The Television Theme That Became One of the Biggest Pop Hits of the 1980s
Released in 1981 as the theme song for the ABC television series The Greatest American Hero, “Theme From Greatest American Hero (Believe It or Not)” accomplished something very few television themes have ever managed—it became a genuine pop phenomenon. Sung by Joey Scarbury and written by Mike Post and Stephen Geyer, the song climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, spending three weeks just shy of the top spot and becoming one of the most recognizable songs of the decade.
While many television themes remain tied to the shows they introduce, “Believe It or Not” quickly took on a life of its own. Its uplifting melody, optimistic lyrics, and soaring chorus resonated far beyond the series, earning heavy radio airplay and becoming a defining soft rock anthem of the early 1980s.
More than forty years later, it remains one of the greatest TV theme songs ever recorded and one of the most beloved feel-good hits of its era.
A Perfect Match for an Unusual Television Series
The Greatest American Hero told the story of Ralph Hinkley, an ordinary schoolteacher who receives a superhero suit from visiting aliens. Unfortunately, he loses the instruction manual almost immediately, leaving him to figure out its powers through trial and error, often with hilarious results.
The show’s charm came from its mix of comedy, action, and heart.
The theme song reflected that same spirit.
Television composer Mike Post, already famous for creating iconic themes for shows like Hill Street Blues, The Rockford Files, and later Law & Order, teamed with lyricist Stephen Geyer to write a song that perfectly captured the optimism of an ordinary person discovering extraordinary possibilities.
Joey Scarbury, a longtime session vocalist who had struggled for years to find commercial success, delivered the performance that finally brought him into the spotlight.
Songwriting
The lyrics center on hope, self-belief, and embracing opportunities that once seemed impossible.
Rather than focusing specifically on superheroes or the television series, the song speaks to anyone who has ever doubted themselves before discovering hidden strengths.
That universal message explains why the recording connected so strongly with listeners who had never even watched the show.
The chorus is wonderfully simple.
Its uplifting melody and memorable hook create an immediate emotional connection, making it one of the easiest songs of the decade to sing along with.
It’s inspirational without becoming overly sentimental.
Joey Scarbury’s Performance
Joey Scarbury gives the performance of his career.
His voice is warm, expressive, and filled with genuine optimism.
Rather than relying on dramatic vocal flourishes, Scarbury lets the melody do much of the work, delivering every line with sincerity and confidence.
His gradual build throughout the song mirrors the emotional journey described in the lyrics.
By the final chorus, the performance feels triumphant without ever becoming overblown.
It’s one of the finest vocal performances ever associated with a television theme.
Production
Produced by Mike Post, the recording perfectly captures the polished adult contemporary sound of the early 1980s.
The arrangement features:
- Bright acoustic guitar
- Warm electric piano
- Rich string arrangements
- Gentle percussion
- Layered vocal harmonies
- Tasteful orchestration
The production emphasizes melody above everything else.
Each instrument supports Scarbury’s vocal while gradually increasing the emotional intensity.
Despite being unmistakably a product of its era, the recording has aged remarkably well thanks to its emphasis on strong songwriting rather than production gimmicks.
Chart Success
“Believe It or Not” became one of the most successful television themes in history.
The song reached:
- No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100
- No. 3 on the Adult Contemporary chart
- Top 10 in Canada
- Strong chart success internationally
Although Joey Scarbury never enjoyed another hit on the same scale, this single permanently secured his place in pop music history.
It also became one of Mike Post’s greatest commercial achievements as a songwriter.
Why It Still Inspires
An Optimistic Message
The lyrics encourage listeners to believe in themselves and embrace unexpected opportunities.
Its positive outlook remains timeless.
Beautiful Melody
The soaring chorus is instantly memorable and emotionally uplifting.
It’s one of the strongest melodies of the decade.
Joey Scarbury’s Sincere Vocal
His warm delivery makes every lyric feel authentic.
The performance never sounds forced.
Timeless Production
The tasteful arrangement allows the song’s emotional core to shine through.
It continues to sound fresh more than four decades later.
Cultural Impact
“Believe It or Not” became far more famous than the television series that inspired it.
The song has appeared in countless films, television shows, commercials, sporting events, and nostalgic retrospectives celebrating the 1980s.
One of its most memorable later appearances came in the television sitcom Seinfeld, where George Costanza humorously rewrote the lyrics for his answering machine greeting, introducing the melody to an entirely new generation of viewers.
Its uplifting spirit has ensured its continued popularity across multiple generations.
Legacy
Among all television theme songs, “Believe It or Not” occupies a rare place.
It stands alongside classics like “Movin’ On Up” from The Jeffersons and “I’ll Be There for You” from Friends as one of the few themes that became a massive radio hit in its own right.
It also remains Joey Scarbury’s defining achievement and one of Mike Post’s greatest compositions.
Its combination of heartfelt lyrics, memorable melody, and uplifting emotion continues to make it one of the most beloved songs of the early 1980s.
Final Thoughts
“Theme From Greatest American Hero (Believe It or Not)” is far more than a television theme.
It’s a beautifully written song about hope, perseverance, and discovering possibilities you never imagined.
Joey Scarbury’s heartfelt performance, combined with Mike Post’s outstanding composition and elegant production, created a timeless classic that has outlived the television series it introduced.
Whether remembered from the show, heard on classic radio, or rediscovered through popular culture, “Believe It or Not” continues to inspire listeners with its simple but powerful message.
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