The2000swas the last era that television operated as it had for years. Today, most shows that become hits are released on streaming platforms, and broadcast sitcoms are few and far between. Shows likeGrey’s Anatomy, Supernatural, The Big Bang Theory,andThe Officeare only some of the shows thatdefined the 2000s. However, some shows stand out from the crowd and deliver the best theme songs that are more than just catchy instrumental introductions.
These shows harkened the viewer to sing along and would stick inside their brains long after the episodes had ended. Now, a lot of television shows have instrumental opening credits, if they have any at all, opting for a quick closeout. Here are the best 2000s theme songs that defined an entire decade of TV. Note this will only include series that premiered in 2000, so shows that aired in the late 90s and were long-running in the 2000s, likeBuffy the Vampire Slayer,Pokémon, andThe Sopranoes, are not included on the list despite them having some incredible television theme songs.
Update June 06, 2025: This article has been updated with even more great television theme songs that defined the 2000s.
15Veronica Mars
Veronica Mars
Kristen Bell became a household name when she starred as the titularteenage private detectivein the noir mystery dramaVeronica Mars, which ran for three initial seasons and followed the amateur sleuth as she juggled her high school responsibilities with her passion for solving crimes and tackling complex mysteries that plagued her town of Neptune, California.
Dark and Wonderfully Moody
The Dandy Warhols performed the theme song for the exciting series, with their 2003 single “We Used to Be Friends” and its moody, alternative sound being the perfect choice to introduce the drama. The song was chosen immediately by creator Rob Thomas, and the title itself ties in with the overall theme and mystery of the first season; Veronica attempts to figure out who killed her best friend (Amanda Seyfried) and finds herself a social pariah by her former friends when her father is wrongfully accused of the crime. After its initial run,Veronica Marsreturned for a film in 2014 and an additional fourth season in 2019.Stream onHulu
14That’s So Raven
That’s So Raven
That’s So Ravenwas a hit television series on Disney Channel in which the main character hadhidden psychic abilities. Each episode was centered on one of Raven Baxter’s (portrayed by Raven-Symone) premonitions and how it would play out in real time, with each of these visions leading to countless misadventures and hijinks for the teenage psychic and her loyal pals.
The Theme Song’s Group Effort
The show’s theme song was similar to the structure of most Disney themes and was performed by the sitcom’s lead, Raven-Symone, who would showcase her vocal talents once again in Disney’sThe Cheetah Girlsand its follow-up sequel. Alongside Symone, co-stars Orlando Brown has featured rap in the theme and Anneliese van der Pol on the chorus. The influential program was a massive success on Disney, and was the first show on the network to reach 100 episodes in an original series.Stream onDisney+
13The Big Bang Theory
The Big Bang Theory
The Big Bang Theorypremiered in 2007 on CBS and ran for animpressive 12 seasons, making it one of the longest-running sitcoms of all time. Although short in comparison to others, the show’s theme song is memorable and catchy, and fans couldn’t help butattemptto sing along with the rapid-fire lyrics.
A Rip-Roaring Good Time
“Big Bang Theory Theme” was composed by the Canadian pop band Barenaked Ladies, who wrote the all-too-catchy ’90s anthem “One Week”, a song that is similar in energy and delightful fervor. The band’s “Big Bang Theory Theme” is perfect for the witty sitcom, as it encompasses the spirit and overall tone that the show carries out throughout its sensational twelve seasons.Stream onMax
Scrubs,the comedy-drama hybrid, followed a group of medical interns as they learn the ins and outs of Sacred Heart hospital. The show launched the career of Zach Braff, the series' leading man, alongside Donald Faison ofCluelessfame, and swiftly becamea beloved must-seethat earned praised for its brilliant blend of heart and humor and its exceptional ensemble cast.
Slapstick at Its Finest
Scrubs’theme, “Superman,” was a quirky off-beat tune that fit the series' slapstick nature and was performed by the alternative rock band Lazlo Blane.Scrubswas ultimately canceled for a slew of reasons, one of which is the fact that most of the cast members had moved on from the show. Many longtime viewers like to pretend that the ill-conceived ninth season never happened at all and that J.D., Turk, and the rest of the goofy gang took their final bow after season eight.Stream onHulu
11One Tree Hill
One Tree Hill
2003’s teen dramaOne Tree Hillfocused on the family feud of the Scott brothers and their entangled romances. The show ran for an impressive nine seasons is arguably one of thebest teen showof the 2000s, for its edgy storylines and heartthrob cast. TheOne Tree Hilltheme song, “I Don’t Want to Be,” was recorded by Gavin DeGraw who was also featured in the show’s first season.
Teen Drama Fatigue
One Tree Hillwas canceled in 2012, and, accordingto Screen Rant, was in part due to the director’s inappropriate behavior. These allegations are also outlined on the Drama Queens Podcast, which features the stars of the show, Hillary Burton, Sophia Bush, and Bethany Joy Lenz. However, by 2012One Tree Hillultimately ran its course and the 2000s teen dramas were slowly dying out. Yet despite the complicated legacy that comes with the show, the theme song stands out.Stream onMax
10Malcolm in the Middle
Malcolm in the Middle
Malcolm in the Middleran on Fox for seven seasons, and focused on a young boy, Malcolm (played by Frankie Muniz), and his comically dysfunctional family. The show launched the acting career of Bryan Cranston, who noted that the series’cancellation led to his castinginBreaking Bad.
Grammy Gold
The theme song entitled “Boss of Me,” was recorded in 1999 by a band called They Might Be Giants, and surprisingly isn’t among the band’s greatest hits. The angsty nature of the tune and general lyrics are perfect for the show depicting a group of four (eventually five) brothers who can’t seem to find their way out of trouble. “Boss of Me” even earned the alternative rock band a Grammy in 2002 for Best Song Written for Visual Media.Stream onHulu
9Hannah Montana
Hannah Montana
Just shy of a year beforeThat’s So Ravenconcluded came the television phenomenonHannah Montana,another massive success for Disney Channel. Miley Stewart seemed to be just a regular teenage girl, but in fact was secretly a major pop singer leading a double life.
Cyrus' Spectacular Beginnings
The show launched thecareer of Miley Cyrus, who played both Miley and Hannah on the show. Although the series fizzled out after a successful four seasons, the theme song is still one of the most contagious of its Disney counterparts. “The Best of Both Worlds” was not only a fitting pop song that was sung by the fictional Hannah Montana, but a perfect catchy fit for the show’s premise. Both the sitcom and song helped pave the way for Cyrus' enduring and acclaimed music career, as the talented singer continues to top the charts and set streaming records.Stream onDisney+
Psychfollowed Shawn Spencer (James Roday Rodriguez), a man with a photographic memory that he uses to pose as a fake psychic detective for the Santa Barbara police department alongside his childhood best friend, Gus (Dulé Hill). The series aired on the USA Network for eight seasons and was part of the network’s back bright sunny sky television likeMonk,Burn Notice, andSuits.Psychwas funny and energetic and needed a song to match it, and the opening track, “I Know You Know” by the Friendly Indians, the band of the series creator Steve Franks, perfectly set the mood for audiences. Stream
Themed Intros
As the show was written by the series creator Steve Franks, it naturally fits the tone of the series and mindset of the characters, including lyrics like “I’m not inclined to reside to maturity” and, of course, “psych you out in the end”. The best part of the series, though, was how, for special themed episodes, the series would feature a cover version of the song. These include Boys II Men, a cappella cover, a Spanish cover, and many Christmas-themed versions.Psychwas a good time series with a great theme song.Stream onPrime Video.
7Gilmore Girls
Gilmore Girls
Carole King, the 1960s singer/songwriter, released an album entitledTapestryin 1971, which catered heavily to many of her hits. One of those hits being a song called “Where You Lead,” which would go on to be the theme song forGilmore Girls.Like many shows of the time,Gilmore Girlsfollowed the feel-good soapy structure that 2000s plots had to offer.
Dynamic Mother/Daughter Duo
The titular Gilmore girls, daughter Rory (played by Alexis Bledel) and mother Lorelai (played by Lauren Graham), make their home in the dreamy Connecticut town of Stars Hollow. King’s song was perfect for the theme not only because it fits the dynamic of themother and daughter relationshipfeatured inGilmore Girls,but due to its overall uplifting nature. The musician herself even had a recurring role on the wholesome series, perfectly portraying the owner of the town’s music store.Stream onNetflix
Related:Gilmore Girls: Every Season, Ranked
6True Blood
true blood
Based on Charlaine Harris' sizzling book seriesThe Southern Vampire Mysteries, the HBO fantasy horror juggernautTrue Bloodtakes place in the remote town of Bon Temps, Louisiana and follows the community’s colorful residents as they attempt to navigate a new world in which vampires have finally “come out of the coffin”. Telepathic waitress Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin) finds herself drawn to a 174-year-old vampire and sets out to learn more about her special gift and the other creatures that go bump in the night.
Gorgeous Southern Gothic Theme
True Bloodexploded onto the scene and helped spark amassive vampire craze, as it also debuted the same year thatTwilighthit theaters. Fans of the series were blown away by the unforgettable opening theme song, the swamp rock hit “Bad Things” which was performed by Jace Everett. The sensual and provocative intro has been lauded for its gorgeous cinematography and Deep South imagery, and for seven seasons, passionate viewers of the show couldn’t help but dance to the captivating tune. When it came time to watch on streaming, nobody is clicking the skip intro button.Stream onMax
