1. Pretty Little Liars (“Secrets” by The Pierces)
When it comes to iconic opening songs, Pretty Little Liars takes the cake. The song itself is a perfect summary of the plots and themes in the show with references to secrets and death. It sets the tone for the series right away and, in combination with the visuals of the intro, engages the audience with the story. What is most notable about the song, however, is how it was chosen in the first place. One of the actresses on the show played the track for her costars while in the process of filming the pilot episode. They agreed it would be the perfect theme, so she took it to the showrunner and the rest is history!
2. Gilmore Girls (“Where You Lead” by Carol King)
If you know me personally, Gilmore Girls is just about the one thing I won’t stop talking about once I get started. One of the many things I adore about the show is the theme song. “Where You Lead” is the perfect feel-good intro to every episode and infects the viewer with the feelings of nostalgia and camaraderie that accompany the day-to-day lives of the Gilmores. It creates a warm atmosphere that transports you right into Stars Hollow. When you hear it, you can’t help but imagine all of the shenanigans they get themselves into. The song sets itself apart with the calming effect of King’s voice and the sweetest clips of our favorite characters.
3. Teen Wolf (“Teen Wolf Main Title” by Dino Meneghin)
This theme song doesn’t need lyrics to hold its own. Not only is the music compelling, but the visuals that change from season to season are what contribute to such a dynamic opening. The beat and suspenseful pacing combine beautifully, building the tension equivalent to the show’s subject matter. Images of the main characters embracing their most iconic roles in the “pack” are fitting to the steady anticipation throughout the sequence. The music and changing clips, coloring, and characters to fit with the theme of each season are what make the intro so impactful.
4. One Tree Hill (“I Don’t Want To Be” by Gavin DeGraw)
The intensity of this song submerges the viewer completely by diving head-first into the theme of the show. One Tree Hill deals with the trials and tribulations of high schoolers navigating the world from their evolving perspectives. The lyrics delve into the same ideas as it was based on the uncertainty paired with growing up and American youth. Not only does the song fit the plot of the show lyrically, but musically as well. The loud instrumentals match the chaotic mindsets of the teenage protagonists, effectively catching the attention of the audience.
5. Beverly Hills, 90210 (“Beverly Hills, 90210 Theme” by John Davis)
In all honesty, I owe this mention to my mom. As a kid I allegedly came running whenever I heard this coming from the TV and, if you give it a listen, you can understand why. While the beat and sound of the music definitely date the intro, the influence it had on the show is timeless. It hits you with a sense of fun and sets up the audience to be entertained. The show covers a range of topics and the upbeat opening conveys the trendiness of the show for its era. The show and its theme shaped a generation of teen dramas, earning its spot in my top-five list.
