Series Debut: 1989 (not counting Tracey Ullman) The Simpsons Emmy-nominated opening theme was composed by Danny Elfman, apparently in 3 days, 2 hours, 48 minutes, and 19 seconds, though we have no idea why he was timing this down to the second. Nominated for an Emmy in 1992, the theme won the National Music Award for "Favorite TV Theme" in 2002. It also won BMI TV Music Awards in 1996, 1998, and 2003. Green Day recorded a cover of the theme that hit #19 on the UK singles chart in 2007. Various musical guests on the show have also covered the tune, including Sonic Youth and Fall Out Boy (that one's a little on the nose, don't you think?).