The ’90s were a simpler time: Beanie Babies, girl power, the Macarena dance craze, fanny packs and dial-up internet. The year 2000 ushered in a new millennium, which caused panic to erupt over a Y2K disaster that never actually happened. Ah, those were the days, right?
Because a little nostalgia never hurt anybody, we’ve revisited—and ranked—some of the most beloved theme songs from our favorite television shows. If you were born anywhere between the mid-’80s and late ’90s, this list is for you.
Disclosure: We focused on TV shows with a target audience of children and preteens, so amazing shows such as In Living Color, Martin, Girlfriends, Living Single and A Different World were purposely left off this list.
Honorable mentions include Waynehead, The Boondocks and The Famous Jett Jackson.
Everybody Hates Chris
2005-2009
Despite not containing any real lyrics besides “Awwww, make it funky now,” this underrated theme transports the viewer all the way back to the ‘80s.
Family Matters
1989-1998
“As Days Go By,” is as family friendly as they come with squeaky-clean lyrics, e.g., “It’s a rare condition, this day and age/ To read any good news on the newspaper page/ Love and tradition of the grand design/ Some people say it’s even harder to find.” Not to mention, the raspiness of Jesse Frederick’s voice feels like a warm blanket at times2
One on One
2001-2006
Starring Flex Alexander and Kyla Pratt, One on One chronicles the ups and downs of a single dad and his teenage daughter living under one roof. For the show’s theme, Flex—who also created and produced the sitcom—enlisted his wife Shanice (“I Love Your Smile”) andgospel singer Tonéx. Together, their vocals are unparalleled and Shanice’s high note (skip to 18 seconds) will take you to church. A remixed version kicked off season 5’s opening credits, but it doesn’t compare to the original.
Read my latest piece for The Boombox [here].
A Royal Point of View 