4 TV Show Theme Songs That Became No. 1 Hits

There is a tendency to not think of theme music as a “real” song. Though they are some of the most intrinsic and enduring pieces of music, they aren’t songs we often listen to outside of the show they were created for. At least, that’s what most of us would think…In reality, many theme songs have topped the charts over the years. Find four of them below.

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[RELATED: 8 Very ‘80s TV Theme Songs]

“Miami Vice” (Jan Hammer)

It’s not often that an instrumental tops the Billboard Hot 100; however, the Miami Vice theme song did just that. This oh-so-’80s theme song managed to soar all the way to no. 1 without having a single lyric. While it certainly speaks to the testament of the show it was made for, it also highlights the power of a well-made melody. It’s proof that you don’t need a strong chorus to make something a hit.

The Miami Vice theme was the last instrumental to top the charts until 2013, when the viral internet challenge “Harlem Shake” took over that milestone.

“I’ll Be There For You” (The Rembrandts)

Given the continued popularity of Friends, it’s no surprise that the accompanying theme song charted as well as it did. The Rembrandts‘ “I’ll Be There For You” is one of the most instantly recognizable theme songs in TV history. It has got cross-generational appeal and is unlikely to fall out of popularity any time soon. It peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay Chart in the U.S. and also made a showing on the charts of several other countries.

“The Ballad of Jed Clampett” – Paul Henning

A good TV show theme sets the scene for what the audience will then watch. You could jump right into almost any episode of The Beverly Hillbillies thanks to its stellar theme. “The Ballad of Jed Clampett” is the perfect bit of quick exposition to take us from the backwoods to Rodeo Drive. Moreover, it has become a part of country music history, further cementing its status as a chart-topping theme song.

“T.S.O.P” – MFSB

Soul Train‘s “T.S.O.P” became the first TV theme song to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Moreover, this is one of the first disco songs to earn that honor, ushering in a new era of music. This theme changed the preconceived notion of a TV theme. They were no longer only intros to other media. They had viable hit potential. Learn more about this theme becoming the first No. 1 on that particular chart, HERE.

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