6 70s TV Themes That Are Painful to Listen to Now

The 1970s had no shortage of memorable TV shows, but not every theme song aged well. Some, while popular in their time, now feel out of place or even difficult to sit through. These six themes stand out as examples of music that no longer resonates with today’s audiences.

1. Three’s Company

The upbeat theme of Three’s Company was catchy when it first aired, but its repetitiveness makes it a hard listen today. Its overly cheerful delivery and simplistic melody haven’t stood the test of time.

Modern audiences may find the lyrics awkwardly on-the-nose, laying out the show’s premise without subtlety. What once seemed playful now feels dated, making it a tough song to revisit even for fans of the classic sitcom.

2. CHiPs

The disco-inspired theme for CHiPs reflects the trends of the late 1970s, but its heavy reliance on the genre has made it feel like a relic of its era. The repetitive beats and synthesized brass lack depth.

While it effectively set the mood for the show’s high-energy action, the theme’s dated production makes it hard to appreciate without nostalgia. Listeners unfamiliar with the show might struggle to see its appeal.

3. The Brady Bunch

The theme song for The Brady Bunch tells the story of the blended family in an unmistakable sing-song style. While charming in its day, the constant repetition of details feels clunky now.

Its overly simplistic tune and childlike delivery make it difficult to take seriously. For those revisiting the series, the theme often feels more like an amusing reminder of the past than an enjoyable piece of music.

4. The Love Boat

The romantic and dramatic flair of The Love Boat theme fit the show’s concept but feels overly dramatic by today’s standards. Its lush orchestration and soaring vocals come across as overly sentimental now.

Though iconic in its time, the theme’s exaggerated style can feel excessive to modern ears. It highlights a kind of musical storytelling that rarely resonates with current audiences.

5. Welcome Back, Kotter

John Sebastian’s soft rock theme for Welcome Back, Kotter once perfectly complemented the show’s nostalgic tone. However, its slow pace and syrupy lyrics now feel overly sentimental and difficult to enjoy.

The repetitive chorus doesn’t hold up well over time, making it a less engaging listen for newer audiences. While fans of the show might still appreciate it, others are less likely to feel the same connection.

6. Laverne & Shirley

The opening of Laverne & Shirley features an energetic chant followed by a cheerful theme that captured the optimism of its characters. Today, though, the song’s overly peppy tone can feel grating to listeners.

Its repetitive structure and forced enthusiasm seem out of place when compared to more modern TV theme music. While nostalgic for some, the song’s relentless cheerfulness makes it challenging for others to revisit.