Family Ties (NBC, 1982-1989)
Billy Vera, who we just learned sang the theme song to Empty Nest, is actually best known for the song being played in this clip.
Truly one of pop-culture’s greatest moments.
And if you don’t know, betta axe somebody.
Empty Nest (NBC, 1988-1995)
Life Goes On - Performed by Billy Vera, Written by John Bettis* and George Tipton
FACT: In addition to being a spin-off of The Golden Girls, Empty Nest was also an adaptation of a British comedy series called, Father, Dear Father.
Pretty original stuff, huh?
*Loyal Readers will know that John Bettis also co-wrote the Growing Pains theme.
227 (NBC, 1985-1990)
There’s No Place Like Home - Performed by Marla Gibbs, Written by Ray Colcord
Although Jackée Harry actually won an Emmy in 1987 for her performance as the outlandish character Sandra, it’s this theme song, sung by the show’s star Marla Gibbs that truly stands the test of time.
Alright then. What do you need to know about 227?
Umm … it revolved around the people that lived in an apartment building, the aforementioned 227. Uh, there was a crazy old lady. Regina King played the main character’s daughter. Um. It wasn’t nearly as good other similarly themed shows, like The Cosby Show (black people) or Melrose Place (apartment building). OK, if I’m being honest this show probably isn’t really worth watching this late in the game. But from what I remember, I liked it better than Amen, which I think aired on the same night.
But yeah, sorry for even bringing it up. My mistake.
Head of the Class (ABC, 1986-1991)
Of all the cast members of Head of the Class, it’s the two wearing the sunglasses that have had the most post-show success.
Brian Robbins (right) has directed a number of films, including Varsity Blues, and his production company, Tollin/Robbins Productions, has brought us such shows as Smallville and One Tree Hill. Cool, right? Well, he’s also produced the movies Wild Hogs and Old Dogs, and directed the Eddie Murphy films Norbit and Meet Dave. Not so cool.
And well, Dan Schneider (left) … What is there to say about Dan Schneider other than he is now an industry. The New York Times called him “the master of a television genre” and “the Norman Lear of children’s television.” He and/or his production company, Schneider’s Bakery, Inc., has been the creative force behind nearly every successful non-Disney kid’s show in the last 15 years including, All That, Kenan & Kel, What I Like About You, Drake and Josh, iCarly and so many more.
Meanwhile, Arvid wrote a book.
WKRP in Cincinnati (CBS, 1978-1982)
I’m currently watching Season 1 of this show on HULU and, simultaneously, falling in love with Bailey Quarters.
Caroll O’Connor - Remembering You
Written by Roger Kellaway, Lyrics co-written by Caroll O’Connor
Here is a cool full-length rendition of the closing credits to All in the Family. As O’Connor explains in the track, the show’s opening credits get all the glory, but its closing number is just as strong and memorable.
So for no reason, he asked if he could write lyrics.
All in the Family (CBS, 1971-1979)
Before it’s very first episode, CBS ran the following disclaimer, which, of course, faded out to the sound of a toilet flushing:
The program you are about to see is All in the Family. It seeks to throw a humorous spotlight on our frailties, prejudices, and concerns. By making them a source of laughter we hope to show, in a mature fashion, just how absurd they are.
“100 Questions” Title Theme
This theme song is a million times better than the show itself.
(via Youtube, cassinhoo)
I’d say that even a million is still an understatement. This show is just awful. It really serves no purpose other than to be an example of just about everything that can be go wrong with a sitcom.
That said, the world needs more TV theme songs.
Family Matters (ABC, 1989-1997, CBS, 1997-1998)
Up for a laugh?
At the 0:16 mark of the Family Matters opening credits, look closely at the magazine that Mother Winslow is reading. It goes quickly, so don’t feel bad if you have to rewind a couple times. Did you see it? She was reading an issue of Rolling Stone!
That’s super hilarious, obviously, because old people don’t typically read that publication.
And this has been the very first episode of:
WHY THINGS THAT AREN’T FUNNY ARE, APPARENTLY, SUPPOSED TO BE FUNNY.
