Mike Post was the John Williams of TV Theme Songs

[Darren Dirt]

...not just prolific, but iconic & memorable!

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLT9xBvWLIGhNQofzqv5xHgvwjoWIPHdqv

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Post#Television_theme_music

"At the peak of his career, Post was the go-to composer for all of the series created by Donald P. Bellisario, Steven Bochco, Stephen J. Cannell and Dick Wolf" (aka my entire childhood and early adulthood)

[Darren Dirt]

I swear the one for "Hunter" could have easily fit into an 80s John Carpenter movie!

https://www.soundtrack.net/album/the-televison-music-of-mike-post-and-pete-carpenter/

[Mr. Analog]

I had no idea that all these shows had the same composer. That's wild

[Darren Dirt]

Prompt:
Who was the most prolific theme song composer for USA
1980s and 1990s action TV series?

GTP4:
The most prolific theme song composer for 1980s and 1990s action series is Mike Post. He composed the theme songs for many popular TV series such as "The A-Team", "Magnum, P.I.", "Law & Order", "Quantum Leap", and "NYPD Blue", among others.

Prompt:
List them all!

GPT4:
Mike Post has an extensive catalog of theme songs composed for 1980s and 1990s action and drama series, here are some of the most known:

1. "The A-Team" (1983-1987)
2. "Magnum, P.I." (1980-1988)
3. "Hill Street Blues" (1981-1987)
4. "The Rockford Files" (1974–1980)
5. "NYPD Blue" (1993-2005)
6. "Law & Order" series (1990-2010) including "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (1999-present)
7. "Quantum Leap" (1989–1993)
8. "L.A. Law" (1986-1994)
9. "The Commish" (1991–1996)
10. "Hardcastle and McCormick" (1983–1986)
11. "Hunter" (1984-1991)
12. "Wiseguy" (1987-1990)
13. "In the Heat of the Night" (1988-1995)
14. "Renegade" (1992–1997)
15. "Silk Stalkings" (1991–1999)
16. "The White Shadow" (1978–1981)
17. "City of Angels" (2000)
18. "Doogie Howser, M.D." (1989–1993)
19. "The Greatest American Hero" (1981-1983)

Please note, some of these show's runs extend beyond the '80s and '90s, but their themes were all composed by Mike Post.

Prompt:
More please.

GPT4:
Sure, Mike Post has certainly had an impressive career! Here are even more shows where he composed the theme music:

1. "Riptide" (1984-1986)
2. "Stingray" (1985-1987)
3. "Baa Baa Black Sheep" (1976-1978)
4. "First Monday" (2002)
5. "Hooperman" (1987-1989)
6. "Tales of the Gold Monkey" (1982-1983)
7. "MacGruder and Loud" (1985)
8. "Toma" (1973-1974)
9. "The Tony Randall Show" (1976-1978)
10. "Tommy and Quadrophenia Live: The Who" - Special Composer (2005)
11. "Philadelphia" - Composer of "Philadelphia Morning" (1993)
12. "NewsRadio" - Composer for one episode (1996)

And a few non-series where he was the composer:

1. "Television Parts" - Home Videos (1985)
2. Mike Hammer: "Murder Takes All" - TV Movie (1989)
3. "Unsub" (1989)

Mike Post's work has not only been prolific, but also revolutionary in the TV world, influencing how series use music to set their tone and atmosphere ever since.

[Darren Dirt]

Prompt:
Similarly who were the few prolific writers for sitcom themes in the 1980s thru 1990s (especially on ABC).

{ PS: take this "quiz"! https://youtube.com/watch?v=RNyN08iZ9kA ( part two, if you also aced the first part: https://youtube.com/watch?v=DQYE_MiHW5s }

GPT4:
Several composers and songwriters were known for their work in sitcom theme songs during the 1980s and 1990s. Here are a few who worked frequently with ABC and other networks:

1. Jesse Frederick: This composer is particularly known for his work on ABC's TGIF line up. His contributions include theme songs for "Full House", "Family Matters", and "Step by Step".

2. Alan Thicke: The late actor, and father of singer Robin Thicke, also composed several theme songs. His works include "The Facts of Life" and "Diff'rent Strokes". He also composed songs for game shows.

3. Gary Portnoy: Portnoy is best known for co-writing and singing the theme song for "Cheers". He also wrote the theme for the "Cheers" spin-off, "Frasier".

4. Ray Colcord: He composed the theme songs for "Boy Meets World", "227", "The Charmings", "Where I Live", "Dinosaurs", "Big Brother Jake", "Singer & Sons", "Thea", and "My Talk Show".

5. Bennett Salvay: Worked in collaboration with Jesse Frederick on many ABC shows like "Full House", "Family Matters", and "Perfect Strangers".

These are a few of the composers and songwriters who defined the sound of sitcoms during the 80s and 90s.

Prompt:
List every TV series that each wrote lyrics for!

GPT4:
Absolutely, here are more details on the shows each of the mentioned artists wrote lyrics for:

1. Jesse Frederick:
  - "Full House" (1987-1995)
  - "Family Matters" (1989-1998)
  - "Step by Step" (1991-1998)
  - "Perfect Strangers" (1986–1993)

2. Alan Thicke:
  - "Diff'rent Strokes" (1978-1986)
  - "The Facts of Life" (1979-1988)
  - "The Wizard of Odds" (1973-1974)
  - "Wheel of Fortune" (1975)
  - "Celebrity Sweepstakes" (1974-1977)
  - "Joker's Wild" (1972–1975, 1977–1986, 1990–1991)

3. Gary Portnoy:
  - "Cheers" (1982–1993)
  - "Punky Brewster" (1984–1986, 1988)
  - "Mr. Belvedere" (1985–1990)

4. Ray Colcord:
  - "Boy Meets World" (1993–2000)
  - "227" (1985–1990)
  - "The Charmings" (1987-1988)
  - "Where I Live" (1993)
  - "Dinosaurs" (1991–1994)
  - "Big Brother Jake" (1990–1994)
  - "Singer & Sons" (1990)
  - "Thea" (1993–1994)
  - "My Talk Show" (1990-1991)

5. Bennett Salvay:
  - "Full House" (1987-1995)
  - "Family Matters" (1989-1998)
  - "Perfect Strangers" (1986–1993)

Everywhere you look...🎶 (now it's stuck in your head!)

[Darren Dirt]

Apologies to you young 'uns, here's the 90s quiz (complete with plenty of TGIF cheese)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=_iAQCeV5VIM