The best TV theme songs from the 2000s give audiences a taste of the world they are about to enter. The key to creating a great theme song, regardless of the decade, is matching the established atmosphere the series has set. The best theme song for a heartfelt drama series about a family has an upbeat tune with warm and inviting lyrics. Many of the best theme songs have catchy lyrics that invite audiences to sit through the opening credits and sing along to a popular song that embodies the 2000s TV show.

Gilmore Girls‘ “Where You Lead” by Carole King and Scrubs‘ “Superman” by Lazlo Bane have become synonymous with their respective shows, years after they ended. However, lyrics aren’t a required ingredient when creating a memorable theme song. A series like Friday Night Lights has created a sticky theme with its orchestral instrumental and Breaking Bad has accomplished the same thing with its eerie resonator guitar. While it’s easy for a theme song to get stuck in the audience’s heads, as it’s played at the beginning of every episode, only the best lasts beyond a series finale and remains just as catchy years later.

12

One Tree Hill – “I Don’t Want to Be”

Gavin DeGraw

Originally a track from Gavin DeGraw’s debut album, “I Don’t Want to Be” became a major hit after its use as One Tree Hill‘s theme song. DeGraw’s lyrics, “I’m tired of looking ’round rooms wondering what I’ve gotta do or who I’m supposed to be,” perfectly encapsulate the teenage experience and is fitting for the characters in the town of Tree Hill as they’re finding their place in the world. DeGraw’s song fits so well with the Tree Hill teenagers that it was dropped from One Tree Hill season 5 once the characters had graduated from college. However, audiences had already become well attached to the catchy and emotional coming-of-age tones within the songs’ lyrics and it was eventually brought back in later seasons.

11

Parks and Recreation – “Main Theme”

Gaby Moreno and Vincent Jones

The theme song of Parks and Recreation doesn’t have lyrics, but it has a long-lasting effect on audiences as they associate the upbeat, happy tune with the series’ beloved characters. Gaby Moreno and Vincent Jones were able to create a theme that captures the essence of the fictional Midwestern city of Pawnee, Indiana. In the opening sequence, the main theme is paired alongside images of parks, lakes, and wildlife across Pawnee that represent the feel of the average, mid-sized city. Additionally, the quick tempo of Parks and Recreation‘s theme song further establishes the sitcom genre of the series as well as the differing comical character dynamics audiences will grow accustomed to.

10

Psych – “I Know You Know”

The Friendly Indians

The spot-on lyrics for Psych‘s theme song are no coincidence as series creator Steve Franks is a member of the band that performs the song “I Know You Know.” Therefore, lyrics such as, “I know, you know, that I’m not telling the truth,” perfectly align with the premise of the show which follows Psych‘s lead characters who deceive others into thinking that they solve criminal cases with their supposed psychic abilities. The fun tempo and lyrics of Psych‘s theme depict the comical and endearing dynamic between Shawn and Gus and give a heads-up to the audience that, though there are stakes in Psych, the series doesn’t ever take itself too seriously.

9

The O.C. – “California”

Phantom Planet

Needle drops in The O.C. are a significant part of the series as it became known for using great music. One of the most important songs used in The O.C. is its theme song, “California,” performed by Phantom Planet. Not only is the theme heavily reminiscent of 2000s indie rock, but the building of the instrumentation mirrors the balance of heavy and light moments in The O.C. One of the sweetest parts of the show is when the four friends spend time bonding with one another. The reference to driving in Phantom Planet’s song makes it an ideal visual for audiences to picture Seth, Summer, Marissa, and Ryan on a road trip while blasting “California.”

8

Scrubs – “Superman”

Lazlo Bane

According to series creator Bill Lawrence, “Superman” by Lazlo Bane was suggested by Scrubs‘ Zach Braff. Short and effective, the lyrics in Scrubs‘ theme song are the thesis statement of its characters, “I can’t do this all on my own. No, I know I’m no Superman.” The comedy series is centered around the lives of medical workers and these lyrics put forth the idea that, despite the importance placed upon them because of their job title, they aren’t superhuman beings with the power to solve every issue they encounter. The opening lyrics also suggest the importance of teamwork in a hospital setting and imply the entertaining friendships within Scrubs.

7

Gilmore Girls – “Where You Lead I Will Follow”

Carole King and Louise Goffin

Focusing on the mother-daughter duo Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, there’s no better song for Gilmore Girls‘ theme than “Where You Lead I Will Follow.” The original song, sung by Carole King, references a story about connection and trust with another individual. For Gilmore Girls, a new version of the song was created and featured vocals from King’s daughter, Louise Goffin, wonderfully tying into the premise of the series with an ample amount of heart and capturing the heartfelt relationship between a parent and their child. The instrumentation of the song is beautifully paired with King’s famous vocals and makes for a warm and inviting tune, indicative of the small town of Stars Hollow.

6

Smallville – “Save Me”

Remy Zero

A song titled “Save Me” might seem too on the nose for a TV show about Clark Kent, but it’s significant that Smallville opted for the Remy Zero song rather than a grand orchestral piece with an array of strings that accompanies many superhero movies and TV shows today. Though Smallville follows a soon-to-be superhero, it’s still a coming-of-age drama, and the 2001 rock song is much more fitting for the journey Clark goes on in the show. The instrumentation is found in numerous popular rock hits from the decade, fully representative of the angst felt during Clark’s teenage years that much of Smallville covers.

5

Friday Night Lights – “Friday Night Lights Theme”

W. G. Snuffy Walden

Set in the fictional town of Dillon, Texas, the Friday Night Lights theme song is the epitome of the small town and the passionate, football-loving community within it. Composed by W. G. Snuffy Walden, “Friday Night Lights Theme” starts with a slow guitar instrumental that is set to scenery around Dillon, evoking a feeling of nostalgia. This quickly builds into something that mirrors the emotions felt during the last crucial minutes of a football game. The rise in pace provides an audible portrait of Tim Riggins or Brian Williams running with all their strength into the end zone hoping to get another win for the Dillon Panthers.

4

Big Bang Theory – “Big Bang Theory Theme”

Barenaked Ladies

Following a group of individuals with a passion for science, The Big Bang Theory‘s theme song was created by the band Barenaked Ladies and is a fun, uptempo retelling of the creation of the universe that mentions Neanderthals, pyramids, and more. Barenaked Ladies is known to include comedic banter and freestyle rapping during their live performances and this is evident in The Big Bang Theory‘s theme. The quirky adlibs and rap-like delivery in the opening song suit the sitcom’s use of humor and, due to the series’ popularity, The Big Bang Theory and its theme song have become synonymous for many with the titular scientific theory.

3

The Wire – “Way Down in the Hole”

Tom Waits

The Wire is a fan favorite series for many, as each season is a gripping exploration of differing institutions in the city of Baltimore and how they’re connected to the law. The Wire‘s theme song, “Way Down in the Hole,” is originally performed by Tom Waits, but due to the seasonal shift in tone and subject, The Wire cleverly chooses different artists to perform the song for each season’s opening credits. The lyrics of the song are intentionally synced to the footage in the opening sequence, as well as the series’ overall themes. Creator David Simon is a fan of Waits and searched for a song in his discography that aligned with The Wire‘s themes of cynicism and pain.

2

Breaking Bad – “Breaking Bad Main Title Theme”

Dave Porter

Composed by Dave Porter, Breaking Bad‘s theme has vital elements to make the tone of the series clear. The use of a resonator guitar gives the tune an eerie and dark feel, fitting to the gradual journey Walter White goes on during Breaking Bad‘s run. This dark theme also represents the landscape of Albuquerque, New Mexico, where the series is set, and is coupled with ambient sounds of grasshoppers during the last few seconds of the song. During an interview, Porter detailed the combination of organic sounds and instruments within his work, which included bugs and lab equipment (via Soniccouture).

1

Malcolm In The Middle – “Boss of Me”

They Might Be Giants

Centered on a dysfunctional family, Malcolm in the Middle remains relevant beyond its series finale for its’ portrayed family dynamics, use of comedy, and memorable Grammy-winning punk theme song. “Boss of Me” is just one of the many ways Malcolm in the Middle incorporated pop-punk influences into the series, forever securing its impact on 2000s youth culture. The repeated phrase, “You’re not the boss of me now,” is a common adolescent way of thinking, especially pertaining to the series’ titular child, played by Frankie Muniz. The angsty expression is further symbolic of the brotherly relationships in the show that audiences often find reflected parts of their family.