Music For TV Shows

Music plays a crucial role in TV shows, helping to establish the tone, create atmosphere, and enhance emotions. It can also provide context and support character development, as well as creating memorable moments that become instantly recognizable and iconic.

Mik TunePocket Composer

Hi, I’m Mik, one of TunePocket music composers. I went though our catalog of royalty free music and picked the best music that will work great as soundtracks for different types of TV shows and productions.

Watch the video below for a quick overview of the theme music for TV shows, then read more about how to choose music based on the genre of the show, or jump straight to the music for TV shows playlist.

How to choose background music soundtrack for TV shows and series?

There are many different types and genres of TV shows that call for different background music:

Drama

Drama shows are usually typically in tone and explore complex themes and characters. They often deal with issues such as crime, politics, or relationships.

Dramatic TV shows often feature dramatic cinematic music or instrumental pieces with a melancholic or intense tone.

Comedy

Comic shows are designed to be funny and lighthearted. They can range from sitcoms to sketch shows to animated series for adults.

Comedy shows tend to use upbeat and lighthearted music, such as pop, rock, or jazz. For comic moments, you can also try funny music.

Reality TV

Wildly popular reality shows feature non-actors in real-life situations, such as talent competitions, dating shows, or documentary-style shows about people’s lives.

The music used in reality TV shows can vary depending on the show’s focus. For example, talent competitions might feature pop or rock music, while shows about survival or adventure might feature more dramatic or adventurous or epic music.

Talk Shows

Talk shows feature hosts interviewing guests about various topics, ranging from current events to celebrity gossip to personal stories.

Talk shows often feature theme music that is designed to be catchy and memorable. The music might be a jingle or a short instrumental piece that is played at the beginning and end of each episode.

Game Shows

Game shows go back to the dawn of television and involve contestants competing against each other to win prizes or money by answering trivia questions or completing physical challenges.

Game shows often feature music that create a sense of excitement or tension during the game. For example, listen to this playlist of waiting music, fail sounds, and winning sound effects.

Science Fiction and Fantasy

Sci-fi shows take place in imaginary worlds and often feature supernatural or futuristic elements, such as time travel, magic, or aliens.

Sci-fi shows may use orchestral music or electronic soundscapes that create a sense of otherworldliness or epic adventure.

Animated

Animated shows are generally aimed at children, but can also be enjoyed by adults (anime is very much popular with adults). They feature animated characters and can cover a wide range of genres, from comedy to action to drama.

Music in animated shows is designed to appeal to children and might be used to create a sense of whimsy or adventure. Listen to music for animated videos.

Documentary

Documentaries are non-fiction programs that explore a particular topic, such as history, science, or true crime.

Documentary shows often feature instrumental music that is designed to be unobtrusive and support the narration or interviews. The genre may differ depending on the context and the intended mood of the show. Listen to background music without strong lead melody (good to use under the dialogue or with voice over).

Soap Operas

Soap operas that usually appear on day time television are melodramatic and feature ongoing storylines about everyday lives of their characters.

Soap operas use sentimental or romantic music or ballads that accompany love or emotional scenes. The music might feature piano, strings, or a solo vocalist.

News Programs

News provide updates on current events, often with commentary and analysis from experts. They can cover local, national, or international news.

News programs use recognizable instrumental pieces that are designed to be upbeat and attention-grabbing. The music might feature electronic or orchestral elements, depending on the tone of the program. Listen the examples of music for news broadcasts.