We recognize and love these songs because our favorite television shows exposed them to us. Whether they are theme songs or standouts on a program, the following 10 jams have these nine shows to thank for making them so iconic. 

 

“I’ll Be There For You” by The Rembrandts 

“Friends” set the standard for iconic TV theme songs. This catchy tune was originally 45 seconds long and later re-recorded as an actual pop song a year after “Friends” began. Nowadays, we still know all the words and continue to adore the group of six friends who frequented the Central Perk coffee house.

“Dream On” Cover by the “Glee” Cast

This song is inarguably iconic on its own, but “Glee” created a rendition of “Dream On” that was one for the ages. The emotion and talent that went into its stunning performance revealed how great a song can be, even as a cover. The fact that Neil Patrick Harris (Also recognized as Barney Stinson from “How I Met Your Mother”) helped perform it made the song that much better.

“Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” Theme Song by Will Smith

Don’t try to deny it – we all still know every word of this rap from “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and we are not ashamed to admit it! It’s fun, it’s hilarious, and it’s got quite a catchy beat to it. Years later, we’re still rocking out to the show’s opening credits on Nick@Nite.

“Won’t Get Fooled Again” by The Who

Anytime this song comes on, a pair of black sunglasses like the ones worn by Horatio Caine on “CSI: Miami” become highly necessary. The show has since been cancelled, but those shades and that tune are legendary.

“I’m On A Boat” by The Lonely Island

When “Saturday Night Live” played the music video for this song for the very first time, it took a little while for us to realize the whole thing was a spoof. We have to confess, it was genius. The Lonely Island even featured T-Pain on the track, a definite plus.

“Bad Things” by Jace Everett

“True Blood” made a great choice with Jace Everett’s country jam “Bad Things” as their theme song. The sultry vocals serve as the perfect foreplay for a fiery show like “True Blood.” After all, remember that season when they had orgies in every other episode?

“Dick in a Box” by The Lonely Island

Yes, The Lonely Island of “Saturday Night Live” had more than one iconic song to their name. This song was a parody that birthed more parodies after it, the true sign of a hit record. It’s just plain funny!

“Fire” by Ohio Players

Bless Gordon Ramsay’s heart for using the opening credits of “Hell’s Kitchen” as an opportunity for some hilarious special effects, featuring his current contestants. “Fire” is not the song one would expect to be playing before a show like “Hell’s Kitchen,” but it stays in our heads long after the episode is over.

“How to Save a Life” Cover by the “Grey’s Anatomy” Cast

This song, originally by The Fray, went big after it was played on “Grey’s Anatomy.” It became so closely associated to the show that its cast did their own rendition of “How to Save a Life” in a later season. Was it as good as the original? Probably not, but it was a cute effort.

“Woke Up This Morning” by Alabama 3

Viewers of “The Sopranos” are well aware of this one. Not only is it the perfect theme song for a gangster show, but it’s a great song by any standards. 

Reach Associate Entertainment Editor Kathy Zerbib here. Follow her on Twitter here.