The Mary Tyler Moore Show opening sequence opening sequence, with Alexei Sayle dancing through the streets of London to the theme song 'Life's a Big Banana Sandwich'. In the "Saturdays of Thunder" episode of "The Simpsons" (also produced by "Mary Tyler Moore" creator James L. Brooks), Homer criticizes his sister-in-law Patty's Mary Tyler Moore style hairdo, to which her sister Selma insists he be ignored, retorting, "You can turn the world on with your smile," in reference to the theme song's opening lyric. A 1984 episode of "Saturday Night Live" included a sketch that quoted the theme. Guest-host Ed Asner (who had played Lou Grant on "Mary
The Mary Tyler Moore Show opening sequence instrumental version of the song was later used for the opening of Moore's 1979 variety series, "The Mary Tyler Moore Hour". Sonny Curtis recorded two full-length versions of the song, both with significantly different arrangements from the TV versions. The first was released as a single on Ovation Records in 1970, while the second was included on Curtis' Elektra Records album of the same name in 1980. The latter recording, which featured a country arrangement, reached No. 29 on the "Billboard" Hot Country Singles chart. The song has been covered by artists such as Ray Conniff, Joan Jett & The