TV Shows That Changed Their Opening Theme - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

JamesG · 08-05-2009, 01:55 PM

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".

Marvo301 · 08-05-2009, 05:33 PM

"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)

RetroTVNitekatt · 08-05-2009, 06:39 PM

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

DSfan · 08-05-2009, 09:09 PM

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

Lorimar Television · 08-05-2009, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DSfan

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.

megamanj2004 · 08-06-2009, 02:44 AM

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.

comedyfreak · 08-06-2009, 08:19 AM

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.

stevea · 08-06-2009, 10:16 AM

"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.

James · 08-06-2009, 12:22 PM

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).

megamanj2004 · 08-06-2009, 02:19 PM

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

natedogg · 08-06-2009, 04:41 PM

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

James28 · 08-06-2009, 07:25 PM

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.

megamanj2004 · 08-07-2009, 03:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim856796

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!"

Silly Lily · 08-07-2009, 01:09 PM

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.

DSfan · 08-07-2009, 09:54 PM

[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!

08-05-2009, 01:55 PM	#1
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 57,117	TV Shows That Changed Their Opening Theme 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".

08-05-2009, 05:33 PM	#2
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,453	"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)
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

08-05-2009, 06:39 PM	#3
RetroTVNitekatt Member Senior Member Join Date: Feb 09, 2003 Posts: 1,258	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
	__________________ Old Cats don't die-they just fall off the TV set!

08-06-2009, 02:44 AM	#6
megamanj2004 Member Senior Member Join Date: Dec 21, 2004 Posts: 2,357	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.
	__________________ 10 AND A HALF YEARS GOING STRONG!!!

08-06-2009, 08:19 AM	#7
comedyfreak Cheers! Forum Fanatic Join Date: Dec 14, 2005 Location: Sunny California Posts: 11,059	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.
	__________________ www.facebook.com/comedyfreak

08-05-2009, 09:09 PM	#4
DSfan Member Senior Member Join Date: Sep 15, 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 1,204	Family Matters changed from It's a wonderful world by Louis Armstrong in the first season and after that it changed.

08-06-2009, 10:16 AM	#8
stevea 22 Years On Sitcoms Moderator Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 13, 2003 Location: Indy Posts: 44,633	"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.

08-06-2009, 12:22 PM	#9
James Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Jan 07, 2001 Location: Dayton, Ohio, USA Posts: 6,370	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).

08-06-2009, 02:19 PM	#10
megamanj2004 Member Senior Member Join Date: Dec 21, 2004 Posts: 2,357	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

08-06-2009, 04:41 PM	#11
natedogg Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Aug 15, 2004 Location: yay area, cali Posts: 5	"monk" in season 1 there was a jazz theme song then by season 2 they added randy newman "its a jungle out there"

08-06-2009, 07:25 PM	#12
James28 Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 14, 2007 Posts: 3,978	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.

08-07-2009, 01:09 PM	#14
Silly Lily Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Aug 04, 2008 Posts: 125	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.

08-07-2009, 09:54 PM	#15
DSfan Member Senior Member Join Date: Sep 15, 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 1,204	[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!