I would say it started with Frasier, but as anyone who grew up watching sitcoms from the fifties to the nineties knows, all the classic shows had memorable theme songs and opening sequences.

Am I the only one who misses those?

I realize they're gone because most shows are down to around twenty minutes because the almighty dollar rules and more commercials must be squeezed in, but a great golden era of TV theme music is gone forever.:(

I miss them, too. :( I too blame the greedy advertisers. :mad:

The Big Bang Theory and Two and a Half Men have one. Although Two and a Half Men's is a bit short.

I miss them, too. :( I too blame the greedy advertisers. :mad:

And the networks too -- don't let them off the hook, Monika!!;) :D

When I watch old seventies shows on DVD, I realize that some of them were a full 26 minutes long, including theme sequences and closing credits.

What's the standard today? 22 minutes, maybe? Definitely no more than that, to be sure.

Sad, sad, sad.:(

I miss them a lot. Catchy theme songs were a touchstone to my youth; at work I still find myself singing them quietly to myself (or just in my head) when I get stressed and need some comforting thoughts.

And the networks too -- don't let them off the hook, Monika!!;) :D

When I watch old seventies shows on DVD, I realize that some of them were a full 26 minutes long, including theme sequences and closing credits.

What's the standard today? 22 minutes, maybe? Definitely no more than that, to be sure.

Sad, sad, sad.:(
Oh yes, the networks, too. They all suck. :mad: Give me the DVDs of the classic shows anyday - served up commercial free and UNCUT!!

^ Oddly enough, I wouldn't mind seeing some of those old commercials included on the DVDs. At least in those days I used to know what the product being advertised was!:crazy: :eek: :lol:

The Big Bang Theory has one of the best theme songs currently IMO

^ Oddly enough, I wouldn't mind seeing some of those old commercials included on the DVDs. At least in those days I used to know what the product being advertised was!:crazy: :eek: :lol:
Yeah, when the show's stars would advertise the products themselves - those commercials were pretty cool. :cool: :D

I even remember from years ago when shows still had closing credits with the theme playing over stills from the episode you watched.

Over time it started to change.

They used to have ads in as voice-overs over the credits. Then they used to speed through the credits so they could fit in an advertisement.

Then finally the closing credits for programs are little to nothing today.

Sharktank new show has a theme song..

Most of the cable shows still have theme songs but it seems like the only theme songs that are on network tv are from veteran shows. :ohno:

The Big Bang Theory has one of the best theme songs currently IMO
I agree Angela. That is one of the best theme songs on network TV. Sadly it's probably the longest song of all the sitcom themes.

I miss the theme songs, it use to be a trademark of a hit series. It's too bad the networks got too cheap to add a theme.

Rules of Engagement, which tends to be a midseason replacement yearly on CBS, has a theme song play during which the actors are actually all identified, which is very rare in sitcoms now. Even though Two and a Half Men has a theme song, the actors names always appear over the action. Someone else here had mentioned sitcom show lengths growing shorter over the years, and I've observed this myself w/ some of my sitcom DVDs. Half-hour sitcoms up through the 80s (Three's Company for example) run 25-26 minutes uncut, but a 90s sitcom like Seinfeld only runs 22-23 minutes per show uncut. A friend of mine has all the Two and a Half Men eps on DVD, and they're down to 20-21 minutes uncut. :mad:

Rules of Engagement, which tends to be a midseason replacement yearly on CBS, has a theme song play during which the actors are actually all identified, which is very rare in sitcoms now. Even though Two and a Half Men has a theme song, the actors names always appear over the action. Someone else here had mentioned sitcom show lengths growing shorter over the years, and I've observed this myself w/ some of my sitcom DVDs. Half-hour sitcoms up through the 80s (Three's Company for example) run 25-26 minutes uncut, but a 90s sitcom like Seinfeld only runs 22-23 minutes per show uncut. A friend of mine has all the Two and a Half Men eps on DVD, and they're down to 20-21 minutes uncut. :mad:

The Office has as opening too, very short, but atleast it has one, with music!

I do sort of miss theme songs and scenes during the credits.

I would say it started with Frasier, but as anyone who grew up watching sitcoms from the fifties to the nineties knows, all the classic shows had memorable theme songs and opening sequences.

Am I the only one who misses those?

I realize they're gone because most shows are down to around twenty minutes because the almighty dollar rules and more commercials must be squeezed in, but a great golden era of TV theme music is gone forever.:(


I was just thinking about this. I miss them too. Today so many tv shows are getting cancelled after a season or 2, or some just after a few episodes.
I thing the opening theme drew attention to a show, especially in the '60's when they told a story what the show is about (Gilligan's Island, Beverly Hillbillies, Brady Bunch to name a few) . Now it takes more attention to get interested in a show. I can't believe somebody doesn't realize this. I bet a clever theme song would have saved a show like Samantha Who?

I tuned in to the updated version of Melrose Place, anticipating hearing the old theme song, and being introduced to the new cast. I thought surely they would have it. I was disappointed, and it took so much effort to figure out who was who. Guess what , I lost interest!

BRING BACK OUR TV THEME SONG OPENINGS! I suggest they have short ones for the network airing, and have longer versions to show occasionally and for dvd releases.

I was just thinking about this. I miss them too. Today so many tv shows are getting cancelled after a season or 2, or some just after a few episodes.
I thing the opening theme drew attention to a show, especially in the '60's when they told a story what the show is about (Gilligan's Island, Beverly Hillbillies, Brady Bunch to name a few) . Now it takes more attention to get interested in a show. I can't believe somebody doesn't realize this. I bet a clever theme song would have saved a show like Samantha Who?

I tuned in to the updated version of Melrose Place, anticipating hearing the old theme song, and being introduced to the new cast. I thought surely they would have it. I was disappointed, and it took so much effort to figure out who was who. Guess what , I lost interest!

BRING BACK OUR TV THEME SONG OPENINGS! I suggest they have short ones for the network airing, and have longer versions to show occasionally and for dvd releases.
That is another reason why theme songs are important. I have no idea who these actors are on the new shows. Even on some shows I watch, I know the characters but I couldn't tell you who played some of them.

I liked the opening title sequence and tune for Back To You (which should still be on the air, by the way :mad: ).

I liked the opening title sequence and tune for Back To You (which should still be on the air, by the way :mad: ).

I agree, Monika. Both Kelsey Grammer and Patricia Heaton are now starring in just so-so shows. Back To You was just starting to gel creatively towards the end of its one-season run. It could have had a good long run, thanks FOX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:mad:

I agree, Monika. Both Kelsey Grammer and Patricia Heaton are now starring in just so-so shows. Back To You was just starting to gel creatively towards the end of its one-season run. It could have had a good long run, thanks FOX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:mad:


I remember before they announced its cancellation, Fox said they didn't have room for both Back to You and 'Til Death and one of them was getting the ax. I think the wrong show got axed. 'Til Death is not doing well in the ratings now!

I remember before they announced its cancellation, Fox said they didn't have room for both Back to You and 'Til Death and one of them was getting the ax. I think the wrong show got axed. 'Til Death is not doing well in the ratings now!
Fox hasn't launched a long running sitcom since Malcolm in the Middle. I think they forgot how to. BTY was a great show that should have been given a chance to grow, The writers strike didn't help it either.

Fox hasn't launched a long running sitcom since Malcolm in the Middle. I think they forgot how to. BTY was a great show that should have been given a chance to grow, The writers strike didn't help it either.

Speaking of Malcolm in the Middle, IMO I thought this show and American Dad! were my last two new shows I ever watched where they had theme songs.

Nowadays, it's just hooey.

I can barely get into most of the new shows, b/c of lack of creativity in theme songs or most shows just plain lack theme songs period.

IMO, a show with a good theme song usually sets the mood to watch the show.

I hate NBC but it is the only network where most of the shows still have theme songs.

I remember before they announced its cancellation, Fox said they didn't have room for both Back to You and 'Til Death and one of them was getting the ax. I think the wrong show got axed. 'Til Death is not doing well in the ratings now!

Plus, it plain sucks! I couldn't believe that show got beyond a few airings.:rolleyes:

Just watched an old All In The Family on DVD. Complete opening and closing theme music and let's face it -- at the risk of sounding like an old fart, which I am -- they don't make shows like that anymore.:(

I think Monika at the very least would agree with that.;)

it's so sad that shows have lost that many minutes off there shows. They just don't have much time for the actual show so they had to cut off the theme songs.

Plus, it plain sucks! I couldn't believe that show got beyond a few airings.:rolleyes:

Just watched an old All In The Family on DVD. Complete opening and closing theme music and let's face it -- at the risk of sounding like an old fart, which I am -- they don't make shows like that anymore.:(

I think Monika at the very least would agree with that.;)
Of course!! :nod:

Just watched an old All In The Family on DVD. Complete opening and closing theme music and let's face it -- at the risk of sounding like an old fart, which I am -- they don't make shows like that anymore.:(



Boy, you got that right, Doc! :yeahthat

And the networks too -- don't let them off the hook, Monika!!;) :D

When I watch old seventies shows on DVD, I realize that some of them were a full 26 minutes long, including theme sequences and closing credits.

What's the standard today? 22 minutes, maybe? Definitely no more than that, to be sure.

Sad, sad, sad.:(

I agree. I really do enjoy the theme songs from tv shows, and miss them. What I also don't like is the way the networks sqaush the end credits so much that now you can no longer read them. I hate that. :mad:

I agree. I really do enjoy the theme songs from tv shows, and miss them. What I also don't like is the way the networks sqaush the end credits so much that now you can no longer read them. I hate that. :mad:

Me too. Add in banner and pop ads during the shows themselves! That's even worse!!

They're making buying TV on DVD sets a necessity if you're a true fan of a particular show.

Me too. Add in banner and pop ads during the shows themselves! That's even worse!!

They're making buying TV on DVD sets a necessity if you're a true fan of a particular show.
Oh, those pop up ads are the worst. GRRRRR...:mad:

Oh, those pop up ads are the worst. GRRRRR...:mad:

If you have to pay for cable or satellite, those things should not be there -- on the alleged "free" channels (ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC), at the very least. Cable is overpriced enough and syndicated reruns are chopped up enough without pop ups and banners adding insult to injury!

If you have to pay for cable or satellite, those things should not be there -- on the alleged "free" channels (ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC), at the very least. Cable is overpriced enough and syndicated reruns are chopped up enough without pop ups and banners adding insult to injury!
Makes me glad I don't have cable OR satellite!! I'll stick with the DVDs, thank you.

yea, I miss the catchy theme songs like "The Ballad of Jed Clampett" (from "THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES"), the ones from "GREEN ACRES", "PETTICOAT JUNCTION" etc.

Plus, the theme song could tell you all you needed to know about a show (the aforementioned Green Acres, Beverly Hillbillies, and Petticoat Junction, plus The Brady Bunch, Gilligan's Island, Charlie's Angels, etc.).

Oh, House and all 787 Law & Order shows still have opening theme music.

Criminal Minds and Bones still have theirs too.

Criminal Minds and Bones still have theirs too.
Plus Cold Case.

Plus Cold Case.
and a show I'm going to watch in a couple of minutes....NCIS. :D

Probably my favorite current drama themesong is Medium - it hasn't changed in 6 seasons, but it still suits the show very well, and is actually a full "opening credits" sequence. Still love The Big Bang Theory theme, though. Very catchy.