Mooncake
Table of Contents
- My Favorite Intros and Theme Songs from 80s TV Shows
- The A-Team
- Hardcastle and McCormick
- Knight Rider
- Magnum P.I.
- Airwolf
- Miami Vice
- Dallas
- Riptide
- Simon & Simon
- Conclusion
My Favorite Intros and Theme Songs from 80s TV Shows
The 1980s was a golden era for television, where theme songs were as iconic as the shows themselves. Every song totally nailed the vibe of its show, and for someone like me who grew up back then, these tunes are stuck in my head forever. My friends and I used to have a blast playing drinking games, guessing the 80s movie or series just from the first 30 seconds of the theme. Here's a look back at some of those unforgettable intros and why they stuck with us.
The A-Team
Who could forget that adrenaline-pumping intro with the voiceover setting the stage for our band of renegade heroes? The A-Team theme song is one of the most recognized and loved. It totally captured the show's blend of action, humor, and friendship. The catchy brass section and triumphant melody made us believe that no problem was too big for Hannibal, Face, Murdock, and B.A. Baracus.
Hardcastle and McCormick
This lesser-known gem featured a theme song called "Drive" by Mike Post and Pete Carpenter. The driving rock beat and catchy guitar riffs set the stage for the action-packed adventures of a retired judge and an ex-con race car driver taking on unsolved crimes. It was the perfect blend of legal drama and high-speed chases, making it a must-watch for adrenaline junkies.
Knight Rider
"Knight Rider" was more than just a show about a man and his talking car. It was about adventure, justice, and technology. The theme song, composed by Stu Phillips, with its futuristic synth beats, was perfect for Michael Knight's high-tech missions. It made you feel like you could take on the world with a little help from your trusty, turbo-boosted Trans Am.
Magnum P.I.
With its catchy Hawaiian-inspired beat, the Magnum P.I. theme was as laid-back and cool as Thomas Magnum himself. The show's opening credits showcased the beautiful Hawaiian landscape, fast-paced action sequences, and, of course, Magnum's iconic mustache. It was a perfect blend of escapism, mystery, and sun-soaked fun.
Airwolf
The Airwolf theme, composed by Sylvester Levay, was as intense and thrilling as the show itself. With a helicopter that could probably rival today’s drones in terms of advanced tech, Airwolf was all about clandestine missions and aerial dogfights. The theme song's pounding percussion and soaring synth captured the show's exhilarating pace and high-stakes drama.
Miami Vice
Miami Vice was the epitome of cool in the 80s, with its stylish art direction and cutting-edge music. Jan Hammer's electronic score set the tone for the sleek, neon-lit adventures of Crockett and Tubbs. It was more than just a theme song; it was an integral part of the cultural zeitgeist that defined the decade.
Dallas
"Dallas" wasn't just a TV show; it was a phenomenon. The famous opening sequence, with its instrumental theme by Jerrold Immel, really captured the drama and mystery of the Ewing family story. The grand orchestral music made you feel like royalty as you watched the rich and powerful live out their soap-opera lives.
Riptide
If you grew up in the 80s, there’s a good chance this theme song stuck with you. It had that classic action-adventure vibe with just the right amount of 80s cool factor. Helicopters, detective work, and a killer tune—it was the kind of intro that made you feel like you were about to dive into something epic every single time.
Simon & Simon
What’s not to love about Simon & Simon? Two brothers, completely different styles, but together, they made private investigation look like an adventure. The theme music was unmistakable, combining a laid-back, yet heroic tune that captured the heart of 80s TV soundtracks. It wasn’t just another detective show; it was Simon & Simon, and its theme song became a hallmark of 80s television.
Conclusion
Whether you're reliving your childhood memories or discovering these classics for the first time, the theme songs and intros from the 80s have a timeless quality that continues to captivate and inspire. If this walk down memory lane has made you nostalgic, grab some friends, play those tunes, and maybe even start your own guessing game.