Tuesdays are Top 10 Tuesdays where I count down a topic in the TV realm. This week is Top 10 Theme Songs of the 2000s! A reminder, it had to be any show that premiered in that timeframe even if it ran well into another decade. Also, the song had to have been written for the show (for example, Gilmore Girls or CSI wouldn't count).
Close Calls
American Idol
How I Met Your Mother
Arrested Development
The 2000s were not as competitive a decade for getting on the list as it was an era when regular network theme songs were shortened or non-existent and streaming services (with flexible run times) hadn't started yet. But this is a fun one that's easy to sing along with.
9. Alias (2001-2006)
I don't think this is a great song, but it's one that is very fitting for the show. It has the urgency and intensity that is perfect for a show built on thrills and explosions.
8. 30 Rock (2006-2013)
NBC sitcoms was one of the only genres that remained committed to theme songs throughout the decade. This one breezed by like a busy New York City street which made it fun and fitting.
7. The Big Bang Theory (2007-2019)
I've never seen a full episode of The Big Bang Theory (I know, it's shocking). But I have always liked the theme song as performed by Barenaked Ladies. I wish it was a 90s theme song because it would have been a little longer but it works great for the show.
6. Survivor (2000-Present)
TV's very long running reality show went from being a phenomenon to a staple. The theme song has remained the same the whole way and has a great "desert island" feel that sets itself up well for the setting.
A mundane paper company in Scranton, Pennsylvania has a theme song to match it perfectly. This is not one of those songs I would listen to just because on the radio but every time I hear it, it makes me happy thanks to the memories and how well it suits the show.
4. Mad Men (2007-2015)
One of TV's greatest dramas has a thrilling opening that kept fans guessing throughout its entire run thanks to striking visual images that went along with the theme song. Even when it proved to NOT be foreshadowing, it didn't take away from the metaphorical visuals and the driving theme.
3. Parks and Recreation (2009-2015)
A very happy theme song to match a very happy show. The 2000s may not have had great theme songs overall but the ones they had were great at matching their show. This one has the upbeat feel and "get to work" attitude that epitomized the main character, Leslie Knope.
2. American Dreams (2002-2005)
This underrated gem had Emerson Hart write "Generation" as its theme song. It instantly evokes nostalgia and takes you back to the 1960s while still maintaining a modern flavor to the theme. I'll say it every time I write about this show, why aren't Seasons 2 & 3 readily available somewhere? I know it's because of music, but come on. What a lost classic.
W.G. Snuffy Walden is the king of TV theme songs. He can match any song to a show and his work is so incredibly versatile. Take this one. Would you be able to write a theme to match a small Texas town that loves its high school football the same way you matched a theme to a series about a presidential administration? While Walden can do it all. This instrumental theme is so fitting and so perfect for a top notch show.
Tomorrow: A One Season Wonder look at 2000s flop Help Me, Help You
Next Tuesday: Top 10 Theme Songs of the 2010s!
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