What is the worst ever TV theme tune? Vote for your most disliked opening here
Simon Cowell has said The X Factor is set to scrap its opening music – but which theme tune would YOU mute forever?
Match of the Day. Coronation Street. Dad’s Army. Even Antiques Roadshow. Although you might not watch them all, chances are you absolutely love their iconic theme songs, alongside the many other classic pieces of music bookending our favourite TV shows.
But not every programme can have a great theme. Take, for example, The X Factor. Even if you don’t hate it, a lot of other people do – including Simon Cowell. The show’s head judge recently announced that the tune introducing the ITV singing competition is being scrapped as “it’s one of the three worst theme songs” and he “can't listen to that again”.
It’s a damning verdict that leaves a big question: what actually is the worst TV theme song of all time? That’s where you come in: you can vote for your most disliked below (scroll down if you can’t remember what they sound like).
The X Factor
IT’S TIME! TO FACE! THE THEME SONG! Hated by Simon Cowell and (presumably) Steve Brookstein, the anxiety-provoking ITV tune has been on the airways since 2004. RIP.
The One Show
We’re not saying outright this is an outrageously unpopular theme, but we will direct you to these comments posted under its YouTube video:
- "Fairly certain that if there was a sound to signify the apocalypse was upon us, it'd be The One Show "
- "The most infuriating sound I have ever heard. It angers me like nothing else I've experienced."
- "The theme tune is that of the Devil.”
The Voice
Interestingly, there’s actually more to its theme tune than “THIS IS THE VOICE!”. Less interestingly, about 70% is “THIS IS THE VOICE!” repeated again and again.
Two and a Half Men
Men men men men, manly men men men! Men men men men, manly men men men! Men men men men, manly men men men! Men men men men, manly men men men! Men men men men, manly men men men! Men men men men, manly men men men!
Richard and Judy
You probably haven’t heard this tune since the couple’s chat show was taken off the air in 2009, but we’re sure the theme – and the giant graphics shadowing British homes like an airborne Word Art invasion – will come rushing back to you.
Doctor Who 1987
Nothing against Sylvester McCoy’s Seventh Doctor, but his theme song isn’t fondly remembered by all. Its arguably overused synthesizer (combined with graphics we think were later used by Windows Media Player) makes an opening probably more liked by Daleks than humans.
Emmerdale
Helicopter crashes, murder and abductions? You wouldn’t know they're a big part of the soap from its strangely laid-back opening.
Seinfeld
Sure, it’s one of the greatest comedies of all time. But we’ll just say there’s probably a reason why you don’t hear more slap bass in modern comedies.
Family Fortunes (Vernon Kay edition)
A warning from history.
Star Trek Enterprise
If you think a Star Trek theme with lyrics wouldn’t work then you’d, unfortunately, be pretty much right.
New Girl
Lovely kooky or just a bit annoying? No, it’s not Zooey Deschanel’s character, it’s the New Girl theme song. (Sorry, Jess!)
Big Cook Little Cook
We can only assume Big and Small were forced to sell-up during the credit crunch, but the Cbeebies café owners left behind a theme song that will stay with us forever.
Fresh Meat
Again, another case of a fantastic show, but slightly unpalatable theme.
Love Island
We know. We’ve haven’t added this suggestion lightly, but even the hardest fans might admit the noughties bass and blaring electronic melody can get a tad grating after eight weeks.
Authors
Thomas is Digital editor at BBC Science Focus. Writing about everything from cosmology to anthropology, he specialises in the latest psychology, health and neuroscience discoveries. Thomas has a Masters degree (distinction) in Magazine Journalism from the University of Sheffield and has written for Men’s Health, Vice and Radio Times. He has been shortlisted as the New Digital Talent of the Year at the national magazine Professional Publishers Association (PPA) awards. Also working in academia, Thomas has lectured on the topic of journalism to undergraduate and postgraduate students at The University of Sheffield.
