Movies & TV
TV Theme Songs Quiz
Name that show from its theme song description — from Friends to Game of Thrones.
Name that show from its theme song description — from Friends to Game of Thrones.
TV theme songs are some of the most recognizable pieces of music ever recorded. A 2019 study found that people can identify a familiar TV theme in under two seconds — faster than most pop songs. From orchestral epics to catchy jingles, these musical intros have defined entire eras of television and become deeply embedded in popular culture.
Each round presents 10 randomized multiple-choice questions drawn from a pool of 50, so every playthrough is different. We describe a theme song's instruments, mood, and notable features — and you guess which show it belongs to. You get instant feedback with explanations after each answer, plus a shareable score at the end.
This quiz covers classic and modern TV themes — from the synthesizer-driven sounds of the 1980s to the orchestral scores of prestige TV. You'll discover fascinating behind-the-scenes facts, like how the Seinfeld theme was created using mouth pops and a keyboard, or how the Game of Thrones opening became one of the most Shazamed TV themes of all time.
While opinions vary, the Friends theme, the Jeopardy! "thinking" music, and the Law & Order "dun dun" sound are among the most universally recognized. The Simpsons theme by Danny Elfman, the Mission: Impossible theme, and the original Star Trek fanfare also consistently rank near the top of all-time lists.
The best TV intros combine memorable music with striking visuals. Game of Thrones featured an animated clockwork map that changed each episode. The Sopranos opening drive through New Jersey set the mood perfectly. True Detective's first season used haunting double-exposure imagery. Breaking Bad kept it minimal with just a brief chemical formula animation.
Many modern prestige dramas have moved away from traditional theme songs. The Wire used a different artist covering the same song each season. Breaking Bad uses only a brief five-second intro. Lost had no traditional theme — just a simple title card. This trend toward shorter or absent intros accelerated with streaming, where viewers often skip lengthy openings.
Last updated: March 2026