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7 80s TV Theme Songs You Forgot Were Totally Awesome Tunes

By Lauren Beckham Falcone

7 80s TV Theme Songs You Forgot Were Totally Awesome Tunes

Ah, the 80s, a time when TV theme songs were like a symphony of awesomeness.

Each one delivers an instant hit of nostalgia that transports you back to simpler times.

Sure, we all remember the iconic theme songs like “The A-Team” and “Knight Rider.”

But let’s not forget the unsung heroes, the sleepers, the theme songs that totally slapped, but have been left in the dust of history.

First off, those 80s TV theme songs are earworms injected with pure happiness.

You couldn’t help but groove to the infectious beats of “The Golden Girls” or “Cheers.”

And let’s not pretend you didn’t do the Carlton dance whenever “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” started playing.

Speaking of forgotten gems, “Magnum, P.I.” had a killer theme song that oozed coolness like Tom Selleck’s mustache. It made you want to grab a Hawaiian shirt and solve crimes while rocking out to it. Then there was “The Fall Guy,” with its country twang and lyrics that made you believe you could be a stuntman by day and a ladies’ man by night.

Iconic!

Now, let’s get real about why these 80s TV theme songs are so rad. They aren’t just catchy; they are time machines. With just a few notes, the songs transport you to a time when you had three channels to choose from, no streaming wars, and no worries about spoilers.

Life was simpler, and TV was an event.

Nostalgia is a powerful thing, and these theme songs are like a warm, fuzzy blanket for your soul. They remind you of a time when mullets were cool, neon was a fashion statement, and Saturday morning cartoons were sacred.

They make you long for a time when you had to physically get up to change the channel, and your biggest worry was whether your VHS tape would record your favorite show correctly.

So, the next time you’re feeling down or overwhelmed by the chaos of modern TV, just cue up some 80s TV theme songs. Let the music transport you back to a time when life was simpler, and the only binge-watching you did was with a bowl of cereal on a Saturday morning. Because in the world of TV theme songs, the 80s were totally tubular, and we should never forget it!

7 80s TV Theme Songs You Forgot Were Totally Awesome Tunes

  • 1. Silver Spoons

    Silver Spoons” was like a crash course in ’80s extravagance, where a kid had a literal toy store in his house, including a working train! This show was the OG version of “MTV Cribs” but with an adorable, pint-sized Ricky Schroder showing off his mansion. It made us all secretly wish we could have a cool, mustached mentor like Edward Stratton III and ride a miniature train through our living rooms.

  • 2. Angie

    Listen, it’s Maureen McGovern, whose hits “The Morning After” (The Poseidon Adventure) and “Can You Read My Mind (“Superman”) were 70s GOLD. But this theme – “Different Worlds” is like a warm hug. Plus it stars Donna Pescow (“Saturday Night Fever”) and Robert Hays (Airplane!). Nothing better than those two.

  • 3. It's A Living

    The “It’s a Living” TV theme song stands as a shining example of what made the show truly awesome. With its lively, toe-tapping melody and lyrics that celebrated the hustle and bustle of a cosmopolitan restaurant, it captured the essence of the series perfectly. The infectious tune mirrored the spirited camaraderie of the waitresses at the Above the Top restaurant, making you feel like part of their close-knit family.

    The show itself was a gem, blending workplace comedy with relatable character dynamics. “It’s a Living” took the daily grind of waitressing and turned it into a riotous adventure, proving that even the most mundane jobs could be a source of endless humor and camaraderie. It’s a testament to the show’s enduring charm that the theme song still brings a smile to fans’ faces today

  • 4. Joanie Loves Chachi

    OK, I TAPED this theme song so I could have a copy of it forever. (Thank goodness, because this show was canceled in a hot minute.) I was rooting for these to crazy kids to have “Happy Days” forever. I’m still bummed Scott Baio turned out to be a weirdo and Erin Moran’s untimely death.

  • 5. Moonlighting

    “Moonlighting” was a 1980s TV gem that blended witty banter, romance, and detective drama seamlessly. The chemistry between Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis was electric. And the theme song, with its jazzy, bluesy vibe, set the tone perfectly, becoming an iconic part of the show’s irresistible charm.

  • 6. Gimme a Break

    “Gimme a Break!” was a beloved sitcom that captured hearts with its wholesome humor and relatable family dynamics. Nell Carter’s portrayal of the sassy housekeeper added a dose of charm, while the show tackled real-life issues with humor and heart. Its iconic theme song, sung by Nell herself, set the stage for the show’s lighthearted spirit. Its catchy lyrics and upbeat melody are etched in TV history, making it an unforgettable part of the show’s enduring appeal.

  • 7. Gummy Bears

    THIS was the theme to my Saturday mornings – sitting on the couch, horking down Captn Crunch and watching the cartoon lineup. It started with Gummy Bears (with this catchy theme song) and went straight to Smurfs, which also has a good theme song, but it’s too popular to make this list.

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