The 50+ Worst TV Theme Songs
List of worst TV theme songs ever, ranked by the people who had to listen to them before every episode. One of the most defining aspects of a TV show is its theme song played over the opening credits. These catchy, memorable tunes symbolize the start of your viewing pleasure. Even the worst TV themes act as a transportation vessel that takes you into a world of your favorite characters. These songs allow us to slowly sink out of our reality and become affixed to what is on the screen. However, sometimes this vessel takes you on a bumpy ride. Not all television theme songs are gems. In fact some are just plain bad TV music. They make you question how much is it worth it to watch a television episode, if you must endure an odd, occasionally annoying tune for the first 30 seconds.
So let’s try to figure which one of these TV show theme songs is the worst. Is it the Eight Is Enough theme song, or something else? Television’s extensive history gives us a wide selection to look at. Of course, there are several great, classic theme songs. Tunes that perfectly introduce a well-made television series, whose music provides warmth and comfort to the viewing audience. But instead we will be exploring the ones that could be used to torture prisoners at Guantanamo Bay. So let us check out the most tone-deaf, lyrically-confusing, and just plain bad theme songs of television’s history. Which one will be deemed the absolute worst?Â
1Harry Enfield, Tim Brooke-Taylor, Enn Reitel- Premiered: 1988
Love it or loathe it, this kid's show features a happy-go-lucky purple dinosaur teaching life lessons through songs and dance, but its theme song hits a predictably irritating note. Even after all these years, that earworm of a song still manages to work its way into the subconscious.
2Scott Baio, Erin Moran, Al Molinaro- Premiered: March 23, 1982
A spin-off from a much-loved classic sitcom, who can forget this ill-fated romantic comedy about two teens from Milwaukee making their way in the big city? However, its theme song was forgettable; a cheesy love ballad that just didn't hold up in comparison to the original show's iconic tune.
3Adrianne Curry, Yoanna House, Tyra Banks- Premiered: May 20, 2003
This reality competition has made aspiring models' dreams come true, with a catchphrase-spewing host and incredible photo shoots. Yet, for all its glitz and glamour, the theme song is a decidedly lackluster affair, leaving a slightly bitter aftertaste to an otherwise entertaining show.
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4Veronica's Closet
Kirstie Alley, Kathy Najimy, Dan Cortese- Premiered: September 25, 1997
Starring a beloved actress, a seemingly foolproof formula of a woman who runs a lingerie business while dealing with romantic twists, this sitcom had potential. Sadly, its theme song was as bland and uninspired as an elevator muzak, not at all reflecting the sassy protagonist.
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5Jennifer Beals, Laurel Holloman, Mia Kirshner- Premiered: January 18, 2004
A groundbreaking series celebrating the lives and loves of a group of LGBTQ+ women in Los Angeles, yet its theme song proved less than iconic. Sounding more like a lounge jazz number, the forgettable tune simply didn't do justice to the progressive content of the show.
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6Norman Fell, Audra Lindley, Jeffrey Tambor- Premiered: March 13, 1979
As a spin-off from a popular '70s sitcom, the show focused on the comedic antics of fan-favorite landlords. Unfortunately, the groovy theme song neither convinced viewers nor complemented the couple's timeless charm.
