At one time, the theme songs that opened television series were almost as famous as the shows themselves. People could sing along with the theme of old shows like Cheers and Happy Days and know exactly what show they introduced. This went into overdrive in the 90s, thanks to shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was a rare show in that the main star sang the theme to the show, as Will Smith was a musical artist before he was an actor. The 90s was also a time when alternative rock rose to the top of the charts, and many series — both dramas and sitcoms — had songs from famous artists that topped the charts.
10 The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air
The theme song from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was notable for more than one reason. First, it was sung by Will Smith, who was also the star of the show. Before acting, Smith was part of the duo DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, which led to his stardom.
The second notable thing was that this sitcom theme song told his origin story, with Smith talking about getting into a fight in Philadelphia before being sent to live with his aunt and uncle in Bel-Air. The song was composed by Quincy Jones, who himself has won 28 Grammy Awards throughout his career.
9 The Sopranos
The Sopranos proved that HBO was the top of the line when it came to dramatic television series. The show focused on Tony Soprano and his attempts to balance his family life and mafia life.
The theme song remains memorable, as it was by the British band Alabama 3, titled "Woke Up This Morning (Chosen One Mix)." It was originally on the 1997 album Exile on Coldharbour Lane and premiered on The Sopranos in 1999.
8 Dawson's Creek
In some interesting trivia, the song used for the pilot episode of Dawson's Creek was "Hand in My Pocket" by Alanis Morissette. However, when Dawson's Creek was ordered for a series, Morissette didn't want to release the rights for long-term use, so they had to find a new song.
This was a massive moment for Paula Cole, whose song "I Don't Want to Wait" ended up being used for the show. The song itself hit 11th on the Billboard charts, and VH1 named it one of the best songs of the 90s.
7 Charmed
When looking at the supernatural shows that hit popularity in the 90s, most had instrumental themes, such as the theme songs for Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel. When it comes to Charmed and the tales of the Halliwell sisters - The Charmed Ones - a real song was chosen.
This was "How Soon Is Now," which was a cover song by Love Spit Love. The original song was by the punk icon Smiths, and the lyrics fit the show in every way. However, you won't hear it on streaming services because the music license lapsed.
6 That 70s Show
The opening theme song for That 70s Show had the kids from the series driving in a car, with each of the members of the cast switching spots as the opening credits roll.
The theme song was just as poppy with the Big Star's "In the Street," which remains ingrained in fans' memories to this day. The first season had Todd Griffin cover the song, but legendary 70s band Cheap Trick took over the song after that season.
5 The Drew Carey Show
The Drew Carey Show's opening was similar to the theme for That 70's Show. The cast played along with the music throughout the opening credits. There were three opening theme songs, starting with "Moon Over Parma" and followed up by "Five O'Clock World" by The Vogues.
However, in season 4, the song took on its most memorable theme song with "Cleveland Rocks" by the alt-rock band The Presidents of the United States of America.
4 Party Of Five
Anyone who watched the rebooted version of Party of Five didn't get to hear the song made famous thanks to the original series. That original song was titled "Closer to Free," which ended up as the top hit by the rock band BoDeans.
The song was a significant hit that peaked at 16th on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. The song was from the band's fifth studio album, Go Slow Down, in 1993.
3 Friends
Arguably, the most popular 90's television theme song in history was from the sitcom Friends. The song was by the band The Rembrandts, titled "I'll Be There for You." The song for the show was just 40 seconds in length and was extended into a three-minute song for radio, where it peaked at 17th on the Billboard Hot 100.
Out of all the songs created for television shows, this was one of the key examples of one that took on a life of its own outside of the TV show.
2 Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
Even kids' shows often get great theme songs that are absorbed into the public consciousness over the years. That was the case with the 1993 kids' action show, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, which has a theme song that everyone knows, even over two decades later.
The line "Go Go Power Rangers" played over the first three seasons, produced by Ron Wasserman. The song was so iconic that the title became the team's catchphrase for every Power Rangers series and movie that came out after that.
1 Blossom
In 1990, Blossom took the world by storm, and the opening credits had actress Mayim Bialik dancing in front of a personal camcorder with the theme song playing over the credits.
That song was "My Opinionation" by Dr. John. The singer also performed the theme for Bialik's other show, Molloy. Dr. John, who has won six Grammy Awards and is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, will always hold a soft spot for people who still remember Bialik's dancing opening sequence.
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