's theme song was "Drive."

For the second season (1984-85), they completely used an entirely different theme song that sounded like it was better used for a country album song.

But by the third season (1985-86), they brought back the "Drive" theme song.

Can you "revive" a thread after utterly killing it? From the OP [emphasis added by me]:

This is not about shows that remixed/revamped their original theme ...but instead got a new theme.



My examples per the original intent:

The Life Of Riley...at least 4 entirely different compositions used in six seasons (the final season had different opening and closing themes, arguably bringing the total to 5)

Teachers Only...The first season there was a lighthearted little instrumental that sounded a bit baroque, the second season the theme was Reach High by The Commodores

Doc...The theme under this show's heading elsewhere on this site is not correct for either the first or second season. The first season had brisk march with lots of horn and percussion, the second abbreviated season also featured an upbeat instrumental, the only specific thing about which I remember is bells being prominent--big, town hall sounding bells!

Julia...a funky afro-esque number was used the first two seasons, changed to a slower, rather milquetoast theme right out of Tame Sitcom Themes Central in the third

Bosom Buddies had two different themes - 'My Life' in season 1, 'Shake Me Loose' in season 2.

Bosom Buddies had two different themes - 'My Life' in season 1, 'Shake Me Loose' in season 2.

Wait, isn't it that Shake Me Loose was the theme used during syndicated episodes but My Life was for the original airings.

Wait, isn't it that Shake Me Loose was the theme used during syndicated episodes but My Life was for the original airings.
Yea that's correct although My Life has been used on some syndicated airings. An instrumental version of Shake Me Loose was actually the ending theme song of the show. I never understood why they needed to change the opening theme. Although Shake Me Loose isn't a bad song, I really do like My Life.

Man from U.N.C.L.E. had several different theme songs throughout its 3 1/2 seasons on NBC.

The 1st one was much more serious in tone.

The 2nd one sounded very little like something you would here in the theme song of another spy drama in Mission: Impossible, which is very ironic considering that both theme songs here were done by Lalo Schifrin and that Schifrin later composed the M:I theme song in the year after this season.

The 3rd version was played more along the lines of James Bond.

The fourth season sounded a little bit like a jazzed-up version of S2.

"THE LIFE OF RILEY"

1949-'50 {Jackie Gleason} composer- Lou Kosloff (the series' radio theme, whistled on the soundtrack in order to save creator/producer Irving Brecher money)
1953-'54 {Bendix, produced by NBC} Jerry Fielding (two versions of his theme were used during the first two seasons)
1954-'55 Al Goodman
1955-'57 production music cue, unknown composer (also used at a slower speed for several commericials during the period)
1957-'58 production music cue, unknown composer

"THE GEORGE BURNS AND GRACIE ALLEN SHOW"

1950-'52, 1954-'55, 1956-'58
"Love Nest", by Louis Hirsch & Otto Harbach
(known as their radio theme since the early '40s, it became their TV "signature" as well...except for brief periods when George Burns decided to change the theme- in 1952, when he began filming the show, he decided "Love Nest" was too expensive to use every week, so....)
1952-'54
"Two-A-Day", by Alexander Laszlo [originally a "MUTEL" production music cue; two different versions were used]
(George finally used "Love Nest" again in the fall of '54- in the fall of '55, though, he decided he wanted a different theme to coincide with the season the show's storyline took place in New York...)
1955-'56
"Soft Shoe Dance", by Mahlon Merrick [another "MUTEL" production music cue]
("Love Nest" was restored for the series' final two seasons..)


"BACHELOR FATHER"

1957-'58 production music cue, unknown composer
1958-'59 unknown composer
1959-'60 "Johnny" [John] Williams
1960-'62 Conrad Salinger (last two seasons)


"THE FARMER'S DAUGHTER"

1963-'65 Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil (their theme was used during the first two black and white seasons; vocal version used during closing credits in early episodes)
1965-'66 George Duning (new theme, with a "Bossa Nova" motif, was used when the series converted to color)

"I DREAM OF JEANNIE"

1965-'66 Richard Wess
(eventually, creator/producer Sidney Sheldon was dissatisfied with Wess' approach to the series, so he turned to....)
1966-'70 Hugo Montenegro

"JULIA"

1968-'70 Elmer Bernstein
1970-'71 Jeff Alexander


:tv:

NURSES- Changed their theme each season.

THE COSBY SHOW- Changed their theme each season except for season 6 and 7.

BOY MEETS WORLD- Changed theirs a few times.

SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH- Changed theirs in the 4th season and again in the 5th season.

Party of Five used a Hootie and the Blowfish song (I think "Hold My Hand") for the first few episodes before switching to "Closer to Free" by The BoDeans.


and even before they used the Hootie song, for a few episodes (maybe just the pilot) they used a Shanw Colvin song (can't recall what song though)...

Can you "revive" a thread after utterly killing it? From the OP [emphasis added by me]:


What is up with these people thinking that Sitcoms Online is a controlled forum like ToonZone? I hate when people do that. It's wrecking the natural progression of conversation.


While I'm here, I probably added it a few pages back but I will again, Grace Under Fire changing from Lady Madonna to the very 90s sounding 'Perfect World' (Which I actually LIKED, BTW).

soap operas change their themes all the time:

General Hospital:

First they used the iconic slow organ music with sirens blarring for the first several decades.


Then at some point in the early 1990's they changed to the jazz song "Faces Of The Heart" by Dave Koz, which was used until early 2000's when it was sliced up and replaced with a less jazzy version of that song.

Gilligan's Island - Different singing group sang on Season 1
.......and the rest version from seasons 2 & 3........the Professor and Mary Annnnn version.

What is up with these people thinking that Sitcoms Online is a controlled forum like ToonZone? I hate when people do that. It's wrecking the natural progression of conversation.


I am one person, thank you very much.

The issue is not control, the issue is comprehension. The person who started this thread had a reason for doing so--starting a specific conversation--which he articulated very clearly. The 'natural progression of the conversation' is wrecked by posters who think they understand what the conversation is about when they in fact don't!

[Whatever on earth ToonZone is . . . . ]

Hawaii Five-O used the same theme song, but has different arrangements for each of its 12 seasons. Are there any other TV shoiws with the same theme song with different arrangements for each season?

Soap operas (especially the longer-running ones) tend to get different theme songs throughout its run.

And the medical dramas Marcus Welby MD and Medical Center have three to four different arrangements of its theme song. On Marcus Welby MD, there were arrangements for Season 1, Season 2-4, Season 5, and Season 6-7. For Medical Center, arrangements were used for Season 1, Season 2-4, and seasons 5-7.

I have another one:

Remington Steele:

They had at least 3 different versions for their show's theme song.

The 1st one used only in S1 was kind of seductive-sounding and much different than the themes that followed.

The 2nd one was the debut of the 1st of few of the more familiar RS theme songs by Henry Mancini.

The 3rd one used starting with S3 was the same as the 2nd one, except it had more drums and instruments and was more dramatic-sounding than the 1st version.

The theme of Dallas had different arragements for each of its 14 seasons.

The theme of Falcon Crest had different arragements for each season the familiar Bill Conti theme was used before they switched to a heavily synthetic, new-age style by musician Patrick O'Hearn for season 9.

The theme of Knots Landing had four main versions: One for Seasons 1-4, another for Seasons 5-8, a third for season 9-10, and a fourth for seasons 11-13, Season 14's theme was an updated arrangement of the second main version. Each version had different arrangements for each season, though.

And Trapper John MD theme had different arragements for each of its 7 seasons.

Actually many tv series' theme music changed, as far as arrangements, or vocal artist. I think we were talking about shows that changed the theme entirely like I Dream of Jeannie, Hazel, Happy Days and Eight is Enough.

the "MASH" theme was played differently in 2 of the first season episodes.

And, I'm sure I mentioned this somewhere else in this thread but-well-I'm saying it again!:lol: :lol:

"BONANZA" changed their familiar theme for the season before the last. But viewers complained so they restored the original theme for the shows final season.

Wizards of Waverly Place updated their theme song recently. It's more of a dance-track feel. I like it better but my husband prefers the original version. Same song, though.

the "MASH" theme was played differently in 2 of the first season episodes.

And, I'm sure I mentioned this somewhere else in this thread but-well-I'm saying it again!:lol: :lol:

"BONANZA" changed their familiar theme for the season before the last. But viewers complained so they restored the original theme for the shows final season.

The theme music for Bonanza Season 14 was actually a faster-paced version of the original theme music.

LOST IN SPACE and That '70s Show two shows, which has changed their opening themes
That 70's Show always had the same theme. They weren't in the car in the last season, but they still had the same song!

Season 1-2 Emergency! used clips from the Pilot

Season 3-6 Emergency! of the Engine 51 and Squad 51 coming out of the station

in the Syndication of Emergency! they used the Season 3 opening theme.through out the season 1-6

the Season 1 opening theme was seen few times on Retro Television untill they switch to the opening theme of coming out of the station.


Adam-12 had quite few diffrent opening theme in each season.

The short-lived sitcoms:

You Again! - They used 2 different openings for its 1-year run.

1st version - was mostly loud guitars and had narration by Jack Klugman.

2nd version - was a more calmer piece of music and had Jack Klugman walking around town.

Double Trouble - They used 2 different openings for its 1-year run.

1st version - had lyrics and had Donnely Rhodes and Pat Richardson in the intro.

2nd version - theme tune began sounding more like the theme from My Two Dads and the opening was mostly stills of the girls going around NYC.

New York Undercover - Also changed opening credits and theme tune as well.

1st 3 seasons - was mostly an urban hip-hop sounding theme tune.

4th and final season - the opening was given a newer logo, theme tune was re-vamped, Thomas Mikal Ford (bka Tommy from Martin) joined the show and gone was Michael DiLorenzo.

Home Improvement has changed their opening theme 4 times during it's 8 season run on ABC.

1. Fall 1991-Spring 1992
2. Fall 1992-Spring 1994
3. Fall 1994-Spring 1997
4. Fall 1997-Spring 1999

Baywatch changed their opening and closing themes for their last two seasons (after they moved from LA to Hawaii).

- Seasons 1 and 2 of The Charmings were completely different.

- All 3 seasons of The Littles animated series were different

Home Improvement has changed their opening theme 3 times:

Season 1 (original only)

Seasons 2-3 (syndication seasons 1-3)

Seasons 4-6

Seasons 7-8

Beverly Hills, 90210 also had varying opening/closing themes by season:

While most episodes in S1 (1990-91) used John E. Davis's theme song that has the "I-vi-IV-V" or "'50s chord progression," the 2nd episode, and only that one, used an entirely different theme song co-written by Jeff "Skunk" Baxter and Stacey Widelitz (the onscreen cast credits are in pink instead of white). Getting back to Davis's theme song for the series, unlike seasons 2-10, the lead melody is played on the saxophone while the guitar does so for the bridge.

In addition to transposing the pitch one half step higher a la the 2nd season of The Mary Tyler Moore Show (from A to B flat - opening guitar notes starting in key of D flat), the season 2-3 (1991-93) version of the theme now had the electric guitar playing the main melody and the saxophone for the bridge.

Seasons 4-5 (1993-95) spruced up the music. For seasons 6-10 (1995-2000) about 30-40 seconds were shaved off the theme, skipping from the 1st guitar stanza to the 2nd saxophone stanza.

~Ben

The Frasier theme song had the same melody but the lyrics changed quite often. People don't really pay attention but at the end Kelsey/Frasier says something different every time: "Frasier has left the building", "Scrambled eggs all over my face, what is a boy to do?", "Oh my," "Mercy", "Quite stylish," "Happy Holidays, everybody," "Goodnight, Seattle we love ya!", etc.

The Frasier theme song had the same melody but the lyrics changed quite often. People don't really pay attention but at the end Kelsey/Frasier says something different every time: "Frasier has left the building", "Scrambled eggs all over my face, what is a boy to do?", "Oh my," "Mercy", "Quite stylish," "Happy Holidays, everybody," "Goodnight, Seattle we love ya!", etc.
So, too, did The Partridge Family. Season 1 had different lyrics ("When We're Singin'") than seasons 2-4 ("Come On, Get Happy") but the melody for the opening title was the same. The closing title melody for season 1 was entirely different, and replaced in syndication by the instrumental version of the opening title melody for seasons 2-4.

~Ben

M Squad:

First-season (1957-58) title track by Stanley Wilson
Second and third seasons' title track (1958-60) by Count Basie

Season 1-2 Emergency! used clips from the Pilot

Season 3-6 Emergency! of the Engine 51 and Squad 51 coming out of the station

in the Syndication of Emergency! they used the Season 3 opening theme.through out the season 1-6

the Season 1 opening theme was seen few times on Retro Television untill they switch to the opening theme of coming out of the station.


Adam-12 had quite few diffrent opening theme in each season.

Actually earlier this year, if not late last year Me-TV recently began using newer prints of Emergency! and that intro with Engine 51 and Squad 51 coming out of the station was only used in the final 2 seasons. However, the 1975-76 season used a much faster and uptempoed version of the previous seasons's theme tunes. The 1976-77 season was the season with the narration voiceovers and before Me-TV began using updated prints of Emergency! was the intro most commonly used in the initial older syndicated reruns.

S1-S4 was the same intro sequence but with the theme tune being slightly modified each season.

Actually earlier this year, if not late last year Me-TV recently began using newer prints of Emergency! and that intro with Engine 51 and Squad 51 coming out of the station was only used in the final 2 seasons. However, the 1975-76 season used a much faster and uptempoed version of the previous seasons's theme tunes. The 1976-77 season was the season with the narration voiceovers and before Me-TV began using updated prints of Emergency! was the intro most commonly used in the initial older syndicated reruns.

S1-S4 was the same intro sequence but with the theme tune being slightly modified each season.

I heard the reason for the newer prints was due to the Universal Studios Hollywood fire in 2008. The fire destroyed taped copies of the filmed shows. The original film elements are safe and sound.

I heard the reason for the newer prints was due to the Universal Studios Hollywood fire in 2008. The fire destroyed taped copies of the filmed shows. The original film elements are safe and sound.

No wonder why I'm not seeing the PAL-formatted syndicated episodes. I thought for a minute Me-TV was following suit with some of their newer copies of the Universal Television-owned shows like they were with their copies of the CBS Television Distribution-owned shows?