Top 5 Favorite TV Theme Songs

At my house, we watch shows on the DVR all the time. I've noticed over the past few weeks that there are a number of shows I in which I do not fast-forward over the theme song. That got me thinking about the best theme songs currently on TV. Here are my top 5:

Psych

The first reason this makes the list is because it is an original song created just for the show. Creator Steve Franks' band The Friendly Indians sing the theme song to this show. Also, bonus points were awarded because the show changes up the theme song for certain episodes. Some special varieties include a Boys II Men rendition, a Hindi version, and (as seen below) a Christmas version.

Fringe

Composed by Grammy and Academy Award Winner Michael Giacchino, the Fringe theme does an excellent job setting the mood/tone for the show. Similar to Psych, Fringe changes the theme for different episodes - the title card is red rather than blue when the episode takes place in the other universe, or (as seen below) goes retro for episodes set in the 1980s.

Parks and Recreation*

Short, sweet, and upbeat, this theme song fits perfectly for the show. It reminds of playing the Oregon Trail as a kid, too. Here is the theme from its current season (season 3.)

House

This is a tricky one for me. See, I really enjoy how this song is used for the theme to House, but I really distaste this song on its own. The musical section used for the show works great, but I'm not a fan of the song once the lyrics start. The song is "Teardrop" by Massive Attack.

Chuck

Though this is not a show I regularly watch, I do love its theme song. Unlike with House, I really enjoy the actual song that makes up this theme - "Short Skirt/Long Jacket" by Cake.

There are other really great themes out there that aren't on this list (I probably could have made it a top 10) but these are my 5 favorite.

*If you have never watched Parks and Rec, or gave up after the rocky first season, I highly encourage you watch. Both season 1 and 2 are available on Netflix Watch Instantly. It is currently the funniest show on NBC's Thursday Night Comedy (and yes, that means it is funnier than Community and The Office.)

Update: Remember this is my top 5 for current TV theme songs (shows with new episodes currently on TV) and not a top 5 of all time list.

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Remaking The Princess Bride

After watching the trailer for the new 3 Musketeers movie (which looks really good,) I starting thinking about how many remakes have come out in recent years, with many of them doing a poor job (the most recent example is Arthur.) I was thinking it would fun coming up with a cast for hypothetical remakes of some of my favorite movies. This is my cast for an updated The Princess Bride.

Buttercup - Emile de Ravin

Best known as Claire from Lost, de Ravin would be a great fit because she (as Robin Wright) is able to pull off being beautiful while still being accessible. Having a Megan Fox or Brooklyn Decker type play this role would not only hamper the acting, but Buttercup's allure as well.

2nd choice: January Jones

Westley - Orlando Bloom

Bloom would be able to pull off the wit and charm of Westley, and still be able to wield a sword when necessary. He would be able to find that delicate balance needed of humor (Westley's interactions with Inigo and Fezzik) and the more serious parts as well ("To the pain" speech.)

2nd choice: Jesse Spencer

Inigo - Ioan Gruffudd

This was a hard decision for me as Inigo is my favorite character in the movie so I wanted to find someone that could do Mandy Patinkin's performance justice. Gruffudd may not seem like the perfect candidate based on his performances in the Fantastic Four movies, but you wouldn't guess Patinkin would have succeeded based on his prior work either. Check out Gruffudd in King Arthur if you still need convincing.

2nd choice: Tie - Jake Gyllenhaal, Zachary Quinto

Fezzik - Lou Ferrigno

No other actor could really fit the shoes of Andre the Giant for this role. Ferrigno is the only logical option, and was able to show off enough personality in I Love You Man to ensure he could handle playing Fezzik.

2nd choice: None. Who else would even be a possibility, Shaq? No thank you.

Prince Humperdinck - Zachary Quinto

Quinto's ability to play evil makes him perfect for the Prince. He could add some real spunk to the character while still being arrogant and rash.

2nd choice: Eli Roth (May be too villainous.)

Count Rugen - Tim Roth

Roth's role as a villain in Planet of the Apes (2001 version) and in The Incredible Hulk show why he would be perfect for this role. I think his scenes with Quinto and Gruffudd would be really fun to watch.

2nd choice: Tie - Christian Bale, Gary Oldman

Vizzini - Simon Pegg

Pegg was a natural selection for Vizzini. He is quick and witty, and is able to play "over the top" in his sleep. I think he is the best fit of any on this list; just picture him saying "Inconceivable!"

2nd choice: Rainn Wilson

Miracle Max and Valerie - Steve Carell and Amy Poehler

Another hard one to justly replace as the duo of Billy Crystal and Carol Kane were so awesome in the original. Going with Carell and Poehler would bring the perfect mix of humor and crazy to these two roles.

2nd choices: Bill Hader and Kristin Wiig, Jimmy Fallon and Tina Fey

The smaller roles:

King - John Noble

2nd choice: Robin Williams

Queen - Julie Andrews

2nd choice: Diane Keaton

The Albino - Jason Segel

2nd choice: Seth Rogen

Grandpa: Dustin Hoffman

2nd choice: Bill Murray

Grandson: Max Burkholder (from the TV show Parenthood)

2nd choice: None

Hoping to post more frequently with maybe some more movie remakes or some sort of top 10 lists in the future. Until next time...

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