The 1990s was a decade marked by innovative music, entertaining pop culture, and evolving styles. However, one of the best things to come from this upbeat era might just be its TV shows. At a time when technology was quickly evolving and improving, the ’90s saw shows with new characters, storylines, and drama, now more clear and accessible than ever before.
But as time passes, it’s easy to forget just exactly what happened in every episode of your favorite show. The one thing you will never forget, however, is the show’s theme song. Whether it was a catchy, wordless-tune, or an original song, theme songs help to define the television shows of the decade, some of which are still on the air today.
From SpongeBob Squarepants to Dawson’s Creek, we take a look back at some of the shows from the decade with theme songs that are too good (or too annoying) to forget, even 20 years later.
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15 South Park (1997)
Paramount Media Networks
The first entry on our list goes to the raunchy, adult cartoon South Park, a show which certainly doesn’t shy away from controversy. The show follows four childhood friends, Stan, Kyle, Eric (who goes by his last name, Cartman), and Kenny, as they engage in crazy shenanigans in the town of South Park, Colorado.
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The show opens with an original song about the town, where images and characters from the show flash by as the song plays. The song is actually performed by the well-known band Primus and has become a highly recognized and beloved aspect of adult television. Both the show and its original theme song have certainly stood the test of time and are still on the air today!
14 Twin Peaks (1990)
ABC
Unlike some of the other entries on this list, the introductory song to Twin Peaks is calmer, more melodious, and slightly understated by comparison. The series follows a team as they investigate the death and suspected murder of one of the town’s teens. The show features elements of horror, classic detective fiction, as well as fantasy, making it one of the heaviest dramas on this list.
The theme song, however, uses synths and drums to illicit the feeling of mystery that the show is all about. Though subtle, this theme song is one that certainly cannot be forgotten.
13 Pokémon (1997)
TXN (TV Tokyo)
The Pokémon franchise has become a wildly successful phenomenon since the original show aired in 1997. The show follows Ash Ketchum and his buddy Pikachu as they look to gain new skills and meet creatures along the way. The series has spurred playable cards, video games, and merchandise of everyone’s favorite little pocket monsters.
Yet, the original theme song is arguably one of the most recognizable aspects of the show. With its upbeat nature and slamming electric guitar, this song certainly sets the tone for a series full of action and adventure!
12 SpongeBob SquarePants (1999)
Nickelodeon
Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? SpongeBob SquarePants of course! The 1999 kids’ television show introduced the world to everyone’s favorite undersea critters like Patrick Star, Mr. Krabs, Squidward, and the titular SpongeBob SquarePants. Every episode, we follow the crew on zany adventures in Bikini Bottom and see SpongeBob in his day-to-day as a fry cook at the Krusty Krab.
This theme song is one that truly lives rent-free in the minds of millions. This original song is sung by a bearded pirate, repeatedly saying the titular character’s name; ’90s kids all over just can’t seem to forget the semi-annoying but silly theme song even 20 years later!
11 Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers (1993)
Saban International
It seemed like every young kid in the ’90s wanted to be as cool as the power rangers. Another kids’ show, the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers follows the titular group as they train to become the best fighters and defeat different villains in each episode. Each dressed in a different color, the fighters have distinct powers but all work together to meet their ultimate goals in the series.
Its theme song features ripping guitar riffs and explosive lyrics, similar to the power rangers themselves. The specific line “go, go power rangers” has since become a key aspect of the brand, helping to set these ninja-like fighters apart from other action figure toys of the decade.
10 Baywatch (1989)
Though Baywatch started its run in the 1980s, the show has since become a staple of the 1990s, thanks in part to its iconic cast and even more iconic theme song. Here, audiences follow a group of lifeguards as they patrol beaches on the West Coast and in Hawaii.
The song “I’m Always Here” opens with intense drums that help hammer home how action-packed the series is. Furthermore, the lyrics do the same, assuring viewers that the Baywatch lifeguards will always be there to help a person in need, something that they do in nearly every episode.
9 The X-Files (1993)
Ten Thirteen Productions
The X-Files is certainly one of the heavier shows on this list. The series follows two investigators as they look into unsolved crimes, many of which have some supernatural element to them. Facing danger and working diligently to solve the mystery, viewers are taken on a wild ride, one that can at times, get grim and scary.
The theme song is one that many often hear around Halloween; with its dark and mysterious nature, the song conveys a sense of unrest, accompanied by an eerie whistle played overtop of minor scale notes. It is as creepy as it is unique, making it one of the most unforgettable musical introductions on this list.
8 Dawson’s Creek (1998)
Columbia Pictures Television
Dawson’s Creek is one of the many teen dramas that follows a group of friends through their youth in a fictional Cape Cod town called Capeside, Massachusetts. One of the most defining aspects of the show was its love triangle, which included three of the four main leads.
“I Don’t Want to Wait” is the iconic opening song to this drama series. Performed by Paula Cole, you may have heard this song outside its popular television show, making its way to radios and iPods throughout the ’90s and still today. It is catchy, emotional, and helped catapult the show to widespread acclaim and success.
7 Law and Order (1990)
NBCUniversal
Law and Order is another entry that has certainly stood the test of time, still being aired today. The series tackles a wide range of topics, all of which pertain to the criminal justice system in the city of New York. Episodes are split into two parts, where the first part shows a suspect being investigated and ultimately apprehended, while the second part follows their experience in the court of law.
Though this song is entirely wordless, the beat is completely unique; when viewers hear the first sound of the bass, they know exactly which show they are watching. The song is as subtle, sly, and mysterious as the show itself is; it portrays a seriousness that is both necessary and effective in showing that this series means business.
6 Full House (1989)
Full House is another entry that technically arose from the 1980s, however, the show saw most of its run and grew to massive popularity in the 1990s. Here, we follow a single dad as he attempts to raise his three daughters with the help of their two uncles. The family was shown to be idealistically tight-knit, with some major lessons being taught throughout each episode. The series also showcased some amazing talent as well including John Stamos, who played Uncle Jesse, and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who split the role of baby Michelle.
Every episode opened with a heartwarming tune called “Everywhere You Look,” which included lyrics that spoke on the importance of having people to lean on as well as a place to call home. The song perfectly encapsulated what the series itself stood for and let audiences know that this family would be there to support one another through it all.
5 That ’70s Show (1998)
The Carsey-Werner Company
That ’70s Show was, funnily enough, a staple of 1990s television. The series follows six friends through their teenage years in the 1970s; the clothes, styles, and music in the show all stay true to the decade that the show is set in, making for quite a nostalgic and aesthetically pleasing watch. Aside from that, the show is hilarious showcasing talents like Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis.
Though this theme song is one of the shorter ones on this list, it certainly packs a punch. Performed in the classic ’70s rock style, “In the Street” was an original composition that played before each episode. As the song plays, we see the gang as they jam out together in the car, showing just how fun and laid-back the main group is.
4 The Simpsons (1989)
20th Television
The Simpsons may be one of the longest-running shows on this list. Another adult cartoon, this show follows the titular family in their hometown of Springfield. Stylized as unique yellow figures, The Simpsons are a family that is synonymous with the success of American TV.
The only words that are sung throughout this theme song are “The Simpsons;” for the most part, this theme song has no other lyrics. During the opening song, viewers are taken on a ride through the city of Springfield and get a taste of what life is like inside the fictional town and the interactions of the family. Regardless, viewers of all ages find themselves mindlessly humming this tune, unable to get it out of their heads.
3 Beverly Hills 90210 (1990)
CBS
Beverly Hills 90210 is a series that followed a group of kids as they transitioned from childhood to adulthood, set in the luxurious location of Beverly Hills, California. Chock-full of drama, this series included all the romance and drama that teen shows are typically known for. It ultimately shot its main cast to super stardom including the likes of Tori Spelling and Jennie Garth.
However, its theme song is easily one of the most notable aspects of the series. Opening with heavy-hitting guitar chords and two claps, Beverly Hills 90210 sets the stage with a fun, vibrant tune that most can recognize within the first few seconds.
2 The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990)
Warner Bros. Television Distribution
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air may be one of the few hip-hop-based theme songs on this list. However, it also has one of the best theme songs to date. The show follows Will Smith when he is uprooted from his life in Philadelphia and is sent to live with his wealthy family in California. His lifestyle clashes with that of his rich family, leading to fun drama and interactions between his seemingly uptight family.
Performed by Will Smith who plays the lead character in the series, the theme song includes a rap about how exactly Will ended up in Bel-Air in the first place. Apart from being extremely catchy, this song serves almost as a time capsule of the ’90s, showcasing the styles, musical beats, and swag that the decade is now known for.
1 Friends (1994)
Warner Bros. Television
Friends might have one of the most catchy, recognizable theme songs of not only the 1990s but of all time. This sitcom followed six friends, Chandler, Ross, Joey, Phoebe, Monica, and Rachel, as they attempt to navigate young adulthood in New York City. The show, which was an undeniable 90s favorite, introduced audiences to now iconic sets like the Central Perk café and had quotable lines in nearly every single episode. From “Smelly Cat” to Ross and Rachel’s infamous break, the show has no shortage of drama and fun.
But perhaps the most iconic of all is “I’ll Be There for You,” the theme song which opened each episode with a bang. Audiences in the 90s as well as re-watchers today enjoy singing and clapping to the beat; it’s too catchy not to sing along! Performed by The Rembrandts, the song has not only become a staple of the decade but a staple of American television.
