Classic TV Themes: Irwin Allen and John Williams

The collaboration between Irwin Allen and up-and-coming composer John Williams is one that may have been key in the career of the man who would create the iconic score for 'Star Wars'. Not only did Williams write the themes for three of Allen's scifi shows but he also scored several episodes, their orchestral texture quite different from the jazzy music he wrote for 'Checkmate' or the light fluff of 'Bachelor Father'. However it happened, the iconic John Williams sound may have flowered in 'Star Wars' but the seed was planted in the scifi imagination of these Irwin Allen series.
00:00 'Lost in Space' - The first theme matches the onscreen graphics: futuristic but with a comic undertone. For season three Williams cranked up the excitement, opening with a musical and on-screen countdown and not letting up from there. Included are the openings for all three seasons (the first was in black and white) and closing credits for seasons two and three.
04:39 'Land of the Giants' - The 'giants' can be heard in the music with the snarling horns, but once again Williams surpassed himself with the second theme: more exciting and spectacular than the first, despite sound effects intruding. Both seasons open/close included.
07:43 'The Time Tunnel' - There was only one season but Williams certainly captured musically the concept of time travel and Project Tic-Toc. I wonder how he would have topped this had the show been renewed for another season.

[@clrobertson13]

John Williams, the composer of the soundtrack of my life!

[@nunyabizness6595]

It's criminal that Time Tunnel only got one season.

[@TimelordR]

The closest thing nowadays was the NBC Sci-Fi series Timeless.

[@alanhumphrey4198]

I agree, I always loved Time Tunnel..

[@peterelliott3015]

Agreed should of had more seasons

[@tdon39]

I lovvvvvved the Time Tunnel

[@EzekielPrellus]

I honestly can't remember if they ever got back or not.

[@tnawcwvictoria]

Happy 90 to the one and only John Williams God Bless You Sir and I ❤️ your music, it's a masterpiece

[@kartinisricitrasutiarno6062]

My mom didn't like that I loved sci-fi tv shows so much, like Planet of the Apes, especially tv shows from Irwin Allen. Back then they could only be seen on our only state tv channel in my country, TVRI.Then Star Wars came out and she, too was blown away. We actually saw Raiders together. Love you, mom. RIP. ❤❤

[@squonk86]

Definitely the second opening theme for Lost in Space, season 3 and the count down 7,6,5,4,3 2,1 is the best from Johnny Williams

[@kirk09100]

How to catch and keep your audience with a 1 minute masterpiece of a musical theme. Pure genius.

[@squonk86]

@@kirk09100 Agreed dude..👍

[@j.peters3053]

I can hear a little of Star Wars in that great opening 🎬🎶🎶🎵🎶🎼🎼🎶🎶🎶🎶

[@eeddieedwards3890]

I agree! I also love the 2nd season theme and credit sequence to "Land of the Giants" - Spectacular!

[@jerslan]

Lost in Space Season 3's theme is honestly iconic. Every time I hear it, I know exactly what it is. The theme from Seasons 1 & 2 is great, but not as memorable.

[@user-oq5bv8ue4c]

They should have used the theme from season 3 for the series.

[@deadeye4520]

It's easily my favorite out of the bunch.

[@rockymntain]

MeTV (On digital broadcast TV in most areas) is running all three of these shows in 2021 on Sci-Fi Saturday Night. A little late to stay up and watch, but it is a fun adventure to watch them.

[@stevewhitney4740]

Jesus Christ... it's my entire childhood!

[@Kenneth-ih7me]

These are great themes

[@dgray9020]

Happy 90th Birthday Mr John Williams ( Composer of these shows)

[@davidparker7953]

I consider Land Of The Giants season 2 my all time favorite TV opening of all time, great effects and great music.

[@tiffanypeyton6219]

I agree. I like the opening for that one better as far as visuals but the first one feels more iconic to me as far as the music. Especially with the parts that go 5:57 lol. 😄

[@SoundDeva5]

John Williams, iconic master of sound! I've replayed some of these themes and then played some of his other works (Star Wars, Jurassic Park Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone, Schindler's List, Jaws, E.T., etc.), and you could feel/hear the tie-in sounds! He's incredible!

[@w9gb]

John Williams played the piano for Henri Mancini in the opening theme, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”.

[@johnfreeland9065]

Only one missing is Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea. Another great theme song.

[@davidlewis1815]

That's because Voyage's theme was written by Paul Sawtell, not John Williams.

[@robertszvetics210]

I guess it's not here because Johnny Williams didn't compose voyage Paul Sawell did.

[@twoguardmedia3585]

Wow. This is my 1st time hearing hearing the 2nd land of the giants theme. Never even knew a different one existed. Thank you for this

[@tamaraclaw]

Same here

[@WaybackRewind]

Sometimes in syndication they use the most popular theme across all seasons.

[@carloslozada470]

Lost in space both themes beautiful beautiful beautiful beautiful

[@markward6240]

“Lost in Space” my all-time favorite TV show from a very happy childhood growing up in West London ❤

[@eeddieedwards3890]

I was going to take a sub orbital flight to London but ended up in the "Land of the Giants"!

[@WaybackRewind]

Compared to the original Star Trek, Lost in Space is a joke. It would have worked better as a comedy with all the ridiculous creatures they encountered.

[@eeddieedwards3890]

@@WaybackRewind And STAR TREK has LOST IN SPACE to thank for it's very existence because Irwin Allen showed the networks that you could do a sci-fi TV show on a weekly basis and not break the bank.

[@WaybackRewind]

@@eeddieedwards3890 true, but as much as I want to like Lost in Space it just seems utterly ridiculous now while the original Star Trek still feels like real science fiction.

[@eeddieedwards3890]

@@WaybackRewind The first five episodes of LOST IN SPACE are awesome and hold up incredibly well. The production values and the fantastic John Williams music make it all the more amazing. It blew me away when it first premiered back in September of 1965 and I was just 7 years old and I was hooked. The show did go off track but with some cool episodes here & there. STAR TREK was an adult show and I wasn't allowed to stay up that late when it first aired. When I stayed over at my friends house in 1967 is when I saw my first STAR TREK episode "CATSPAW" and it scared the "yell" out of me! The episode was written by one of my favorite writers, Robert "Psycho" Bloch so no wonder. I also saw "ARENA" when first aired and that one scared me too! The original STAR TREK is a classic and thankfully didn't do the "camp" route aside from an episode or two.

[@alesaenz]

Irwin Allen was a genius 👍🎬😎

[@tiffanypeyton6219]

The Time Tunnel theme is probably my favorite 👌🔥

[@JamesBrown-ij1px]

"Lost in Space' Theme Song is perfection!

[@georgevavoulis4758]

I grew up watching Irwin Allen sci-fi series, Voyage ToThe Bottom Of The Sea , Lost In Space ,The Time Tunnel ,Land Of The Giants

[@SLam-ve3yp]

I'm still hoping that Land of the Giants is offered on blu ray. It's the only Irwin Allen show I don't have on DVD/blu ray. This was an excellent montage. Thank you!

[@eeddieedwards3890]

I have the region 2 DVD "Land of the Giants" set from the UK and the quality is way better than the US DVD release.

[@SLam-ve3yp]

@@eeddieedwards3890 I don't have a blu ray that can play them. If I had I would've bought them by now.

[@johnnguyen270]

Super Sci-Fi Saturday leads me here. Thanks METV!!!

[@scottmiller6495]

This collection of these classic themes is beyond superb, Thank You very much for allowing them to play in their entirety !!!!!

[@eugenioferreira9980]

Eu não perdia por nada esses seriados , acordava de manhã, sentava na minha poutrona tomando o meu café da manhã e saia mais, passava de tarde também bons tempos , marcou minha infância e também marcou época !!!

[@DavidRodriguez-hg6kq]

THE TIME TUNNEL THEME SONG IS PURE TIME TRAVEL MUSIC!

[@cindernubblebutt1340]

OH! THE PAIN! I'm so grateful that Disney gave him a part in a Bug's Life if just to say that line.

[@ScottRandolph-dd7dr]

🎉 futuristic greetings from coastal Mississippi. Lost in Space esp. when it went colour , my what memories and the Time Tunnel, seeing it in colour, to this day l am still fascinated with it. These are far out flasbacks❤😂🎉

[@Armoured.Goomba]

All my favourite show themes rolled into one ❤👍🏻 season 3 lost in space, 2nd season of land of the giants and the time tunnel theme takes me right back to being a kid watching these on a sunday morning in the uk before sunday dinner.

[@rickdepaula]

Land of the Giants season 2 opening is epic

[@tnawcwvictoria]

Yes INDEED and so is the 20th Century Fox Television Jingle used on the Time Machine which was also used a Batman, could ya imagine they used that on Season 2 of Land of the GIANTS, that would've been SUPER EPIC

[@kittycatmeowmeow963]

I need to see this show.

[@TheLawrence68]

Thanks for this, brings back great memories!

[@stevenj9970]

Shows you how TIGHT those old studio musicians played.......no current orchestra performances can match that clarity these days.

[@DoctorShocktor]

Nonsense. You need to get out of your orchestral preferences and listen to who actually recorded these themes. Studio musicians who’s very meal ticket depended on laser sharp tightness. These players exist at this very day in recording studios, on television shows, and in various funk and jazz and pop bands. Professional musicians do whatever it takes to make the performance. Perhaps you are correct about large symphony orchestras, but they were never part of this equation.

[@stevenj9970]

I guess you can't comprehend what I said, pity........I was complimenting those very studio musicians@@DoctorShocktor

[@myrnalaboy2840]

Happy Birthday John Williams 🎉❤🥳🎁🎊😍🤩

[@derekseven1647]

Outstanding thanks for cutting these together. I listen to it constantly

[@georgevavoulis4758]

Best themes for great television 📺series

[@richardatkins7375]

I've always liked everything Irwin Allen came up with but the "Time Machine" with Robert Taylor, Sebastian Cabbett & Evett Mimue was the start for me especially the part where Taylor sits in the time machine watching the world changing through 800+ thousand years with civilizations rising falling yet continuing! luv sci-fi

[@DavidRodriguez-hg6kq]

Robert Taylor wasn't in the TIME MACHINE.

[@brucekuehn4031]

You are thinking Rod Taylor (also in The Birds) and you are remembering the 1960 movie The Time Machine. This was TV in ‘66 - The Time Tunnel.

[@nunyabizness6595]

The great George Pal did Time Machine, War of the worlds, etc.

[@oluhamilton2121]

The much hyped TT had a great theme.

[@kellyb.mcdonald1863]

Thank You!!! Say's the Sound Man!!! This is Sound Music!!! Have a Magical Day!!! I have a incredible number of musical selections that I rotate through annually!!! This being of the thousands of musical selections that that I regularly return too!!! Kelly!!!

[@24sweetroller7]

Happy 91st birthday to John Williams! In the closing credits of the color episode is Robert Pine as Craig. in late years, he would be Sgt. Joe Getraer in the TV series CHiPs (California Highway Patrol).

[@alexrizzo]

All fantastic themes, Genius "Johnny" Williams!

[@kenhallermd8897]

Thank you for this. I was not that familiar with the "Land of the Giants" themes. the first "Lost in Space" theme has a real charm to it. It seems a homage to 1950s Space Monster movies. I slightly prefer his 2nd LIS theme. I find it really complex and propulsive and just fun! Above all, I love the "Time Tunnel" theme. It's such a clever and captivating mix of - appropriately - many different time signatures in sequence AND in counterpoint. This is the one that, for me, points to who "Johnny Williams" would become!

[@paulwalker3758]

The Time Tunnel theme isn’t by John Williams…

[@kenhallermd8897]

@@paulwalker3758, yes, it is. Search KZbin for "The Time Tunnel end credits," and on the third to the last credit card is listed "Theme Johnny Williams."

[@paulwalker3758]

@@kenhallermd8897 oops. I saw the music card with a different name & had seen John(ny) Williams with the Music By credit on all the other intros. Missed him on that last card. Should have checked IMDB!

[@bryansikes6443]

Love The First And Second Season Theme Of Lost In Space!!!!!!!!!

[@mikekennedy4572]

Time Tunnel was such a great show.

[@NHGMZ]

Happy 88th Birthday to LOTG Gary Conway (2/04/2024)!

[@tywillis741]

The Land of Giants theme! Oh my word! Fantastic.

[@Tmanaz480]

If you're a certain age, your audio neurons are permanently imprinted with Carl Stalling, John Williams, and Lalo Schifern.

[@btruj2507]

And Dominic Frontiere (Outer Limits).

[@andrewtaylor940]

Let’s not forget Jerry Goldsmith

[@AdmiralNelson1000]

​@@btruj2507I need to doublecheck this, but also Invaders, Twelve OCLock High, maybe Rat Patrol (should really doublecheck this), Search...all excellent...

[@joedibenedetto2480]

Absolute iconic t.v. themes ....... great & happy childhood memories ❤

[@laerciofarias1271]

Trilhas sonoras maravilhosas 👏🙏😍

[@robertthomas5736]

Land of The Giants

[@DaveJOHAZ]

The Phoenix Symphony is going to be playing the music of John Williams in February. If one of these themes starts I'll... Well, not sure what I'd do, other than be in soundtack heaven.

[@arthurfrancodelimajunior1747]

Nice vídeo 👏👏👏👏

[@DIOGENESHUMOR]

Uma viagem no tempo...indo lá para a minha infância.

[@edsonea56]

Seriado muito bom, amo sensacional q bom q vcs nos fazem voltar aos tempos bons de infância obrigado valeu mesmo

[@alanr4447a]

Notice the difference between the _Lost in Space_ animated depictions of June Lockhart and Marta Kristen of season 1 vs. season 2, and how in season 2 Billy Mumy is "tangled" in the tether!

[@Laceykat66]

Hey, kids grow up. What can you do?

[@AdmiralNelson1000]

Nice touches with the animation, definitely.

[@robertthomas5736]

John Williams TV Show Themes ,Before Star Wars and E.T The Extra Terrestrial and Indiana Jones

[@WaybackRewind]

I love that Johnny Williams

[@robertthomas5736]

The Time Tunnel

[@MegaKamandi]

I am 53 I had never seen land of the giants until I think 1983vi was 12 a local Indy channel started running them in order fell in love but when I saw the opening to season 2:my head exploded not knowing it was John Williams which I was a fan since the late 70s

[@user-oq5bv8ue4c]

One series by Irwin Allen i wish they would have picked up, was City under the sea. They used to have the pilot on hear, but they took it down.

[@AdmiralNelson1000]

Well worth having. It would have been fun to have had by the week, but alas by the early 70s it was all crime and other fare on the networks.

[@miketravis6149]

Whatever has happened to the box that sat in the corner of the house that used to bring us great TV shows like these and many others? Kids programs like Thunderbirds, Stingray, Captain Scarlett to name but a few. Morcambe & Wise, 2 Ronnies & Tommy Cooper? We have more channels than ever before but there is nothing any good on them. We need the time tunnel to go back and enjoy again moments like these. Thanks for the memories.

[@tamaraclaw]

Didn't remember that Lost in Space season 1 intro was different from season 2. Always liked season 3 the best.

[@w9gb]

John Williams used French Horns, for opening of the third theme. He increased his usage of those horns in later compositions.

[@tamaraclaw]

@@w9gb 3rd season intro was livelier and more in tune with '60s music, pun not intended. Yes, the French horns carry the melody in the "verse" and make an interesting addition in the "bridge"

[@w9gb]

Trying to remember the instrument (unusual, rare in usage) that Williams used in original theme.

[@LyleFrancisDelp]

Not many know this, but Johnny Williams provided some incidental music for the first several episodes of Gilligan's Island....not the famous theme song, which was written by Sherwood Schwartz...some lovely tropical sounding background music.

[@SteveBrant55]

So, basically, before there was Steven Spielberg, there was a Irwin Allen giving John Williams, lots of impressive assignments!

[@jpsned]

The two LIS themes seem to be written in an 8/4 time signature. That's fairly unusual, especially for TV!

[@lorddalek]

When people think "long running John Wiliams collaborators", they always think Spielberg. AND YET... JW was with Irwin Allen for 10 years, starting with Lost in Space and culminating in The Towering Inferno.

[@robertalcala1385]

My favorite 🤩

[@nunyabizness6595]

I think the only Allen series that didn't have Williams music was Voyage to the bottom of the sea. I think that was Paul Sawtell.

[@garethbramley1]

Williams' two themes for LIS are awesome - loved the b&w episodes. I found TT and LOTG very slow and lethargic, especially the latter but, again, the JW themes were great. Fortunately, a lot of the music from these series has been preserved on CD over recent years.

[@carlottasherwood1560]

Are season three Lost in Space opening shots fromVisit to a Hostile Planet as the closing credits are ?

[@AdmiralNelson1000]

Yes, it seems like it.

[@Hutzjohn]

I loved lost in space and voyage to the bottome of the sea mom loved to watch land of the giants i would usually turn the time tunnel on.

[@alexanderwyllie7334]

Part of the soundtrack of my life ! Wouldn't change it for a thing ! Growing up ( im 61 now ).watching and listening to these classic genres were amazing ! The present music scores / Tv Themes just dont have an ounce of the talent or oommphhh they used to have years ago imho . But everyone has their own opinions

[@jmcenanly1]

There are parts of t"Land of the Giants " theme that remind me of the music used during the battle on Hoth in the Empire Strikes Back.

[@DakariKingMykan]

What about Voyage to the bottom of the sea?

[@LarryLeeMoniz]

John Williams did not compose that theme, Paul Sawtell did.

[@Tmanaz480]

It's Fox, so we get the luscious sound of the Alfred Newman scoring stage.

[@FreemonSandlewould]

Dude is good.

[@johnmiller4555]

Love John Williams. But, to be honest, I think on the latter "Lost in Space" theme is the one great theme here.

[@sergioramoneroles5807]

Te faltó ponerle Viaje al fondo del mar Gracias por tu exposición

[@GusTube1980]

Casualmente no está porque ese tema fue compuesto por Paul Sawtell, no por Williams.

[@matrix-teknologies]

when special quest meant you were on the show for the entire season, i dont think there were no episode with him, it was always him getting everyone in trouble in lost in space

[@mutfol]

Animated openings to live-action tv series was obviously in fashion in the sixties…

[@AdmiralNelson1000]

True!

[@AldoCugnini]

Interesting how, in order to present a "new and improved" series, they threw the first season theme out the window, and produced a completely different one one later years.

[@luisreyes1963]

They (20th Century Fox TV) made that mistake in changing the Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea theme for the 2nd season. The original got restored in the 3rd season.

[@jefftappan3091]

Practically every John Williams theme is brass/horn-heavy.

[@LyleFrancisDelp]

Even in the 60s, Williams was writing great parts for French horn. (Think Star Wars)

[@j.peters3053]

Yes, you can a little of Star Wars in both lost in space themes🎼🎶🎶🎶🎶♾♾

[@ricardoarcanjo9687]

Adorava esses seriados especialmenteterra de gigantes

[@tnawcwvictoria]

Lost in Space, Land of the Giants and The Time Tunnel from the Creator and Producer of Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea and from the studio that gave us Daniel Boone, The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, Nanny and the Professor and Batman

[@nunyabizness6595]

The 1960s shows (sf) had an innocence and charm you dont get today with the exception of the orville. What happened to producers? Too jaded?

[@tnawcwvictoria]

@@nunyabizness6595 Probably so, not to mention, we have too much cable tv that you have to pay for as well as so many wanna watch nothing but news and sports all day

[@AdmiralNelson1000]

​@@nunyabizness6595Yes, quite so! Jaded is the word. Spot on.

[@alanr4447a]

The first _Lost in Space_ closing credits would be season _TWO,_ not season 1, as they are in color.

[@davidgideon]

Right you are. I have made the correction. Thank you so much.

[@samycelestin8852]

LEVEL SEPT 7 YES 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖.

[@garry48gf]

Great tv shows theme songs, I would to see the remake of the “Land of Giants” if it’s done well.

[@Buskieboy]

02:37 Lost In Space (Colour version) 04:39 Land of the Giant 07:44 The Time Tunnel

[@robertperry8392]

I think Land of the Giants first season theme was much better than the second season theme.

[@pp312]

Er...no. Season 2 was right up there with the best TV themes, like Hong Kong (Lionel Newman) and The Virginian (Percy Faith).

[@DoctorShocktor]

@@pp312Er yes. I have no idea what all the love for LOTG #2 is. It’s bland as hell. All of the other themes, particularly those feature french horns are much more intriguing.

[@pp312]

@@DoctorShocktor "I have no idea what all the love for LOTG #2 is." Well, you might want to have a think about it, and another listen. The show might have been shlock, but the theme was/is one of the best thing Williams ever did. I wonder what you thought of my other two selections.

[@eeddieedwards3890]

@@pp312 Season one LOG theme is more mysterious and builds to a menacing crescendo as the giant world is featured as scary & frightening place where as LOG theme season 2 is spectacular from the get go with all the cool visuals splashing across the screen as the music builds in excitement (and I can hear a little "Star Wars" in there trying to get out) - the credits sequence now discards the mystery and fright goes right for the action and spectacle.

[@warwickaldermanchannel2340]

"Never fear? Smith is here!"

[@eeddieedwards3890]

Indeed!

[@jnadle1]

The second season intro of Lost in Space looked more Dr. No-like.

[@joestrike8537]

In the closing credits of the season 2 Land of the Giants episode he's listed as "John," not "Johnny" Williams - not a kid anymore!

[@squonk86]

Hey my name is Ronald but always liked to be called Ronnie and I'm almost 60 so not being a kid anymore has nothing to do with it.

[@marcoantoniosalazarmatamor3014]

The second opening of Land of the Giants is good, but I prefer the first one.

[@DougUnfunny]

the time Tunnel sounds the most like star wars, Hints of sand people theme with Imperial stormtrooper theme.Yes I know it was before star wars, it just foreshadows.

[@gidzmobug2323]

Was Jonathan Harris a regular on Lost in Space? Or a guest star?

[@Ernie_Centofanti]

Any musicians/composers out there? Has anyone figured out what meter The Time Tunnel theme is in? It sounds to me like it is in 5/4, and switches from 5/4 to 4/4. Am I close?

[@brucekuehn4031]

Credits at 7:18 - Sam Elliott as Martin Reed IMDb says that was Season 2, Episode 2 in 1969 Same year he was on the big screen in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid as Card Player #2. He’s still married to Katharine Ross although they did not meet on Butch Cassidy.

[@danielclaeys4976]

i never seen that tv show

[@stupullenchannel3525]

You forgot Voiage to the bottom of the sea, Irwin Allens baby

[@DoctorShocktor]

Weird, there’s a million comments that explain why you’re wrong. Not a John Williams theme.

[@BrianWashington-oi5ze]

Paul Sawtell composed the theme, not Williams.

[@jorgelopez-pr6dr]

And the theme of Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea?

[@davidgideon]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5rQooJ8eq2ais0 You can search the channel if you're looking for a particular theme. Use the search option next to the 'channels' and 'about' buttons on this channel's home page.

[@jamesmurray8558]

Song in the movie by Frankie Avolon.

[@DoctorShocktor]

Not by John Williams. Maybe read the title of the video.

[@kartinisricitrasutiarno6062]

Oh my, Don Marshall is hot! ❤😊

[@jeffwolcott7815]

I can't believe the guys who played the Robot didn't get credit for their role.

[@gorflunk]

I noticed that, too. The design of Robot B-9 was brilliant. Ever notice how it mimicked the original crew outfits they wore?

[@jeffwolcott7815]

@@gorflunk No I did not. Then again I haven't watched an episode in years.

[@eeddieedwards3890]

In the national US TV guide Bob May was credited as the Robot.