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PODCAST

Show Tunes

In the TV shows you know and love, music doesn"t just play pivotal roles in introducing the episodes, they shape your memory of them. Here, Stephen Steps Lowe takes a look at the stories behind the best and most-loved TV theme tunes of all time.

music music history

All Episodes

4:36

Show Tunes: Episode 24 The Little House On The Prairie

Show Tunes ·

2025/05/02

We're tipping our straw hats to one of television’s most instantly recognizable - and oddly comforting - theme tunes: Little House on the Prairie.Ahh, that opening melody - you know the one. The prairie stretches wide, the sun is golden, and little Laura Ingalls is tumbling down the hill like a tiny force of nature. First aired in 1974, the show became a staple of family television throughout the ‘70s and early ‘80s. Based on the beloved books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, it told the story of the

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4:31

Show Tunes: Episode 23 - Breaking Bad by Dave Porter

Show Tunes ·

2025/04/11

Welcome to Show Tunes - the podcast where the only thing more addictive than television… is its music“This is not meth… this is music” Today we’re diving into a theme tune that’s equal parts desert dust, menace, and meth lab chic. That’s right - Breaking Bad. We’ve been away a short while…again, due to lives little bumps in the road, but are hoping you are keen to get into this one. Gas masks and Y-fronts are entirely optional.

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6:47

Show Tune: Episode 22 - The Addams Family 28.03.25

Show Tunes ·

2025/03/28

Today, we’re snapping our fingers to one of the catchiest, quirkiest, and most instantly recognizable theme songs in television history - The Addams FamilyAnd really, what a tune it is! The Addams Family theme was written in 1964 by Vic Mizzy, a composer with a talent for, how should we say…. writing ear worms.

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6:49

Show Tunes - Episode 21: Only Fools And Horses 21.03.25

Show Tunes ·

2025/03/21

Today, we’re shining the spotlight on one of the most beloved and instantly recognizable theme tunes in British television historyIf you are of a certain vintage, let’s say above the age of 27, it’s fair to assume you’ve watched a fair number of Only Fools And Horses episodes before they became memes, you’ll have seen the sex dolls, the bar fall, the batman and robin run, the chandelier, the Dave / Rodney paradox, the mop handle.. you’ll know the phrases Mange Tout, Mange Tout, During The War,

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4:29

Show Tunes: Episode 20 - Murder She Wrote

Show Tunes ·

2025/02/28

This week we're taking a petticoat-ed look back at an '80s classic. I know, I know, believe me, we feel old too.The understated yet instantly recognizable theme song for Murder, She Wrote, composed by John Addison, is not to be confused with any of the tunes you may hear while waiting patiently for you go on a ride at a rather famous theme park. The series debuted in September of 1984 running for twelve seasons and 264 episodes on CBS plus four TV movies all starring Angela Lansbury as "Jessica

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6:47

Show Tunes: Episode 19 - The A-Team (Mike Post) 21.02.25

Show Tunes ·

2025/02/21

If you have a problem, and you can afford it, we've got a great podcast episode....Today, we’re going to talk about a tune that’s burned into the brain of anyone who grew up in the 80s or even heard about this iconic show through pop culture. You know the one. That heartbeat-thumping, action-packed, and undeniably memorable theme from The A-Team! So, if you love it when a plan comes together, or need to drink laced milk before a flight, let’s break down why the A-Team theme is still one of the

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6:09

Show Tunes: Episode 18 - The O.C.

Show Tunes ·

2025/02/14

What. A. Tune. Phantom Planet - CaliforniaToday, we’re diving into a song that defined a generation, launched a cultural phenomenon, and might just be the anthem of your teen years… or, if you’re like me, your adult years too. We're talking about California the theme from The O.C.! Now, before you grumble about this being an easy pick, please remember that this song was so catchy, it really should have come with a health warning and practically became the fifth main character on the show.

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7:16

Show Tunes - Episode 17 - Cheers “Where Everybody...

Show Tunes ·

2025/02/07

"Making your way in the world today takes everything you've got.."If you’ve ever found yourself humming “Where Everybody Knows Your Name”, you’ll know just how special this song is to a bunch of people, on both sides of the Atlantic. So, we’re going to unpack not only the song but sip on the little bit of magic behind its creation and why it should remain on the list of best TV themes ever--- for, well….ever. (image: NBC archive)

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6:17

Show Tunes: Episode 16 - Dawson's Creek: I Don't Want...

Show Tunes ·

2025/01/31

The track wasn’t just a catchy hit in 1996 — there's more going on here than just a tune that gets stuck in your head.Alright, let’s dive in. The song we're talking about is "I Don't Want to Wait" by Paula Cole, and it's tied so perfectly to Dawson’s Creek that it’s hard to imagine the show without it. Try, go one, picture Dawson’s massive forehead and curtains hairstyle with any other song. It may be fun, but it is not right, is it? First, let’s consider the way Dawson’s Creek changed the game

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7:31

Show Tunes: Episode 15 24.01.25 - I'll Be There For...

Show Tunes ·

2025/01/24

Fountains, Umbrellas, Handclaps and double-takes it is of course, Friends.... ....because, if we’re being honest, we could have kicked things off with this one but opted against it, as we felt it was too on the nose to begin a series with. The theme song to Friends, “I’ll Be There for You” by the LA alternative duo, The Rembrandts, is widely considered one of the best TV show themes ever made, and for good reason. Aside from the fact that you can probably rattle off the lyrics verbatim, I’ll Be

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7:56

Show Tunes: Episode 14 – Baywatch: I’m Always Here

Show Tunes ·

2025/01/17

Today we're taking a sun-soaked trip down memory lane to explore the theme song of one of the most iconic shows of the '90s......... Baywatch.Premiering in 1989, the show quickly became a global sensation. It’s known for its beautiful beach setting, the heroism of the lifeguards, and launched the careers of its main cast members. But no matter where you were in the world, if you heard that theme song, and the opening drum roll, you knew exactly what you were in for. The theme song itself is

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7:22

Show Tunes - Episode 13: Malcolm In The Middle by The...

Show Tunes ·

2025/01/10

Today, we’re diving into one of the most iconic TV theme songs of all time: the opening theme to Malcolm in the Middle.You know the one— it’s upbeat, catchy, rebellious, and practically impossible to forget. You can already hear it in your head right now, can't you? This barnstorming theme, composed by the legendary alt-rock duo They Might Be Giants, isn’t just another TV intro – it is doorway to the late 90s, early noughties. Boiled down to just 30 seconds there’s not an inch of fat to be

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7:17

Show Tunes: Episode 12 - Game Of Thrones by Ramin...

Show Tunes ·

2024/12/20

The final Show Tunes of 2024 is a proper classic The theme to Game of Thrones is one that you could easily guess in a pub quiz, even if there’s a rabble spouting of nonsense at the table next to you, and if you’re likely to wince when someone says ‘Winter is coming’ in a faux Northern accent. That is to say that the theme is one of most recognizable and iconic television scores ever created - and its creation is as intricate and thoughtful as the show itself. Ramin Djawadi, the composer, had

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Show Tunes: Episode 11 - Thunderbirds by Barry Gray

Show Tunes ·

2024/12/13

The Thunderbirds theme, composed by Barry Gray, is one of the most iconic pieces of television music ever......instantly recognizable for its bold, heroic orchestration. First airing in 1965, the British sci-fi series created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson became a beloved classic, with its blend of puppetry, futuristic technology, and action-packed plots. Gray's composition, featuring sweeping brass fanfares and cinematic orchestration, perfectly captured the high-stakes world of the show, adding

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Show Tunes: Episode 10 - Buffy The Vampire Slayer...

Show Tunes ·

2024/12/06

In Episode 10 of Show Tunes, Stephen Steps Lowe takes a deep dive into the iconic theme song of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. We look at how Joss Whedon envisioned the show's opening credits to blend the eerie atmosphere of horror with a lively rock 'n roll vibe, signaling that Buffy was far from a typical victim. Originally aiming for a somber instrumental intro, Whedon quickly realized the need for a more upbeat, rebellious sound that captured the show's quirky, youthful essence. After a failed

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Show Tunes: Episode 9 - The Muppets Theme composed by...

Show Tunes ·

2024/11/29

In this episode of Show Tunes, Stephen Steps Lowe explores the iconic theme song for The Muppet Show ....composed by Jim Henson and Sam Pottle and written in 1976, the song became a key part of the show’s identity, setting the stage for the fun, eccentric world of the Muppets. Henson wanted the theme to be a joyful invitation, not just an introduction, which is reflected in the catchy and celebratory lyrics, "It's time to play the music, it's time to light the lights." The upbeat orchestration,

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Show Tunes: Episode 8 - The Prisoner by Ron Grainer

Show Tunes ·

2024/11/22

The iconic theme song to The Prisoner (first hitting screens in 1967), is composed by Ron Grainer, and has been reckoned as one of the most memorable and dRonald Erle Grainer (11 August 1922 – 21 February 1981) was an influential Australian composer, known for his work in the UK during the 1960s and 70s. He composed iconic theme music for TV shows like Doctor Who, Steptoe and Son, and Tales of the Unexpected, and also scored films such as The Omega Man (1971) and The Assassination Bureau

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Show Tunes: Episode 7 - Magnum P.I by Mike Post and...

Show Tunes ·

2024/11/14

It’s Movember as we record this, so there can be no better time than now to pull out our Hawaiian shirts, dust off the Ferrari and wax that Mustache… ....because this week, well this week, we are doing this: Magnum P.I.'s theme is one of those rare TV moments that perfectly captures the essence of the show it represents. It’s not just that it’s catchier than a dose of the seasonal flu, it’s downright iconic in its own right, immediately recognizable and full of energy.

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Show Tunes: Ep 6 - The X-Files Theme by Mark Snow

Show Tunes ·

2024/11/11

Even if you have never seen the show, you know the tune, you know the names and you want to believe The iconic theme song for cult sci-fi show, The X-Files was composed by Mark Snow, an American composer best known for his work in television and film. Instantly recognizable for its eerie, atmospheric sound, it became synonymous with the show’s mysterious, supernatural tone.

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Show Tunes: Ep 5 - The Sopranos - Woke Up This...

Show Tunes ·

2024/11/01

The theme song for The Sopranos, Woke Up This Morning is written by the criminally underrated, Brixton band, Alabama 3.The track, for which, Alabama 3, rightly or wrongly, are perhaps best known, perfectly captures the essence of the series. Its blend of blues, rock, and electronic elements creates a gritty, atmospheric sound that mirrors the classic show’s exploration of the American mob life.

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