From Cringe-worthy to Classics: Unforgettable TV Theme Songs Worth Remembering

The television theme song plays a crucial role in setting the tone for a series. Unfortunately, even the most cherished shows can be overshadowed by a dreadful theme song. Whether it's a brief montage or a lengthy scene, these theme songs infuriate audiences to an extreme extent. Moreover, some of these songs may have been decent on their own, but when incorporated into the television series, they undergo a drastic transformation that renders them utterly horrendous.

The following theme songs are highly debated or infamously dreadful. They are tunes that tend to stick in viewers' minds after just one listen, fail to align with the essence of the show they represent, or are simply unappealing examples of music. Additionally, they are often associated with widely popular television series. All in all, while the finest TV show theme songs leave a lasting impression, these have undeniably made a terrible one, and it is no surprise that viewers consistently skip these intros.

10 Suits

Suits has been deemed a somewhat controversial choice for the worst television theme song. The lively and trendy "Greenback Boogie," performed by Ima Robot, may captivate some individuals, while others consider the tune downright irritating. From an objective standpoint, it appears that this particular song has the potential to generate contrasting opinions due to its stylized sound, regardless of its association with a television series.

Either way, the Suits theme can be perceived in two distinct manners: firstly, as an enjoyable melody that aligns seamlessly with the stylish corporate ambiance of the series, or secondly, as a vexing composition that fails to harmonize with the genuine motifs and atmosphere of the show. Ultimately, it falls upon the viewer to make the final judgment.

9 Orange Is The New Black

Regina Spektor's "You've Got Time" from Orange Is The New Black is a theme song that elicits a range of reactions. While other series intros may feature laid-back instrumental tracks, this song stands out with its compelling lyrics and infectious rhythm. It demands attention, particularly when paired with the up-close and intimate visuals of the show's main characters in Orange Is The New Blacks.

Overall, the theme song of Orange Is The New Black might have been less irritating to viewers had Netflix already introduced the "Skip Intro" button when the series premiered in 2013. Consequently, those who watched the show were obligated to endure the complete minute of "You've Got Time" repeatedly. Consequently, this theme song gained notoriety for its knack for getting on the audience's nerves, despite its inherent enjoyability.

8 The Big Bang Theory

Not every enjoyable song is necessarily the finest. If you've ever tuned into even a single episode of The Big Bang Theory, you'll never forget the remarkable opening theme. The Barenaked Ladies masterfully deliver the song, aptly titled "The Big Bang Theory Theme," which brilliantly captures the essence of geekiness and intellect of the comedy series.

7 Justified

Regrettably, even though The Big Bang Theory's theme song perfectly complements the show, it has an uncanny ability to embed itself in your mind after just one listen. Despite lasting no more than thirty seconds, both the lyrics and melody persist, transforming the once playful tune into an irritating hindrance. Hence, the song's exceptional and catchy nature ultimately earns it a notorious reputation as one of the most disliked theme songs.

The theme song of Justified attempted to make a powerful statement about the show by fusing country melodies with rap elements. However, it failed to resonate positively with the audience. Justified revolves around Deputy Raylan Givens and his unconventional approach to upholding the law in the Appalachian mountain region of Kentucky, blending contemporary criminal activities with traditional methods of crime fighting.

Therefore, this theme song is thematically coherent. However, to the listeners, it is music that many simply don't enjoy. While country and rap may thrive independently, when combined, they create an unusual and often unappealing fusion of genres. Hence, although Justified undoubtedly had a specific vision in mind when selecting "Long Hard Times to Come" by Gangstagrass as their theme, the unconventional nature of the song has become its defining characteristic.

6 M*A*S*H

While commonly considered a comedy-drama, M*A*S*H took a decidedly somber approach in selecting its theme song. "Suicide Is Painless," composed by Johnny Mandel for the M*A*S*H film in 1970, perfectly encapsulates the show's serious undertones. With its unmistakably melancholic melody, this theme creates a dark glimpse into the Korean War era portrayed in M*A*S*H.

5 Homeland

The M*A*S*H theme song is disconcerting because it contradicts the perception of the series. Despite the heavy presence of comedy, the song sets a dark tone and reinforces the show's difficult setting.

The theme song of the TV series Homeland attempted to convey a message about the show, but ultimately delivered a jumbled and unappealing composition. Created by Sean Callery, the theme is not so much a cohesive song, but rather a blend of various sounds. It incorporates snippets of voices, especially those of U.S. government members, and snippets of different instruments layered over a foundational melody that runs throughout.

While the song undeniably captures a chaotic essence, which effectively complements the themes of the show, it ultimately fails to engage listeners. The abundance of dynamic elements in the theme not only perplexes but also irritates due to the resulting confusion. It bears a resemblance to a musical catastrophe, thus serving as a commendable form of art yet a lamentable composition.

4 Dawson's Creek

Despite its heavy nostalgia value, Dawson's Creek has an intro song that is particularly challenging to endure. Paula Cole's "I Don't Want To Wait" may be enjoyable on the radio, but when it comes to Dawson's Creek, it becomes an excessively dramatic and saccharine tune that only amplifies the superficiality and teenage angst depicted in the series. Additionally, for contemporary listeners, the Dawson's Creek theme serves as a time machine that transports them back to the 1990s.

3 Star Trek: Enterprise

While the Dawson's Creek theme song may not be universally disliked, a significant number of viewers find it unpleasant to listen to. The ballad's exaggerated romantic and melodramatic elements, although fitting for the series, do not enhance the listening experience for many.

Star Trek: Enterprise, known for its interplanetary upheaval and the creation of the Federation, surprisingly features one of the most infamous theme songs. "Where My Heart Will Take Me" by Russell Watson, chosen for its dreamy, soft, and modern qualities, seems like an inexplicable choice for a franchise that had already established its tone over three decades.

2 The L-Word

This song, although beautiful in its own right, disrupts the intended impact of the series it introduces. While the series explores themes of emotions and human connections, this love ballad feels out of place as the theme song for a Star Trek series. However, rather than being irritating, its incongruity adds a touch of humor to the overall experience. In conclusion, the choice of Star Trek: Enterprise's theme is surprising and unconventional.

The L-Word is renowned for its groundbreaking portrayal of the lives of lesbian and bisexual women. However, the show's theme song, "The Way We Live" by Betty, receives widespread criticism for its aggressive beat and harsh lyrics, resulting in a challenging listening experience.

1 The Shield

The L-Word theme is made terrible due to the sheer power of the song, which lacks subtlety and features lyrics that conjure up images of daring and trendy women. While it may capture one aspect of The L-Word, the song is devoid of nuance. Additionally, the majority of listeners can agree that it is rather bothersome and excessively loud.

The theme song for The Shield tops the list as the most irritating. Titled "Just Another Day", it was co-composed by Vivian Romero, Rodney Alejandro, and Ernesto Bautista. Although devoid of lyrics, this peculiar blend of salsa rhythms and rap creates a perplexing and discordant melody that is far from pleasing to the ears.

The Shield's theme song is an odd mix of music genres and elements, resulting in a disjointed and peculiar composition. It is not well-received and is considered one of the worst theme songs on television. Despite any possible alignment with the show's atmosphere, its peculiar musical profile sets it apart as an exceptionally poor choice for a theme song.