When you’re asked to reference a television show, oftentimes it’s the star or a major moment. But back in the day, when TV meant something different, if you were asked to recall a show, you might begin by singing the show’s theme song. There have been countless iconic theme songs in the history of television, but in the world of game shows, there is nothing quite like the Jeopardy! theme.
When the series began in 1964, the theme was synonymous with “Final Jeopardy!” It wasn’t until its revival in 1984 that the song, called “Think,” became the official theme song for the show. But the original composer of the sound may surprise you. What may surprise you even more is how much money the song has made them. It’s time to discuss the history of the Jeopardy! theme song!
The ‘Jeopardy!’ Creator Penned Its Classic Tune
Jeopardy! is the essential American game show that home viewers adore playing along with every night. For those who make it appointment television, Jeopardy! would simply not be the same without that countdown music. It’s been utilized in pop culture and, for us average, everyday people who like to taunt someone when you know they’re struggling to come up with an answer. But who is the brilliant mind behind it? Well, it might surprise you to learn that it was composed by series creator, and all-around brilliant media mastermind, Merv Griffin! Originally composed as a lullaby to help his son, Tony, fall asleep. Written in under a minute, it eventually became Griffin’s meal ticket.
As Griffin shared with the New York Times in 2005, “That little 30 seconds has made me a fortune, millions.” How much? He revealed, “Probably close to $70-80 million.” That’s not a bad number for a song that originally was meant for personal usage! Merv Griffin, who received a Lifetime Achievement Emmy Award in 2005, has been no stranger of cashing in his triumphs for some cash. In 1986, he sold Merv Griffin Enterprises, which included Jeopardy!, to Coca-Cola for $250 million, which is why he continued to cash in on the royalties to the theme song. Like its creator, “Think” was named the best game show theme song by the 2009 Game Show Awards.
Related
‘Jeopardy!’ It’s About Time the Seniors Tournament Made a Comeback
30 years Is too long.
Merv Griffin’s Legacy is Everlasting
To say that Merv Griffin’s resume is not prolific is an understatement. Known as a pioneer of talk shows, Merv Griffin hosted The Merv Griffin Show, which ran off and on for 24 years between 1962 and 1986. For almost a quarter of a century, Griffin welcomed upwards of 25,000 guests to his show, many of whom had a major impact on pop culture, politics, and sports. He noted that, of that extraordinary list, the most fascinating guest was Orson Welles. Though not known for hard-hitting interrogatory questions, he told the New York Times, “He allowed no pre-interview and no questions about his past at all.”
His love of games as a kid helped him launch another hit game show that would change the world, Wheel of Fortune. Unlike Jeopardy! though, he didn’t capture success with an earworm-worthy jingle. Actor Alan Thicke actually penned the Wheel of Fortune theme song. In addition to the hit game show theme, Thicke also wrote the theme songs for the sitcoms Diff’rent Strokes and The Facts of Life. However, he noted that in 2005, he wasn’t fond of the world of reality television, saying, “Bachelors and spinsters and people collecting uninteresting people, I don’t know what that stuff is.” However, there was one that he did enjoy due to his love for music: American Idol. He said, “They have talent, and they actually perform. I love that show.” Merv Griffin’s impact on media continues to this day. Sadly, he passed away in 2007 when his cancer returned. He is forever commemorated with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and as one of the first inductees into the Jeopardy! Hall of Fame’s inaugural class.
