Theme songs have stood the test of time, at least in memory. This week, the 70s square off against the 80s for the crown of the best opening tune. These brief musical statements did more than introduce a show; they set the mood, signaled tone, and followed households as the TV turned on. In both the United States and Canada, these intros created shared rituals, quick mood shifts, and a sense of belonging that outlived the episodes themselves. The era mattered: the technology was different, the pacing slower in some ways, yet the power of a great opening remained undeniable. Back then, a theme song could promise laughter, adventure, or warmth in just a few bars. It could introduce the cast, hint at recurring storylines, and give viewers a reason to stay for the credits. The best openings became part of daily life, threaded into conversations, schoolyard chatter, and family road trips. This piece surveys the most resonant early hits and the way they shaped audience expectations for what a TV show could offer even before the first line of dialogue. Across North America, these melodies linger, inviting a smile or a nostalgic sigh whenever they resurface in clips, reunions, or streaming playlists.
THE BRADY BUNCH, 1969 to 1974:
This opener is built on bright harmonies and a story many families recognize. The Brady Bunch theme tallies the family tree in a quick, cheerful chorus that hints at a tale about a loving mom who was raising three very lovely girls. The tune, composed for the show by Frank De Vol, captures a hopeful, middle class optimism that defined late 1960s television. It offers a snapshot of a simpler, sunnier era and acts as a friendly invitation into the house where adventures and mischief awaited. Over decades it has endured in reruns, compilations, and meme culture, proving that a short, catchy hook can outpace even a long-running series. The refrain remains a cultural touchstone, instantly evoking the peculiar, comforting world of the Brady household without needing the context of the episode that follows.
FULL HOUSE, 1987 to 1995:
Everywhere You Look is the Full House theme song, performed by Jesse Frederick with a light pop touch that matched the late 1980s optimism. The chorus is simple, the melody bright, and the rhythm invites listeners to hum along with ease. The opening cue plays over quick shots of the Tanner family, a portrait of a lively, slightly chaotic household where friends and family gather under one roof. The tune became a musical postcard for the era’s family sitcoms, signaling warmth, humor, and the feeling that everything would be all right. As television moved toward more serialized stories, the Full House theme offered a dependable emotional anchor, a nostalgic reminder of precious moments during a busy week. It remains a defining landmark for late 80s soundtracks and a touchstone for fans revisiting the series on streaming platforms.
Readers are invited to recall favorites and reflect on how a tune shaped the feeling of home on those rainy nights and weekend marathons. Which theme song stood out as a personal favorite?