Top 10 Original Songs from TV Shows
#10: “Let’s Go to the Mall”
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“How I Met Your Mother” (2005-14) Nobody can get us as excited to hang out at a food court as Robin Scherbatsky. When Ted’s Canadian girlfriend refuses to go to a mall, he and his friends can’t resist the mystery. After a number of failed guesses, they’re delighted to learn that she was a teenaged one-hit wonder. The audience has just as much fun bopping with the retro video from her past as Robin’s snarky friends do. Her musical history continues to make hilarious appearances throughout the show’s many seasons. Clearly, actor Cobie Smulders was also a fan of her sparkly alter ego. She even put out a new version of the original hit during quarantine.
#9: “Hiphopopotamus vs Rhymenoceros”
“Flight of the Conchords” (2007-09) During a meeting with their manager, this kooky two-man band from New Zealand decides they want to be called by their rapper names. Later, they’re approached by two street toughs who try to mug them. Jemaine and Bret take this opportunity to intimidate their assailants with a rap song that features Hiphopopotamus and Rhymenoceros. Their confident yet contradictory lyrics seem to confuse more than frighten their foes. The awkward dance moves and hilarious lyrics perfectly sum up the vibe of this offbeat series. This duo is indeed “the mother-flippin,” and we don’t plan to forget it.
#8: “If I Didn’t Have You (Bernadette’s Song)”
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“The Big Bang Theory” (2007-19) It’s possible that “Soft Kitty” might be the most frequently performed song on this popular sitcom. After all, it seems to make an appearance whenever Sheldon feels sick. However, it’s the love song Howard writes for his anniversary with Bernadette that really sticks with us. If you’re looking for a nerdy, ridiculously romantic love song, then this is the tune for you. Actor Simon Helberg shows off his impressive piano skills that would later make an appearance in other projects to come. It’s a sweet, geeky moment that features the entire cast working together in harmony.
#7: “Negro y Azul: The Ballad of Heisenberg”
“Breaking Bad” (2008-13) In this mysterious teaser, the Mexican band Los Cuates de Sinaloa kicks off this Season 2 episode of “Breaking Bad” with a ranchera drug anthem. The song is a celebration of Walter White’s meth-trafficking persona, Heisenberg. If you don’t understand the Spanish lyrics, you might think it’s an upbeat tune. However, it quickly takes a darker turn, as images of drug paraphernalia, money and bodies become part of the visuals. This Narcocorrido ballad describes the anger of the cartels over the popularity of Heisenberg’s new stuff. It’s a dark prediction of Walt’s future and makes for a memorable deviation.
#6: “Best Day Ever”
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“SpongeBob SquarePants” (1999-) Although we love a rousing stadium anthem like “Sweet Victory,” it wasn’t written exclusively for the show. Also, can any song sum up SpongeBob’s sunny outlook more than “Best Day Ever?” The lovable sponge wakes up determined to have the perfect day. He has a full day of activities with his friends all planned ready to go. When it all goes awry, SpongeBob learns that the best day is actually one spent with friends, regardless of what you’re doing. As a thanks for all of his help throughout the day, his buddies give him the chance to perform the tune for a crowd. How long are they willing to support him? “Just ‘til his little heart gives out.”
#5: “The FCC Song”
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“Family Guy” (1999-2003; 2005-) From its initial airing, this animated comedy has been the center of controversy for its adult language and content. That’s what makes this ditty such a nice sum up of the show’s disregard for the rules. Since the FCC received multiple petitions to have the show shut down for indecency, the song rejoices in including as many troublesome subjects as possible. Each of the show’s signature cutaway clips cheekily features something that the FCC would object to. It’s both a commentary and a smack in the face to anyone who supports rampant censorship.
#4: “Kyle’s Mom's a Bitch”
“South Park” (1997-) This animated comedy’s edgy humor is in full force with this song. Taking place in the long-running show’s first season, it pulls no punches. An entire gymnasium of children clap along as Eric Cartman swears out his friend’s mother. In the episode, Kyle’s mom persuades the school district to remove religious symbols from a Christmas play. As a result, the angry kids are ready to lay the blame on thick. Since this episode also introduces the fan favorite Mr. Hankey the Christmas Poo, it’s a tune that will always bring us back to the irreverent series.
#3: “Dick in a Box”
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“Saturday Night Live” (1975-) In 2005, the Lonely Island comedy trio started creating Digital Shorts for “SNL.” Although not their first song on the show, this Christmas-themed tune has become one of their most popular. Andy Samberg and Justin Timberlake fully commit to R&B personas who offer their girlfriends what they consider to be the perfect holiday gift. Although the FCC required they bleep out portions of the video on TV, it was released unedited online. The uncensored version was watched more than 320,000 times in less than a week while the song won a Creative Arts Emmy for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics.
#2: “Smelly Cat”
“Friends” (1994-2004) Despite what her friends might think, Phoebe Buffay knew that her song was going to be a hit. It turns out she was right. This feline-themed tune has been performed by a plethora of famous voices. Chrissie Hynde, lead singer of the Pretenders, began the musical journey as Phoebe’s replacement at Central Perk. From there, it’s been covered by artists like Chris Isaak, Colbie Caillat and Taylor Swift. Phoebe actor Lisa Kudrow even got to duet with Lady Gaga while performing the song for “Friends: The Reunion.” The tune is forever entwined with the lovable Phoebe, and has as much brand recognition for the show as its catchy theme song. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“5,000 Candles in the Wind,” “Parks and Recreation” (2009-15; 2020)
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“Muffin Top,” “30 Rock” (2006-13; 2020)
A Sassy Song From an Independent Lady “I Really Don’t Hate Christmas,” “Phineas and Ferb” (2007-)
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“In the Moonlight (Do Me),” “Modern Family” (2009-20)
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“Bad Stuff Happens in the Bathroom,” “Bob’s Burgers” (2011-)
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#1: “Happy Birthday, Lisa”
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“The Simpsons” (1989-) There are so many great original songs from “The Simpsons” that it’s hard to choose a favorite. Who doesn’t love the sweet song, “Baby on Board,” by Homer’s barbershop quartet? We’ll also always have a soft spot for Bart’s boy band Party Posse and their hit song, “Drop Da Bomb.” However, there’s just something special about Bart singing a song for his sister on her birthday. Michael Jackson penned the lyrics to “Happy Birthday, Lisa” and a sound-alike singer voiced Bart’s duet partner, Leon Kompowsky. This touching moment where Bart tries to be a good brother is both heart-warming and memorable.
