RATINGS RECAP: 2/26/12

ABC
7:00 Oscars Red Carpet Live
Viewers: 17.8 million, 18-49 demo: 4.3
8:30 84th Annual Academy Awards
Viewers: 39.3 million, 18-49 demo: 11.7

CBS
7:00 60 Minutes (Repeat)
Viewers: 7.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
8:00 The Amazing Race
Viewers: 7.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
9:00 The Mentalist (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
10:00 CSI: Miami (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1

NBC
7:00 Dateline NBC (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1
8:00 Celebrity Apprentice (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
9:00 Celebrity Apprentice
Viewers: 5.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8 

FOX
7:00 Bob's Burgers (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
7:30 The Cleveland Show (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
8:00 The Simpsons (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
8:30 Napoleon Dynamite (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
9:00 Family Guy (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
9:30 American Dad! (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5 

Sunday night was all about the Oscars. The 84th annual event brought Billy Crystal back as host after last year's failed James Franco-Anne Hathaway experiment. It was up 1.4 million viewers but down a tenth in the demo from last year's telecast. Not bad considering there were very few mainstream movies in major categories. Repeat episodes dominated most of the other networks but shows that were new got killed. The Amazing Race was down 2.6 million viewers and six tenths in the demo and Celebrity Apprentice was down 2.2 million viewers and eight tenths in the demo. Both results are to be expected though.

RATINGS RECAP: 2/25/12

ABC 
8:00 Wipeout (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
9:00 Movie: The Devil Wears Prada
Viewers: 3.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1

CBS
8:00 Rules of Engagement (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
8:30 Two and a Half Men (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
9:00 The Mentalist (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
10:00 48 Hours Mystery
Viewers: 5.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1

NBC
8:00 Smash (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.3
9:00 The Firm
Viewers: 2.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.4
10:00 Law & Order: SVU (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6

FOX
8:00 Cops
Viewers: 3.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
8:30 Cops
Viewers: 4.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
9:00 The Finder (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.5 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7 

RATINGS RECAP: 2/24/12

ABC
8:00 Shark Tank
Viewers: 5.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
9:00 Primetime: What Would You Do?
Viewers: 4.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
10:00 20/20
Viewers: 4.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

CBS
8:00 Undercover Boss
Viewers: 8.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9
9:00 A Gifted Man
Viewers: 9.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
10:00 Blue Bloods
Viewers: 11.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7

NBC
8:00 Who Do You Think You Are?
Viewers: 5.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0
9:00 Grimm
Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
10:00 Dateline NBC
Viewers: 5.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3

FOX
8:00 Kitchen Nightmares
Viewers: 3.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
9:00 Fringe
Viewers: 3.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2 

On Friday night, CBS had its usual lineup. Undercover Boss was down a big 2.1 million viewers and half a demo point from its Friday debut last week. This seems like a huge drop so it may not stay this low in future weeks but even if it does, it's still a big improvement in the demo for the time period. At 9pm, A Gifted Man was down four tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo. This show is not doing enough in its 9pm trial to change CBS's mind about a second season. At 10pm, Blue Bloods was up six tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo.

Over on ABC, they started off on a good note as Shark Tank was up two tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo, tying a season high in the demo and coming within a tenth of Undercover Boss. Looks like there is enough audience for both shows to do well by Friday 8pm standards. At 9pm, Primetime: What Would You Do? was even in viewers and down a tenth in the demo from its last airing two weeks ago. 20/20 closed out the night down big from last week's special two hour Whitney Houston tribute. 

Over on NBC, Who Do You Think You Are? started off the night down six tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo. There's a lot of reality shows in this timeslot and it looks like NBC is the odd one out - surprise, surprise. At 9pm, Grimm was down half a million viewers and a tenth in the demo. This is still holding its own by NBC Friday standards. At 10pm, Dateline NBC was up six tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo. Over on FOX, Kitchen Nightmares was up four tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo while Fringe was up a tenth in viewers and in the demo.

GOOD WEEK/BAD WEEK: Week 23

GOOD WEEK: "PERSON OF INTEREST"
CBS's new drama was one of the most hotly anticipated pilots last season as CBS claimed it was their highest testing pilot in years. It got the coveted Thursday 9pm slot that had been held by CSI for a decade and there were high hopes but it didn't start out so great as it was finishing fourth in its timeslot in the demo behind Grey's Anatomy, The Office, and Bones. But things have only picked up since then. Unlike most freshman dramas, it has grown as the season has gone on and now this week tied Grey's Anatomy for first in the demo. This came after hitting series highs a couple weeks in a row. Now with it's low 3 demo, it puts itself right in the upper echelon of broadcast dramas with Grey's, Once Upon a Time, NCIS: Los Angeles, and Criminal Minds (of course all are looking up at NCIS). It is easily CBS's number one new drama as it has far surpassed Unforgettable. Many wondered if CBS would move this show or cancel it all together a few months back but now I think it should stay put and I'm glad viewers are realizing how good this show truly is.

BAD WEEK: "AMERICAN IDOL"
Yes, American Idol is still one of TV's top shows but the long-running reality smash is showing some major signs of age this year. With its mega drops this week (a full demo point on Wednesday), it is now running north of 35% below last year's numbers at this time. That is a horrific drop for any show and it looks like American Idol may finally be running out of steam. Don't get me wrong, it will be on for awhile still because it can still drop a long way before it becomes cancellation material, but it's not anywhere close to the force it once was. Shows can survive and thrive airing against it and The Voice has stolen its thunder (it also may have been impacted by The X-Factor as there is an overload of shows now). It's still a hit, but it's not broadcast TV's crown jewel anymore. How far will the Thursday ratings drop this season?

RATINGS RECAP: 2/23/12

ABC
8:00 Wipeout
Viewers: 5.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
9:00 Grey's Anatomy
Viewers: 9.1 million, 18-49 demo: 3.1
10:00 Private Practice
Viewers: 6.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1

CBS
8:00 The Big Bang Theory
Viewers: 16.2 million, 18-49 demo: 5.3
8:30 Rob
Viewers: 10.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.9
9:00 Person of Interest
Viewers: 14.6 million, 18-49 demo: 3.1
10:00 The Mentalist
Viewers: 13.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6

NBC
8:00 30 Rock
Viewers: 3.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
8:30 Parks and Recreation
Viewers: 3.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
9:00 The Office
Viewers: 5.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6
9:30 Up All Night
Viewers: 3.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
10:00 Grimm (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.2 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9

FOX
8:00 American Idol
Viewers: 15.6 million, 18-49 demo: 4.5
9:00 The Finder
Viewers: 6.2 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0

On Thursday night, CBS saw a rebound from The Big Bang Theory which was up half a million viewers and two tenths in the demo as it trounced American Idol for the night. At 8:30pm, Rob was down four tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo for a series low. The retention has gotten worse and worse for this show which does not bode well for the future with its season finale next week. At 9pm, Person of Interest was up a nice 1.4 million viewers and three tenths in the demo, tying Grey's Anatomy for the demo win for the first time. Not bad for a show that started the season fourth in the demo. At 10pm, The Mentalist was down two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo despite the lead-in being up. 

Over on ABC, Wipeout started out the night down a tenth in viewers and even in the demo. Grey's Anatomy followed up eight tenths in viewers but down another tenth in the demo for a season low. This is surprising since FOX was much weaker this week but it's still getting above a 3, which is good. ABC needs to fix 8pm on this night and that may help Grey's. At 10pm, Private Practice was down a big eight tenths in viewers and half a demo point as it was up last week due to a crossover with Grey's Anatomy.  

NBC saw some rebounds for the 9pm shows but nothing spectacular. At 8pm, 30 Rock was up a tenth in viewers and even in the demo while Parks and Recreation was down a tenth and even in the demo. At 9pm, The Office was up six tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo, avoiding its downward spiral for now. Up All Night followed up four tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo. FOX did not have a positive night as American Idol was down 1.1 million viewers and six tenths in the demo. A 4.5 is good for most shows but low for the once unstoppable Idol. It was beaten by The Big Bang Theory, Modern Family, and The Voice in the demo this week. At this point, Idol is now just one of the top shows and not on an island all on its own. It's year-to-year losses are scary. At 9pm, The Finder was even in viewers but down two tenths in the demo. This show will not be getting a second season.

RATINGS RECAP: 2/22/12

ABC
8:00 The Middle
Viewers: 7.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
8:30 Suburgatory
Viewers: 6.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3
9:00 Modern Family
Viewers: 11.5 million, 18-49 demo: 4.8
9:30 Happy Endings
Viewers: 5.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
10:00 20/20 Special: Before They Were Famous
Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4

CBS
8:00 Survivor: One World
Viewers: 10.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8
9:00 Criminal Minds
Viewers: 12.8 million, 18-49 demo: 3.1
10:00 CSI
Viewers: 11.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.9

NBC
8:00 Whitney
Viewers: 4.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
8:30 Are You There, Chelsea?
Viewers: 3.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
9:00 Rock Center with Brian Williams
Viewers: 2.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
10:00 Law & Order: SVU
Viewers: 6.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6

FOX
8:00 American Idol
Viewers: 16.1 million, 18-49 demo: 5.1 

It was another weak Wednesday for the broadcast networks led by American Idol which was down 2.8 million viewers and a shocking full demo point for its lowest ratings in-season ever. It is also down hugely year-to-year. While still a force, it is being eclipsed by The Voice and just one of the stronger performers instead of the far-and-away champ. This may finally be the decline that people have been predicting for years but it can still fall some more and be a player. CBS started with Survivor which was down half a million viewers and three tenths in the demo. The fall edition was getting 3 demos throughout the fall so this is not a great sign. At 9pm, Criminal Minds was up six tenths in viewers and even in the demo while CSI closed the night up a nice eight tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo.  

Over on ABC, The Middle started off the night down half a million viewers and three tenths in the demo for a season low. This show must have a large crossover with American Idol because it always wilts in the spring. At 8:30pm, Suburgatory was down a tenth in viewers and two tenths in the demo for series low. Modern Family followed and was up three tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo, but it remained below average. At 9:30pm, Happy Endings was up a tenth in viewers and even in the demo. A 20/20 special at 10pm did nothing. ABC will air a "Real Life Revenge" newsmagazine series in place of Revenge repeats over the next couple weeks.

Over on NBC, the ratings were pathetic. Whitney was down four tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo, coming back to its levels from two weeks ago after a spike last week. Are You There, Chelsea? followed and was even in viewers but down a tenth in the demo for a series low. Whitney might squeak out a renewal but Chelsea, not so much. At 9pm, Rock Center with Brian Williams was completely uncompetitive as it was down three tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. Even for a cheap newsmagazine, this is pathetic. They could have just left Harry's Law here. At 10pm, Law & Order: SVU was up a tenth in viewers but down a tenth in the demo to another series low. This show is dying with a terrible lead-in and against CSI. NBC needs to move it because once upon a time, it was a decent performer in a sea of bad NBC ratings.

RATINGS RECAP: 2/21/12

ABC
8:00 Last Man Standing
Viewers: 7.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
8:30 Cougar Town
Viewers: 4.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
9:00 The River
Viewers: 4.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
10:00 Body of Proof
Viewers: 6.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5

CBS
8:00 NCIS
Viewers: 19.3 million, 18-49 demo: 3.6
9:00 NCIS: Los Angeles
Viewers: 15.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7
10:00 Unforgettable
Viewers: 10.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0

NBC
8:00 The Biggest Loser
Viewers: 6.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3
10:00 Parenthood
Viewers: 4.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7

FOX
8:00 Glee
Viewers: 7.5 million, 18-49 demo: 3.0
9:00 New Girl
Viewers: 6.3 million, 18-49 demo: 3.0
9:30 Raising Hope
Viewers: 4.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1 

On Tuesday night, CBS's drama lineup was down across the board in the demo even though viewers were pretty stable. At 8pm, NCIS was down three tenths in viewers and the demo for its worst performance since December 13. At 9pm, NCIS: Los Angeles was down seven tenths in viewers and rough half a demo point for a season low in the demo. What happened here? At 10pm, Unforgettable was down three tenths in viewers and the demo for a series low in the demo. I think it's a given that this show won't be back on Tuesdays in the fall but I'm starting to wonder if it will be back at all. A 2.0 demo is low for CBS and they have more invested in other bubble shows The Good Wife and CSI: Miami than this show. 

ABC's lineup was all new starting with Last Man Standing which was down a tenth in viewers and even in the demo from last week. At 8:30pm, week two of the new season of Cougar Town was down four tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. This show is not standing on its own very well. At 9pm, week three of The River was down two tenths in viewers and even in the demo. It may have stabilized already which is good but it's still awfully low. Body of Proof rebounded from last week's series low as it was up three tenths in viewers and the demo. It is ABC's lowest rated drama in the demo now that Pan Am has ended which makes it a likely goner. 

Over on NBC, The Biggest Loser started things off up seven tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo while Parenthood was up four tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo ahead of next week's season finale. On FOX, Glee started off the night up half a million viewers and two tenths in the demo as it now heads on hiatus until April while FOX will try an all sitcom block in two weeks. At 9pm, New Girl was down two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo for a series low as it failed to build on its lead-in for only the second time this season. At 9:30pm, Raising Hope was up a tenth in viewers and even in the demo. It might have a rough go of it at 8pm with the new comedy lineup.

RATINGS RECAP: 2/20/12

ABC
8:00 The Bachelor
Viewers: 8.2 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5
10:00 Castle
Viewers: 9.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1

CBS
8:00 How I Met Your Mother
Viewers: 9.7 million, 18-49 demo: 3.8
8:30 2 Broke Girls
Viewers: 11.4 million, 18-49 demo: 4.0
9:00 Two and a Half Men
Viewers: 13.3 million, 18-49 demo: 4.2
9:30 Mike & Molly
Viewers: 11.3 million, 18-49 demo: 3.4
10:00 Hawaii Five-0
Viewers: 10.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.9

NBC
8:00 The Voice
Viewers: 16.0 million, 18-49 demo: 6.0
10:00 Smash
Viewers: 6.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3

FOX
8:00 House
Viewers: 7.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
9:00 Alcatraz
Viewers: 6.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8

On Monday night, the news was mixed for NBC. The great news is that it looks like The Voice is for real as it slid just three tenths in viewers and was even in the demo from last week. If this is where its leveling off, that is incredible news for NBC. At 10pm, though, the news was not nearly as good for Smash which was down another 1.6 million viewers and half a demo point. It has dropped a stunning 4.9 million viewers and 1.5 demo points in just three episodes. If it stopped here, that would be acceptable to NBC but there's no indication that it's done dropping yet. This is looking more and more like a big budget flop for NBC. 

CBS's lineup mostly rebounded from last week's down week but it's not as strong as it was in the fall, perhaps due to The Voice. At 8pm, How I Met Your Mother was up seven tenths in viewers and four tenths in the demo. 2 Broke Girls was up nine tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo. At 9pm, Two and a Half Men was up eight tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo. Mike & Molly was up four tenths in viewers and even in the demo. Mike & Molly seems to stay steady in the demo when the others fluctuate indicating it may have a different audience. At 10pm, Hawaii Five-0 was up seven tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo. It didn't take long for Hawaii to re-assert its time period dominance. 

Over on ABC, The Bachelor started off the night up a tenth in viewers and even in the demo while Castle was up eight tenths in viewers and a tenth of the demo. Will next week be the week it overtakes Smash for second in the demo? Over on FOX, House was down a tenth in viewers but even in the demo. It has been right around these levels for several weeks. At 9pm, Alcatraz was down two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo for more series lows. This once promising drama continues to wilt against the competition. 

RATINGS RECAP: 2/19/12

ABC
7:00 America's Funniest Home Videos
Viewers: 8.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0
8:00 Once Upon a Time
Viewers: 9.8 million, 18-49 demo: 3.1
9:00 Desperate Housewives
Viewers: 7.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
10:00 Pan Am
Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

CBS
7:00 60 Minutes
Viewers: 11.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
8:00 The Amazing Race
Viewers: 10.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8
9:00 The Good Wife
Viewers: 9.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1
10:00 CSI: Miami
Viewers: 10.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2

NBC
7:00 The Voice (Repeat)
Viewers: 5.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
9:00 Celebrity Apprentice
Viewers: 7.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6

FOX
7:00 Bob's Burgers (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
7:30 The Cleveland Show
Viewers: 2.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
8:00 The Simpsons
Viewers: 5.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6
8:30 Napoleon Dynamite
Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0
9:00 Family Guy
Viewers: 5.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8
9:30 American Dad!
Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2

On Sunday night, NBC had the season premiere of Celebrity Apprentice. The veteran reality show was down half a million viewers and two tenths in the demo from its premiere last year. This is not a bad performance for NBC or a long running show and it spiked toward the end of the two hours as it often does. Somehow, Donald Trump just keeps making this work. It's also worth noting that The Voice repeat at 7pm did better than several NBC shows... sad.

Over on CBS, 60 Minutes was down a big 2.5 million viewers and a full demo point. Last week's edition was probably impacted by pre-tune in to the Grammys though so this isn't shocking. At 8pm, the premiere of the 20th edition of The Amazing Race was up a tenth in viewers but down two tenths in the demo from its fall premiere. It was up nicely from last spring's premiere however, so that is an encouraging sign for this veteran franchise. At 9pm, The Good Wife was down 1.4 million viewers and a tenth in the demo from its last airing. What will CBS do with this show in the fall? It seems to have a ceiling for viewers but it's entering its pivotal fourth season. At 10pm, CSI: Miami was down six tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. 

ABC was all new with its regular lineup. At 7pm, America's Funniest Home Videos was up three tenths in viewers for a season high and even in the demo. This show is doing much better without football on. At 8pm, Once Upon a Time was up 1.1 million viewers and a tenth in the demo. It wasn't airing against the Grammys so it's somewhat surprising it didn't go up more, but this is still a strong showing. At 9pm, Desperate Housewives was up 1.3 million viewers and four tenths in the demo. Though it rebounded from series lows, this is still it's second-worst performance ever. There does not seem to be an increased interest with the series finale nearing. At 10pm, the season (and most certainly series) finale of Pan Am was up 1.2 million viewers and half a demo point. No matter what ABC says, there's no way this is coming back. 

FOX's animated lineup rebounded somewhat from last week's bad numbers. At 7:30pm, The Cleveland Show was not part of the rebound as it was down a tenth in viewers and even in the demo. I know it's 7:30pm, but this show is doing terribly. At 8pm, the 500th episode of The Simpsons was up 1.5 million viewers and six tenths in the demo. It's a nice gain but I'm surprised it wasn't more for such a landmark episode. At 8:30pm, Napoleon Dynamite was up six tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo despite the lead-in being up more. Family Guy was up half a million viewers and three tenths in the demo and American Dad! was up eight tenths in viewers and four tenths in the demo to round out the night.

WEEKEND REWIND: Top 50 Theme Songs #20-#11

We are getting closer to the top and here is my next 10! To see #50-41, click here. To see #40-31, click here and to see #30-21, click here!

20. Get Smart Theme (Get Smart, 1965-1970)
A very recognizable theme, Get Smart was a spoof of the very popular spy genre in the 1960s and the theme song reflects that. The show and its theme song are overly dramatic in a tongue-and-cheek, satirical way. Yet it still has a sense of excitement and intensity that was another part of the show. And of course it has an excellent title sequence too including all the contraptions Max must get through to get to CONTROL.

19. "As Days Go By" (Family Matters, 1989-1998)
Another song that trumps the show itself, Family Matters was a shrill show that made Urkel a household name. But it was originally intended to be less about Urkel and more about a family and I think the theme song reflects the original intent of the show. It's too bad that one of the most annoying personalities in sitcom history became a breakout character or this show may have been much more tolerable. Who can resist a theme song that starts with such a great piano intro?

18. The Office Theme (The Office, 2005-Present)
If you were asked to write a theme song for a show about a mid-level paper company in Scranton, Pennsylvania, would you be able to do so and capture that mood? I know I wouldn't and yet this theme song does it perfectly. Its mundane feel perfectly fits the culture of the office that has no glitz or glamor to it. Networks don't care about theme songs anymore but look at how this song has been such an iconic part of the show. Theme songs still work when they're good and appropriate and this one is both.

17. Jeopardy Theme (Jeopardy, 1984-Present)
It may only be #17 on my all-time theme song list but it is without a doubt the best game show theme of all time. The theme has undergone many transformations but the basic melody remains the same and iconic. It has had such an impact that people will sing or play that song while waiting for an answer in everyday conversations. You can't think of Jeopardy without thinking of the song and let's face it, it could be a pretty dull show without that music to jazz it up! This version is the original 1984-1991 version of the theme, probably the best one.

16. "Yo Home to Bel Air" (The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, 1990-1996)
Another annoying show but there was nothing quite like this theme song performed by series star Will Smith. This is the 1990s version of the 60s theme songs that told the plot of the show in the theme song. I can't even think of another sitcom with a hip-hop opening off the top of my head and this one is so funny and memorable. Many kids of the 1990s can sing this whole song and that's a testament to its strength.

15. The Dick Van Dyke Show Theme (The Dick Van Dyke Show, 1961-1966)
The Dick Van Dyke Show had a classy theme for a classy show. This show had a lot of glamor as the plot about a TV Writer lent itself to a lot of showbiz moments. The theme and show had a sophistication to it that wasn't present in most 1960s shows or theme songs. I couldn't find any clip of the actual sequence involving the famous trouble with the ottoman but you can still enjoy the theme here without the sequence.

14. "Everywhere You Look" (Full House, 1987-1995)
There are so many 1980s and 1990s family sitcoms that have theme songs in this family and I don't even really know how to describe it but I know that this is the best one. Yes, the show and theme song are as corny as anything out there but there's something familiar and comforting about this song. It's one of those themes that you realize how hokey and silly it is, but yet you love it deep down. I don't feel that way about the show (though many do) but I do about the theme. There's a familiarity to it that's impossible to escape.

13. "I Love Lucy" (I Love Lucy, 1951-1957)
One of the most recognizable theme songs of all time, it's a very simple opener that probably wouldn't chart as high except that there's so many other factors at work here. One is that it was the first truly great theme song in television history as this show was the first for so many things. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, hearing Desi Arnaz sing the theme song about his crazy redheaded wedding is touching and also heartbreaking when you think about what happened to this dream couple. It may be cheating since it wasn't the actual theme song but that's the version I'm putting here.

12. Bewitched Theme (Bewitched, 1964-1972)
The best 1960s theme (yes it is the highest charting one on my list), Bewitched has a magical theme song for a magical show and its theme song had a great animated sequence to accompany it. One of the best parts about this theme song in my opinion is actually the very first part where Samantha is flying through the air before she spells out the title with her broom. It has a melody line that perfectly fits Samantha flying. A close second would be the iconic nose twitch sound built into the theme song.

11. "The Final Frontier" (Mad About You, 1992-1999)
A great theme song from the 1990s, Mad About You hits all the right notes for its romantic sitcom that followed it. This is one that's also really helped by the sequence that accompanied it with the black and white pictures of the young couple in New York City. Unfortunately I couldn't find the longer version which is much better but enjoy the short version for now and treat yourself to the full thing sometime! A sign of strength for this song is that I'd like it on its own even if it wasn't connected to a show.

RATINGS RECAP: 2/18/12

ABC 
8:00 Wipeout (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.9
9:00 Movie: Wild Hogs
Viewers: 3.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.0

CBS
8:00 Person of Interest (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6
9:00 NCIS: Los Angeles (Repeat)
Viewers: 4.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
10:00 48 Hours Mystery
Viewers: 5.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1

NBC
8:00 Smash (Repeat)
Viewers: 2.1 million, 18-49 demo: 0.4
9:00 The Firm
Viewers: 2.7 million, 18-49 demo: 0.5
10:00 Law & Order: SVU (Repeat)
Viewers: 3.3 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7

FOX
8:00 NASCAR Racing
Viewers: 7.5 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1 

GOOD WEEK/BAD WEEK: Week 22

GOOD WEEK: "UNDERCOVER BOSS"
It was hard to find a show that had a good week in a week of mostly declines across all broadcast networks and all nights but one show that showed real promise was the Friday debut of Undercover Boss. The CBS reality show was a huge hit on Sunday nights following its post-Super Bowl premiere in 2010. Then CBS gave it a full season and it wilted badly at the end of the year. CBS smartly held it until midseason where it had some decent Sunday showings and then gave CBS its best Friday 8pm showing in years. In an hour filled with reality series, this show is the clear winner for now. I think CBS would be wise to hold it until midseason every year because it seems to have audience fatigue after awhile.

BAD WEEK: "THE OFFICE"
It's sad to watch a once-great show die a slow death but that is what is happening on The Office and now the ratings are reflecting that as it continues to hit its lowest numbers since its debut season in 2005. It tied an all time low this week and could reach a new low in the coming weeks. The show always was a strong demo performer that skewed young even though the viewer total wasn't strong. Now it's just weak and can no longer be a Thursday tentpole show for a night that is collapsing for NBC. You can't blame them for trying to soldier on without Steve Carell but it's not working creatively or ratings-wise. Let's give this show some dignity, because it was once brilliant, and let it end after this season. But I doubt that will happen.

RATINGS RECAP: 2/17/12

ABC
8:00 Shark Tank
Viewers: 5.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
9:00 20/20 Special Edition
Viewers: 7.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0

CBS
8:00 Undercover Boss
Viewers: 10.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
9:00 A Gifted Man
Viewers: 9.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
10:00 Blue Bloods
Viewers: 10.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6

NBC
8:00 NAACP Image Awards
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.8
10:00 Dateline NBC
Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1

FOX
8:00 Kitchen Nightmares
Viewers: 3.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.3
9:00 Fringe
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.1 

On Friday night, CBS got off to a strong start with the Friday debut of former Sunday occupant Undercover Boss. The reality show delivered some of the best numbers for CBS in this timeslot in quite some time as over 10 million viewers and a 2.4 in the demo is extremely strong for a Friday night. While some have questioned whether CBS needs this show on Sundays, they have clearly found a winning show for a timeslot that has been difficult for them. A Gifted Man slid to 9pm because of Boss and while it was up 1.1 million viewers and two tenths in the demo to tie series highs, it doesn't seem like it is a better option than CSI: NY in the timeslot which will spell the end for this show on CBS's crowded schedule. At 10pm, Blue Bloods was down six tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo.

Over on ABC, Shark Tank took a backseat to Undercover Boss after several weeks winning the timeslot. It was down two tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo. These two shows will probably be closer to each other in coming weeks. At 9pm, a special edition of 20/20 focusing of Whitney Houston's life and death was up big - 2.7 million viewers and six tenths in the demo. NBC saw poor results from the NAACP Image Awards while Dateline NBC was down three tenths in viewers and even in the demo. On FOX, Kitchen Nightmares was down seven tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo as there is quite a logjam of reality shows in the 8pm hour now. At 9pm, Fringe was down two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo.

RATINGS RECAP: 2/16/12

ABC
8:00 Wipeout
Viewers: 5.1 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
9:00 Grey's Anatomy
Viewers: 8.3 million, 18-49 demo: 3.2
10:00 Private Practice
Viewers: 7.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6

CBS
8:00 The Big Bang Theory
Viewers: 15.7 million, 18-49 demo: 5.1
8:30 Rob
Viewers: 10.7 million, 18-49 demo: 3.2
9:00 Person of Interest
Viewers: 13.2 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8
10:00 The Mentalist
Viewers: 13.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7

NBC
8:00 30 Rock
Viewers: 3.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
8:30 Parks and Recreation
Viewers: 3.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
9:00 The Office
Viewers: 4.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3
9:30 Up All Night
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5
10:00 Grimm (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.6

FOX
8:00 American Idol
Viewers: 16.7 million, 18-49 demo: 5.1 

It was another night of declines for the broadcast networks and the trend is so big and widespread this week that the broadcast networks are asking Nielsen for an explanation. We'll see if anything comes from that but for now we deal with the numbers we have. On ABC, Wipeout started off the night down a tenth in viewers and even in the demo. Grey's Anatomy suffered one of the biggest drops this week as it was down 2 million viewers and eight tenths in the demo for a season low. This was despite it being a crossover with Private Practice. The crossover did help Practice though as that show was up six tenths in viewers and four tenths in the demo.

Over on CBS, the ratings finally came back down a bit for The Big Bang Theory like so many other shows as it was down half a million viewers and half a demo point. It remained the top demo draw for scripted programming and tied American Idol yet again for the night. At 8:30pm, Rob was even in viewers and down just a tenth in the demo. While a series low, the retention was significantly better. At 9pm, Person of Interest was down a big 1.9 million viewers and half a demo point. All the 9pm shows were hit hard, possibly because of the two hour Idol. Finally at 10pm, The Mentalist was down 1.1 million viewers and three tenths in the demo. 

NBC had another disastrous outing. At 8pm, 30 Rock was down three tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo from last week's one hour episode. Parks and Recreation returned from a week off down a tenth in viewers and even in the demo. At 9pm, The Office was down eight tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo for another season low and it tied a series low in the demo. This show is sinking fast and let's face it, its time for this one to end. At 9:30pm, Up All Night was down seven tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo. So now, let's get this straight - Whitney, which was banished to Wednesdays from this slot is now outperforming Up All Night. Who saw that one coming?  A Grimm repeat did absolutely nothing at 10pm. Despite moving to two hours, American Idol was down 1.4 million viewers and seven tenths in the demo for a season low. 

RATINGS RECAP: 2/15/12

ABC
8:00 The Middle
Viewers: 8.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
8:30 Suburgatory
Viewers: 6.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
9:00 Modern Family
Viewers: 11.2 million, 18-49 demo: 4.7
9:30 Happy Endings
Viewers: 5.4 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
10:00 Revenge
Viewers: 7.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4

CBS
8:00 Survivor
Viewers: 10.8 million, 18-49 demo: 3.1
9:00 Criminal Minds
Viewers: 12.2 million, 18-49 demo: 3.1
10:00 CSI
Viewers: 11.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.6

NBC
8:00 Whitney
Viewers: 4.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
8:30 Are You There, Chelsea?
Viewers: 3.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.4
9:00 Rock Center with Brian Williams
Viewers: 3.0 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
10:00 Law & Order: SVU
Viewers: 5.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7

FOX
8:00 American Idol
Viewers: 18.9 million, 18-49 demo: 6.1 

A week of mostly declines for network shows continued on Wednesday night. CBS started off the night with the premiere of the 24th edition of Survivor. Though it was the lowest premiere number ever, it wasn't too far behind last spring and a 3.1 demo is very solid for a show on its 24th cycle. At 9pm, Criminal Minds seemed to be impacted by American Idol as it was down 1.1 million viewers and two tenths in the demo for a season low. CSI was one of the few shows to go up as its first episode with new cast member Elisabeth Shue was up two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo. Expanded to two hours, American Idol was down four tenths in viewers but even in the demo.

ABC had some troubling numbers across the board. Every show is at a 2.4 demo except Modern Family. At least they're steady with each other but a 2.4 is nothing to write home about. At 8pm, The Middle was down four tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo for a season low. Suburgatory followed suit and was down the same for a series low. Modern Family was down 1.7 million viewers and a big eight tenths in the demo as it had to face American Idol this week. Happy Endings was down 1.3 million viewers and half a demo point. It had better retention this week but it's still a mismatch. At 10pm, Revenge was even in viewers but down a tenth in the demo which is surprising since this was its big "reveal" episode. 

Over on troubled NBC, the news was surprisingly ok to start off the night as Whitney was actually up four tenths in viewers and two tenths in the demo. It was one of the few shows to go up and that was despite tougher competition. Maybe this show has a fighting chance because it hasn't completely collapsed. Despite this rise, Are You There Chelsea? was down two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo which does not bode well for this show. Rock Center was down a big 2.1 million viewers and four tenths in the demo from its Wednesday debut last week. If NBC is going to keep going with this show, it doesn't belong on a weeknight. It seemed to bring down Law & Order: SVU as the veteran show was down seven tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo for a series low. This show needs to get away from CSI.

RATINGS RECAP: 2/14/12

ABC
8:00 Last Man Standing
Viewers: 7.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.2
8:30 Cougar Town
Viewers: 4.9 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
9:00 The River
Viewers: 5.0 million, 18-49 demo: 1.7
10:00 Body of Proof
Viewers: 6.3 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2

CBS
8:00 NCIS
Viewers: 19.6 million, 18-49 demo: 3.9
9:00 NCIS: Los Angeles
Viewers: 16.2 million, 18-49 demo: 3.2
10:00 Unforgettable
Viewers: 11.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.3

NBC
8:00 The Biggest Loser
Viewers: 5.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1
10:00 Parenthood
Viewers: 4.5 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6

FOX
8:00 Glee
Viewers: 7.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8
9:00 New Girl
Viewers: 6.5 million, 18-49 demo: 3.1
9:30 Raising Hope
Viewers: 4.6 million, 18-49 demo: 2.1 

On Valentine's Day, numbers were down just like on Monday night. The news was not good at all for ABC. At 8pm, Last Man Standing was down two tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo from last week's 8pm episode. The season premiere of Cougar Town followed to very unimpressive ratings. It hit a series low and was below the premieres of bombs Man Up and Work It. I wouldn't put it past ABC to give this show a fourth season so it can get enough syndication episodes, but it certainly doesn't deserve it. At 9pm, week two of The River crashed 2.6 million viewers and seven tenths in the demo from its series premiere last week. This show will probably run its eight episodes and then we won't see it again because it's unlikely to climb back up. Finally the bad news continued at 10pm where Body of Proof was down 1.6 million viewers and four tenths in the demo for a series low. I'd be surprised to see this show get a third season and ABC has a lot of work to do with its Tuesday lineup.

Over on CBS, NCIS was down 1.4 million viewers and three tenths in the demo from last week's 200th episode. The other two dramas were one of the few shows up from last week, leave it to CBS. NCIS: Los Angeles was down a tenth in viewers but up the same in the demo. Finally at 10pm, Unforgettable was down nine tenths in viewers but up a tenth in the demo. This show was squeaking out demo wins in the fall and is easily winning now, but that's more a reflection of the competition than this drama which has been steady but not spectacular all year. 

Over on NBC, The Biggest Loser was down half a million viewers and two tenths in the demo while Parenthood was down a tenth in viewers for a series low but even in the demo. This show isn't coming anywhere close to the 2 demo it's been getting for most of the last year and a half and it has two weeks to go to earn a renewal. Over on FOX, Glee was down eight tenths in viewers and a big half a demo point for a season low while New Girl was down three tenths in viewers and four tenths in the demo for a series low. Raising Hope was up a tenth in viewers and even in the demo showing that it has a different audience than New Girl.  

RATINGS RECAP: 2/13/12

ABC
8:00 The Bachelor
Viewers: 8.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5
10:00 Castle
Viewers: 8.9 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0

CBS
8:00 How I Met Your Mother
Viewers: 9.0 million, 18-49 demo: 3.4
8:30 2 Broke Girls
Viewers: 10.5 million, 18-49 demo: 3.8
9:00 Two and a Half Men
Viewers: 12.5 million, 18-49 demo: 3.9
9:30 Mike & Molly
Viewers: 10.9 million, 18-49 demo: 3.4
10:00 Hawaii Five-0
Viewers: 9.7 million, 18-49 demo: 2.7

NBC
8:00 The Voice
Viewers: 16.3 million, 18-49 demo: 6.0
10:00 Smash
Viewers: 8.1 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8

FOX
8:00 House
Viewers: 7.2 million, 18-49 demo: 2.4
9:00 Alcatraz
Viewers: 6.2 million, 18-49 demo: 1.9

On Monday night, there were dips, some big ones, across the board. It wasn't all bad news though NBC was still strong enough to be on top though thanks to The Voice having very good second week. It was down 1.5 million viewers and seven tenths in the demo. This is not a shocking drop as last week was the day after the glow of the Super Bowl. If it holds in this general vicinity, it is doing more than enough for NBC. The news was not as good at 10pm though where Smash experienced one of the worst week two drops - it was down 3.3 million viewers and a full demo point, experiencing big dropoff in the half hour again. The good news is that it still won the hour in the demo. The bad news is that it's probably not done dropping though this week was probably the most severe.

CBS experienced big drops and there doesn't really seem to be a reason but all comedies tied or hit season lows. At 8pm, How I Met Your Mother was down a million viewers and a shocking six tenths in the demo. 2 Broke Girls was down a million viewers and half a demo point. These are huge demo drops - where were all the younger viewers? At 9pm, Two and a Half Men was down half a million viewers and four tenths in the demo. Mike & Molly, which hit a season low last week, did not fall much like the others as it was down just a tenth in viewers and even in the demo. At 10pm, Hawaii Five-0 was down three tenths in viewers and even in the demo. It should be ready to take the demo crown back from Smash next week.

Over on ABC, The Bachelor was down three tenths in viewers and a tenth in the demo, displaying a better hold than most other shows. Castle was up two tenths in viewers but even in the demo. This show really isn't holding its own this year.  On FOX, House was up a tenth in viewers but down a tenth in the demo for a series low. Before this, its worst demo was way back in season 1. So far, this show is not accelerating towards its series finale in May. At 9pm, Alcatraz kept sinking as it was down seven tenths in viewers and four tenths in the demo. This show is really tumbling after a strong start and that can only help Terra Nova.

RATINGS RECAP: 2/12/12

ABC
7:00 America's Funniest Home Videos
Viewers: 7.8 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0
8:00 Once Upon a Time
Viewers: 8.7 million, 18-49 demo: 3.0
9:00 Desperate Housewives
Viewers: 6.4 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
10:00 Pan Am
Viewers: 2.6 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7

CBS
7:00 60 Minutes
Viewers: 14.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.8
8:00 54th Annual Grammy Awards
Viewers: 39.9 million, 18-49 demo: 14.1

NBC
7:00 Dateline NBC
Viewers: 6.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.6
9:00 Fear Factor
Viewers: 3.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.5

FOX
7:00 Bob's Burgers (Repeat)
Viewers: 1.9 million, 18-49 demo: 0.7
7:30 The Cleveland Show
Viewers: 2.7 million, 18-49 demo: 1.2
8:00 The Simpsons
Viewers: 4.3 million, 18-49 demo: 2.0
8:30 Napoleon Dynamite
Viewers: 3.8 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8
9:00 Family Guy
Viewers: 5.0 million, 18-49 demo: 2.5
9:30 American Dad!
Viewers: 3.6 million, 18-49 demo: 1.8

On Sunday night, the Grammy Awards absolutely dominated everything. The shocking death of Whitney Houston on the eve of the Grammys plus an all-star lineup of performers propelled the Grammys to huge gains over last year and the second best viewership total of all time (most all time was 1984). It was an excellent ceremony too that struck the right tone and LL Cool J did a fantastic job in the difficult position of host. Earlier in the night, 60 Minutes was up a strong 3.1 million viewers and 1.3 demo points from its last airing two weeks ago. 

ABC took a big hit from the Grammys later in the evening but the night started out positively as America's Funniest Home Videos was up half a million viewers and a tenth in the demo from its last new episode for a season high. This veteran show is benefiting without football competition. At 8pm, Once Upon a Time was down a big 2.2 million viewers and half a demo point. While a series low in viewers, this actually wasn't a bad hold against the mega-ratings of the Grammys. It will surely bounce back up as this would be a solid number even without the competition. At 9pm though, Desperate Housewives sunk 1.1 million viewers and eight tenths in the demo for an easy series low. Housewives has never dipped below a 2 in the demo and it's a far cry from where it used to be. Even considering the Grammy competition, this is a really bad performance. Finally, Pan Am was down 1.1 million viewers and half a demo point for a pathetic series low. And to think this show premiered to 11.1 million viewers and a 3.1 demo in September. There's no way it's getting renewed even if no official cancellation has happened.

FOX's animated lineup just kept on falling as every show hit a series low. The Cleveland Show was down a tenth in viewers and the demo. The Simpsons was down seven tenths in viewers and four tenths in the demo while Napoleon Dynamite was down six tenths in viewers and three tenths in the demo. All things considered, this isn't a terrible hold for Dynamite as it wasn't that far behind The Simpsons. At 9pm, Family Guy was down nine tenths in viewers and six tenths in the demo and American Dad! was down 1.2 million viewers and six tenths in the demo. Over on NBC, Dateline NBC was up 1.6 million viewers and half a demo point from its last Sunday airing three weeks ago. A burnoff of Fear Factor didn't do much from 9-11pm. 

WEEKEND REWIND: Top 50 Theme Songs #30-#21

It's time for the next ten theme songs on my Top 50 list! For #50-41, click here. For #40-31, click here.

30. "That 70s Song" (That 70s Show, 1998-2006)
That 70s Show is not an award winning sitcom but it is a lot of fun and the theme song reflects that. It's always fun when the cast sings the theme song as it plays and that was the case here with the ever changing combinations driving in the car. The version by Cheap Trick that I put here aired for the majority of the series and was far superior to the season 1 version. This is one of the more recent shows to have a theme song longer than a few seconds. It's a complete shame that there isn't more on TV today, what would it hurt?

29. The Munsters Theme (The Munsters, 1964-1966)
Of the two 1960s spooky shows, The Addams Family has the much more recognizable theme but I would argue that its actually The Munsters with the better theme song. If anything, this theme song is creepier, kookier, mysteriouser, and spookier than their fright family rivals. I'm not a big fan of The Munsters but I've always enjoyed the theme song. Hopefully NBC's upcoming Mockingbird Lane will give us an updated version of the song that stays true to the original at the same time.

28. "The Fishin' Hole" (The Andy Griffith Show, 1960-1968)
One of the simplest TV themes of all time, this song perfectly captured the mood of the down-home show that followed it each episode. There were lyrics for this song but they went with a simple whistle instead, which was a good move. Singing along would have put it closer to the campy shows from the 60s while this show really stood above those types of shows at that time. And to be called "The Fishin' Hole" also helps capture the simpler, idyllic life in Mayberry.

27. The Flintstones Theme (The Flintstones, 1960-1966)
A very classic theme song from the 1960s, The Flintstones actually didn't use this famous theme for its first couple seasons but it has since gone back and added it to the syndicated episodes. And why wouldn't it? It's very iconically linked to the show - it introduces us to the "modern Stone Age family" and includes Fred's excited "Yabba Dabba Do." This is another show that you can't think of without thinking of the song. It's another show that is coming back, by Seth McFarlane. Surely he will use a version of the theme song? He'd be a fool not to.

26. "Theme of Law and Order" (Law & Order, 1990-2010)
Law & Order is old news now in the age of many procedurals but this drama was groundbreaking in many ways with its split down the middle view of a crime from the "law" side and the "order" side. This was reflected in the theme song, which almost treated it like two different shows. The famous gavel-pounding music has been used for many spinoffs and is an iconic dramatic theme. Unfortunately I couldn't find a good clip of the credits so just enjoy the song.



25. Parks and Recreation Theme (Parks and Recreation, 2009-present)
The best show on TV that no one is watching - Parks and Recreation also comes with a theme song which is a rarity among sitcoms today. The theme song perfectly captures the small town government show and the "can do" attitude of its lead character, Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler). It's a happy tune that fits the show perfectly and can stick in your head for days! The version posted is from season 1, it has changed slightly since but you get the idea!

 
24. "Theme from The Monkees" (The Monkees, 1966-1968)
In my opinion, The Monkees is among the stupidest shows to ever grace the air. In spite of that, I can still recognize a good theme song when I hear one. The Beatles craze spread to TV with the fake band The Monkees and their adventures. Their theme song was probably the most 1960s-sounding theme to come out of the 1960s. I may think this about other shows, but this theme song is truly the only good thing about this show.

23. "Batman Theme" (Batman, 1966-1968)
The iconic 1960s TV version of an iconic superhero was a huge hit for a short time and the theme song of Batman was as campy and satirical as the show itself. With its "socks," "pows," and "zocks" and the fact that the only words sung being "Batman," this theme is just ridiculously silly. Just like the show itself, I loved the theme as a kid because it was exciting and as an adult I love it out of an appreciation for its satire.

22. "Kiss Me" (The Cosby Show, 1984-1992)
The Cosby Show was unique in that it changed its theme many times while still using the same basic tune. I wasn't a fan of all of those themes which is why this show is not higher on the list. But the best version - the jazzy "elevator music" one - is a classic. In fact, if this was the only theme song used on The Cosby Show, I might have been inclined to put it way higher, maybe even in the top 10. 

21. Roseanne Theme (Roseanne, 1988-1997)
Another show that used multiple versions of the same theme and could have charted higher if there weren't some versions I really didn't like. This show and its theme song got more obnoxious as it went on but the early episodes and the early theme song perfectly captured the brassy, blue collar tone that the show became famous for. It's not a song I love by itself like other theme songs, but it so perfectly fits the show that it belongs on this list.