Childhood theme songs that stood the test of time
Ranking of the best childhood television show theme songs
Photo by Cade Fisher
An honorable mention for a theme that slapped would be the Spongebob theme song. A sea shanty that will live on forever.
Children’s television shows are formative productions with theme songs just as iconic as these shows. Out of the dozens of children’s TV shows, which theme song is the best from our childhoods?
I have decided to take it upon myself to come up with the definitive list of the top 10 children’s television theme songs.
Now, this can be a tricky question to ask so there needs to be some parameters to this intense debate. First, the TV shows included will only count for those that primarily aired new episodes between 2000 and 2010.
The show had to be geared specifically towards children. This takes out a lot of Disney Channel shows that were also geared to young teenagers.
Finally, the show must have been aired to American audiences. No hate towards the shows of other countries, but I am more confident ranking American-based shows.
- Backyardigans (2004-2013)
The Backyardigans was a show about a group of kids going on adventures in their backyards. This show was filled with numerous songs, many gaining popularity on TikTok today. The theme song has all of the main characters singing in harmony about their adventures.
It’s a calming song that kids can easily sing along to. The problem with it is that there is no beat. The theme is lacking an intriguing beat that gets your toes tapping like the songs used on TikTok.
- Dragon Tales (1999-2005)
Dragon Tales was a show about two siblings who could travel to the land of dragons. The theme song is a smooth song that goes over the main premise of the show.
The song is easy to remember and sing along to, easily getting stuck in your head. The one qualm I have with this theme is like the previous entry, it lacked energy. The song is so calming that it could put me to sleep.
- Lilo and Stitch (2003-2006)
Lilo and Stitch was a television show following the characters from the Lilo and Stitch movie as they wrangled all of the other experiments like Stitch. The theme song is an upbeat number that is partially in English, Hawaiian and Stitch speak.
The only reason this song isn’t further up the list is that the multiple languages make it harder for younger audiences to sing along and attach themselves to it.
- Fetch! With Ruff Ruffman (2006-2010)
Fetch was a show about a dog hosting a reality competition show. The song is an upbeat jingle that goes along with Ruff telling the story of how the show was made.
The song is an absolute bop that makes you want to listen more. The problem is that Ruff explains the show just by talking, taking away from the song itself.
- Maya and Miguel (2004-2009)
Maya and Miguel was a show about twins who tried to help others and often found bigger messes to fix. The show taught kids more about the Spanish language and cultural diversity.
The theme song has Latin inspiration that gives an upbeat synopsis of the show. The only qualm I have with the song is that the verses lose the strong beat that hooks you in.
- Proud Family (2001-2005)
Proud Family was a show about a Penny Proud learning to navigate life with a wacky family. The theme song was performed by Solange and Destiny’s Child, a powerhouse team.
The song itself is a smooth bop that fits just as well on a playlist and the screen. The reason it is higher on the list is because the mellow theme does not specifically draw in the audience to watch the show.
- Phineas and Ferb (2007-2015)
Phineas and Ferb was a television show about two brothers who built crazy inventions in their backyard. The theme song is an upbeat rock-inspired song that goes over things you could do over summer vacation.
The theme is catchy and I guarantee if you were in a large room and sang it out loud someone would join you. The only problem with it is that younger audiences might have a hard time keeping up.
- Little Einsteins (2005-2010)
The Little Einsteins was a show about a group of kids going on adventures and learning about classical music and art. The theme song is a simple chant that is easy for kids to pick up.
This theme has grown in popularity due to TikTok and with good reason. The only reason this isn’t in the top two is that it doesn’t share anything about the show’s premise.
- Cyberchase (2002-Present)
Cyberchase was a show about a group of kids who went to cyberspace to defeat the evil Hacker with their math skills. The theme song is a quick and powerful anthem that should honestly be played in clubs.
The theme goes over the premise and makes you want to scream along with it. The only thing that put this song back was the length as it is only a 30-second song.
- Kim Possible (2002-2007)
Kim Possible was a show about a girl who went on adventures to save the world whenever anyone needed her. The theme song is a melodious number that comes with a distinctive ringtone.
This theme song is the pinnacle of theme songs as it is catchy, explains the premise, can easily be sung along to, and handles the test of time flawlessly.
Fisher can be reached at [email protected].
Cade Fisher is a third-year communications and creative writing student. This is his fourth semester at The Spectator and his second as news editor. In his free time, he enjoys rollerblading, reading and being anxious about anything that comes his way.
