Why are theme tunes important?
A show’s theme tune is the first thing to reach an audience’s ears, making it a huge factor in their first impression of what they’re about to watch. The best themes become synonymous with a show’s identity and often go down in history as iconic pieces of music in their own right.
Peep Show – Flagpole Sitta by Harvey Danger (2003)
Peep Show’s first series didn’t pull in the viewing figures writers had hoped for. This led the team to reassess aspects of the format – including the opening title music, originally “Pip Pop Plop” by BAFTA-nominated composer Daniel Pemberton.
From season two onwards, the show opened with the pop-punk hit “Flagpole Sitta.” The upbeat, slightly manic energy of the track appealed perfectly to the target 18–36 demographic. Its sarcastic, fatalistic lyrics mirror Mark and Jez’s awkward misadventures. The switch helped cement the show as a British comedy classic.
Arthur – Believe in Yourself (1996)
Written by Judy Henderson for the show’s debut, this joyous reggae-infused theme was performed by Ziggy Marley and The Melody Makers. (Ziggy, of course, being the son of reggae legend Bob Marley.)
The lyrics are heart warming and wholesome, encouraging self-confidence and togetherness. For many 2000s kids, it’s permanently etched into childhood memory.
Minder – I Could Be So Good for You by Dennis Waterman (1979)
This theme to Minder will always evoke memories of Saturday night TV with my dad. Airing from 1979 to 1994, the show followed the dodgy dealings of Arthur Daley (played by George Cole), a shady London businessman, and his minder, Terry McCann (Waterman), a former boxer.
Waterman himself performed the theme, something many viewers didn’t initially realise. Released as a single alongside the show’s debut in 1979, it failed to chart at first. However, after being re-released in 1980, it peaked at No. 3 in the UK charts.
There’s some debate over the songwriting credits between Waterman and his then-wife Patricia Maynard. Either way, it’s a proper knees-up – the kind of sing-along that would go down a storm in any working men’s club.
The Mighty Boosh – Theme by Julian Barratt & Noel Fielding (2003)
Julian Barratt is something of a dark horse musically, writing and performing much of the show’s original music across its four-year run. The main theme is a 26-second surreal electro burst featuring co-creator Noel Fielding its short, strange, and instantly recognisable.
The duo released The Mighty Boosh Live in 2006, and while there were rumours of a full studio album, it never materialised. A shame, really, because tracks like “Ape of Death” prove they had serious cult-music potential.
Friends – I’ll Be There for You by The Rembrandts (1994)
The lyrics for this theme were commissioned by Friends creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane. Performed by The Rembrandts, a full-length version was released in 1995 following the sitcom’s huge success.
Capturing the chaos of adult life and the importance of friendship as a support system, the song became a 90s anthem in its own right. The band have reportedly earned millions in royalties – and with the show’s continued global popularity, that likely won’t stop anytime soon.
What’s your favourite TV theme tune? Let us know in the comments on Instagram @under.the.frequency.