It all started with * Big Bang*.
«The Big Bang Theory» — one of the most successful sitcoms of all time. The series, which ran for 12 seasons and spawned numerous spin-offs, is beloved by millions of viewers.
What about the title track?
Written and recorded by Canadian alternative rock band Barenaked Ladies, "The Big Bang Theory theme" is one of the most "financially successful theme songs of all time," according to Adam Reeder of Professor of Rock.
Thanks to constant airplay and streaming, the song has earned Barenaked Ladies more money than the rest of the band's catalog combined.
After Lorre and Brady attended one of the band's concerts, when Big Bang was still in development, the creators contacted the band in the hope that they would agree to write the title song.
«"I got in the shower, and the whole idea came to me within five minutes of taking a shower," frontman Ed Robertson told Metro in 2019. "I even called my wife and said, 'Can you write this down?' and dictated the first verse to her.".
He added: "I got out of the shower, recorded it in my bathing suit, recorded it on my laptop without any additional equipment, just the built-in microphone, and emailed it to him.".
The show's creators immediately agreed. After one simple change to the song's ending, the rest is history.
In 2022 Rolling Stone magazine included the song in the list of the 100 Greatest TV Theme Songs of All Time.
This article was originally published by Parade on June 5, 2026, in the Entertainment section. Add Parade to your list of recommended sources by clicking here.