Reaper Theme Song

2007–2009; this is for the television series, as I understand there is a lesser-known movie of the same name

Alright, since I don’t have much time, I’ll just post on something non-research intensive.

Reaper is one of those shows that have 10-second intros; most probably because it existed in a time when such was all the rage (it sucks, I know). I have to say though, the 10 seconds the title sequence people were given is time well spent. The video sequence is clever, and the music is defined and catchy.

Original music is credited to David Schwartz and Charles Pollard. My best guess is that Mr. Schwartz composed the short title tune. His music is credited for 31 episodes—exact same number of episodes in the show’s run. He also has an impressive resume, namely (the themes from): Deadwood, Arrested Development, and Northern Exposure.

Now, let’s relive the canceled series with the memorable opening and theme song below.

Deadwood Theme Song

2004–2006

Let’s go David Schwartz all the way today.

Well, so I guess that’s it. Deadwood, that American Western drama series set in the 1800s, had its opening theme song composed by David Schwartz. Mr. Schwartz also happens to be the subject of our last two posts—Northern Exposure theme and Arrested Development theme.

The theme song was nominated in 2004 for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Main Title Theme Music. However, it lost to the theme from Monk (composed by Randy Newman).

While the opening song remained constant, the closing credits featured a different song in each episode. Most of the songs used in the closings can be seen in the official soundtrack. The soundtrack of course also has the opening song, credited as “Theme From Deadwood”, and lasts 1:34—same in each opening (no full/extended version).

Below is the epic opening credits.

Arrested Development Theme Song

2003–2006

This was a really, really good show. Unfortunately (I think), it was not picked up by the masses.

As for the opening theme song, well, it was short, apt and simple. And, there is really not much to say about it except that it was composed by known television composer David Schwartz. We just recently encountered Mr. Schwartz for the Northern Exposure theme. The theme song is the ukulele-based background music for the opening sequence narrative about the premise of the show. Below is the complete and correct narrative.

“Now the story of a wealthy family who lost everything, and the one son who had no choice but to keep them all together. It’s Arrested Development.”

The above (and all of the show’s narration) is narrated by one of the show’s producers—The Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons director Ron Howard.

Below is the original opening sequence.

The theme is also used by the character Lindsay Fünke as her cell phone ringtone.

Northern Exposure Theme Song

1990–1995

I have to admit, I do not remember much about this show except for the moose in the opening.

It sure did have a rockin’ theme song though, which is just so relaxing to listen to. Audiophiles, this is a good gear tester.

The song, normally credited as “Theme From Northern Exposure”, was composed by David Schwartz. Mr. Schwartz is the lone composer and scorer for the series; he also did some work for Reaper, Worst Week and Arrested Development among others.

If you want to legally acquire the tune, you can check out the official soundtrack Northern Exposure: Music from the Television Series, released in 1992 under MCA.

I’m not 100% sure but I think the soundtrack contains a full/extended version of the theme, otherwise where would the video below get a 3-minute version.

And below, the classic moose opening sequence.