About This Quiz
The 1960s were a time of cultural upheaval around the world, and particularly in America. When you look back on the television programs that were popular at the time … that fractured identity is evident. From conservative family episodes like “The Andy Griffith Show” to edgy, politically-relevant “Star Trek” storylines, there was a bit of something for everyone. The theme songs for these fascinating shows have wormed their way into our collective consciousness. In this quiz, if we give the lyrics for part of a song, do you think you can match it to the correct show?
Many of the theme songs are way too obvious, because they name characters, places, and events … and often, even the title of the program. But we’re going to make it harder by omitting lines that include most of the giveaway clues. Instead, you’ll have to take a few snippets, try to recall the melody … and then you’ll most likely know whether we’re referring to “I Love Lucy” or “I Dream of Jeannie.”
We’ll give you a breather by including TV shows from other decades in the list of possible answers. That’ll help you eliminate some options right off the bat. But we’re still betting you can’t name all of these popular ‘60s theme songs!
The "Gilligan’s Island" theme song essentially explained the entire backstory of this popular TV show. And it somehow managed to name all of the characters and their motivations, too.
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It’s one of the catchiest theme songs in the history of TV — "The Addams Family" tune. The jangly, bouncy song is an appropriately odd way to start the show.
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Some theme songs literally give away plot points with their lyrics. "The Beverly Hillbillies" is a show all about backcountry folks who strike it rich and move to a wealthy California neighborhood.
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Fred Rogers was a pastor who decried the dumbing down of children's TV programming. So he created "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood" and became an icon of kindness, compassion, and blue-sweatered creepiness.
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Ah, the classic existential crisis of Americans ... to live in the city or the country. That mental anguish was summed up in the "Green Acres" theme song.
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OK, so only one of these famous bands had a TV show. So you’ve had no problem at all guessing the correct answer: "The Monkees."
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You’ll find the Shady Rest Hotel at "Petticoat Junction." But let’s be honest ... it’s really a motel.
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"The Brady Bunch" debuted in 1969 and lasted until 1974. But its legacy — and theme song — are permanently intertwined into American culture.
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"Batman" didn’t need any real lyrics for his theme song because he’s Batman.
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“The Flintstones" were the first cartoon to air in primetime, made for adults as much as kids. And you’ll have a "yabba dabba" good time watching it!
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Fred Gwynne and Joe Ross were both famous for their roles in "Car 54, Where Are You?" Together, they patrolled the streets of the Bronx.
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Starting in the mid-'60s, Marlo Thomas was "That Girl," an aspiring actress on the East Coast. Mostly, however, she just worked silly temp jobs and got into amusing situations.
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Like "Batman," "Rawhide" had an epic line that repeated the show’s title. And that’s why you’ll forever associate rawhide with a ‘60s TV show.
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The opening song for "The Andy Griffith Show" is an idyllic take on life, just like the show itself. It offers a dreamy look at innocence in small-town life.
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It might be one of the most stripped-down theme songs of all time. But it still works — because you still remember "The Jetsons."
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Unlike most theme songs, which preceded the program, the tune for "The Carol Burnett" show played during the closing credits. And that somehow made it even more memorable.
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Many TV theme songs aired originally without words, and "The Munsters" was one such show. But later, the composer added an entire song’s worth of lyrics.
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Can humans and witches really get along? That was the premise of "Bewitched," and the answer seemed to be, well, yes, they can.
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He wasn’t just a dolphin — he was a full-blown action hero. Just like Lassie, "Flipper" kept kids out of trouble, even when they went out of their way to try to drown themselves.
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What happens when your mom dies and is reincarnated as an automobile? There’s only one way to find out — watch "My Mother, The Car."
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As Westerns exploded in popularity, "F Troop" hit the small screens thanks to ABC. It was a silly take on the conflicts between Old West soldiers and Indians.
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In "Have Gun, Will Travel," we follow the adventures of Paladin. But he’s no knight — he’s a dusty cowboy out to keep order in the Old West.
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Starting in 1969, ABC aired "Love, American Style." Each show had a different cast, but all of the storylines revolved around funny romance plots.
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"Gidget" was yet another idealized version of a teenage life on the beach. But did you know that the show was inspired by a 1957 novel titled, "Gidget: The Little Girl With The Big Ideas"?
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No, the TV version of "Gunsmoke" didn’t have lyrics. But an obscure version actually did feature words, so if you manage to guess this one, you’re a true cowboy indeed.
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“I Dream of Jeannie" featured a modern-day genie as its heroine. All she had to do was fold her arms and nod her head, and her incredible powers quickly became evident.
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The TV show version didn’t have lyrics, but words were indeed added in a special album. Pat yourself on the back if you guessed "Hogan’s Heroes."
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When two astronauts accidentally travel back in time, they have all sorts of wacky adventures. That was the premise of the 26 episodes of "It’s About Time."
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If you guessed this one, you’re a true pop culture champ. "The Dick Van Dyke Show" used this song, which definitely had lyrics, but the TV version was instrumental-only.
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It’s one of the goofier theme songs in TV lore, all about a talking horse named "Mr. Ed." And once you’ve heard this catchy tune you will never, ever get it out of your head.
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