TV shows are incredible sources for musical discovery. They generate earworms –- the songs we can’t get out of our heads -- and eventually, they become the backdrop in the soundtracks of our lives. That’s a fancy way of saying, I spend way too much time listening to music and watching TV and these are the cream of the crop: the TV Shows with the absolute best soundtracks, ever.

7. "The Wonder Years"

The soundtrack from "The Wonder Years" featured an amazing mix of soul, Motown, and classic rock. From Chuck Berry to The Jackson 5 to The Turtles, this musical mix is a favorite for the generations.

Sample Song:

My Girl - The Temptations

6. "Buffy The Vampire Slayer"

The only word to describe the Buffy soundtrack is "rad." The soundtrack features tons of great nineties alternative bands like Garbage and The Sundays. Guaranteed to keep the vampires away.

Sample Song:

Temptation Waits - Garbage

5. "Gossip Girl"

Gossip Girl predicted lots of artists’ success – Foxes, Grouplove, and St. Vincent, to name a few. The show’s soundtrack featured sexy alternative beats with electronic influence from the likes of Peaches, The XX, and Cobra Starship, along with pop anthems from Lady Gaga and LMFAO.

Sample Song:

Dancing On My Own - Robyn

4. "Twin Peaks"

David Lynch's classic show (that by the way, is returning to TV in 2016), features one of the most beautiful soundtracks. Composer Angelo Badalamenti perfectly crafted a mix that's jazzy, bluesy, and as mysterious as the town of Twin Peaks.

Sample Song:

Dance of the Dream Man - Angelo Badalamenti

3. "Gilmore Girls"

The soft, ethereal songs featured on Gilmore Girls reflect the dream-like town of Stars Hollow, where Lorelai and her daughter, Rory, explore friendship, romances, and the magic of coffee (lots of coffee). Featuring artists like The Shins, Yo La Tengo, and Modest Mouse, this alt-heavy soundtrack is the perfect pairing for the sweet yet contemplative nature of the show.

Sample Song:

My Little Corner Of The World - Yo La Tengo

2. "Freaks and Geeks"

Judd Apatow’s cult masterpiece featured awesome music from the 1960s, ‘70s, and ‘80s. The soundtrack was stacked with classic rock legends like The Allman Brothers, Queen, The Who, and Van Halen.

Sample Song:

Ain’t Talkin Bout Love – Van Halen

1. "The O.C."

For many twentysomethings, The O.C. was the soundtrack to our teenage years. Alexandra Patsavas, the show’s music supervisor, gained a lot of mainstream success with The O.C.’s soundtracks because, well, they were phenomenal (sidenote: she also was musical supervisor for "The Twilight Saga," "Grey’s Anatomy," and "Gossip Girl." Yeah, she’s that good.)

In addition to the now-immortalized theme song, “California” by Phantom Planet, the soundtrack featured an amazing lineup of alternative artists like Death Cab for Cutie, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Guster, Bloc Party, and The Killers. Each O,C. Soundtrack was a special, perfectly curated piece that balanced joy, romance, and a healthy dose of teenage angst – all the things that made us love the show to begin with.

Sample Song:

I'm Shakin' - Rooney

What are your favorites? Let us know in the comments!