Whether you realize it or not, a good theme song is as crucial to the success of a TV show as smart writing and interesting characters — OK, it’s not quite that important, but it is at least largely responsible for setting the tone of the show. This week, Staff Writer Andy Swift mourns the loss of the TV theme song, as most shows these days are doing away with it entirely.

 

Even if you’ve never seen an episode of “I Dream of Jeannie,” you could probably recognize its theme song pretty easily. It’s fun, it’s catchy and it’s as much a part of television history as the Fonz’s jacket or Archie Bunker’s ratings-friendly racism. It was written during an era where theme songs were appreciated and given the respect they deserved. That era, sadly, is nearing its end, and theme songs are now often considered to be distractions, taking the audience’s attention away from what’s really important: the plot.

“Desperate Housewives” is one of the worst offenders. During the show’s first season it featured a theme song brilliantly composed by the legendary Danny Elfman (as if he were ever capable of not being brilliant — “The Simpsons,” “Chicago”). Only during special or particularly dramatic episodes would the lighthearted theme be omitted. Three years later, it has been reduced to a 10-second tune and a quick shot of the four housewives holding their little apples. Teri Hatcher seems to have a particularly smug expression on her face.

Even veterans like “Grey’s Anatomy” and “One Tree Hill,” shows that have built their reputations around the obscure music they feature in each episode, have chosen to axe their theme songs.  

Fortunately, there is still a glimmer of hope for theme music enthusiasts. Cable TV hasn’t been drinking the same haterade as the broadcast networks, so most of their shows have kept their songs playing loud and proud. Plus, cable is where you’ll find some of the catchiest tunes out there. Just try to watch an episode of “Dexter” without getting the theme song stuck in your head. It can’t be done.