As someone who grew up glued to the TV screen, I can wholeheartedly say that the opening sequences of these iconic shows have left a lasting impression on me. From the sweeping vistas and haunting melodies of “Game of Thrones” and “House of the Dragon,” to the nostalgic charm of “Cheers” and the enduring wit of “The Simpsons,” these opening credits have become as much a part of these shows’ legacies as the stories themselves.
Ever since TV shows first hit our screens, there’s always been an introductory sequence in the opening credits. Initially, these were just a list of people involved in the production, but as time went on, credit sequences transformed. They started incorporating memorable tunes or songs that perfectly summed up the essence of each show.
As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but marvel at how TV show opening credit sequences from the 20th century were masterfully crafted. Not all of them are hailed as timeless classics, though. To earn that coveted title, a show had to be groundbreaking, offer something fresh and unique, feature music that stuck in your head, and present visuals that resonated deeply with the program’s essence.
Combining these key components results in some of the most unforgettable opening credits ever created. Although there are countless outstanding instances to consider, this piece focuses on just 15 exceptional examples. Each one underscores the dedication and hard work put into their creation, with certain tunes forever etched in our memories.
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
The TV show “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” primarily focuses on its protagonist, portrayed by Ellie Kemper. She, along with three other women, had been held captive for 15 years by a doomsday cult leader named Reverend Richard Wayne Gary Wayne (Jon Hamm). The series opens with the unveiling of this shocking truth and depicts the rescue operation carried out by the authorities, while a neighbor addresses the media.
The series frequently pokes fun at various forms of popular culture, and this is especially noticeable in its introduction. Composed by Jeff Richmond, the catchy title theme song takes jabs at internet trends in multiple ways. In the news coverage of Kimmy’s rescue, auto-tune is heavily used, turning the broadcast into a song that perfectly embodies the show’s themes.
Richmond shared with Entertainment Weekly his thoughts on the introduction, stating that he and producers Robert Carlock and Tina Fey aimed for it to serve as an anthem – a blend of empowerment and humor. The introduction, much like Kimmy’s perspective on life, exudes an inspiring vibe while maintaining a balance, making it a prime example of exceptional intro creation.
True Blood
True Blood” is a romantic tale that revolves around blood, featuring characters like vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural beings. Despite this, the protagonist Sookie Stackhouse (played by Anna Paquin) is quite ordinary – she’s a telepath in love with a vampire, but otherwise she’s pretty normal. The show begins each episode with an opening scene that can be quite visually shocking.
It’s evident that Matt Mulder, the creative director, was intending a specific message through the opening, which blends traditional Southern religious symbols with images of death and decay. Mulder and his team centered their theme around what he described as “the sinner in the holy place” (as mentioned on Watch the Title!). Their goal was to create a balance between the sacred and the worldly in the visuals they presented.
As a fan, I’ve found that Jace Everett’s “Bad Things” plays a pivotal role in creating the eerie atmosphere that permeates “True Blood.” In an era where viewers often bypass credits, this show gives us a compelling reason to watch them – the 90-second opening sequence skillfully sets the tone for the entire series.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
For most TV shows with a theme song, they’re catchy tunes that become significant earworms over time. When Will Smith took the lead in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” there was no chance the hip-hop artist wouldn’t sing the intro song, and he came up with one of the most iconic tracks of the 1990s.
Apart from being an excellent tune, “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” theme song not only entertains listeners but also sets the stage for the entire series by explaining the backstory of the protagonist, Will Smith. The song opens with him sharing his childhood in Philadelphia and how circumstances led him to relocate from there to the affluent neighborhood of Bel-Air.
The distinctive tune and opening scene of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” made an impact compared to many ’90s sitcom intros, which were generally less imaginative. This show, however, does more than just tell the audience its backstory; it shows it too, using humor that veers towards slapstick. Even after over two decades, the theme song remains stuck in fans’ minds.
The Sopranos
Not many TV series achieve the same level of fame as HBO’s “The Sopranos,” a show that follows the life of Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), a high-ranking member of New Jersey’s mob, and his family. At first glance, the opening scene may seem ordinary, showing Tony driving, but it actually provides a profound insight into the setting by portraying well-known landmarks.
Tony exits the Lincoln Tunnel, venturing into New Jersey, puffing on a cigar and surveying the surroundings as he navigates towards his destination. This series of events serves two purposes: It portrays Tony as a high-ranking member (a “made man”), and it also underscores his strong ties to his hometown.
Tony chooses to personally navigate to the Alabama 3 song “Woke Up This Morning,” whose lyrics resonate with him due to their theme of claiming what’s rightfully yours. Instead of being chauffeured, Tony prefers to drive himself, and there’s a particular reason behind this decision. The journey mirrors the sensation of Tony being at the center of a storm as he exits the city en route to his home. Neither destination offers tranquility, but Tony manages to maintain an inner peace while cruising along the New Jersey Turnpike. This self-driven voyage speaks volumes about Tony’s character.
The Brady Bunch
As a devotee, just mentioning, “Once upon a time, in a very special house…” is enough to bring back memories and make me hum along. It’s unlikely, but if you haven’t met a fan of “The Brady Bunch”, then you probably haven’t encountered someone who hasn’t internalized the theme song. That catchy tune seems to have set up residence in countless minds for free!
The intro narrates the heartwarming tale of the formation of the main family. This includes a mother with three daughters and a father with three sons who eventually unite as one happy family. It beautifully illustrates the ideal picture of a harmonious blended family in the 1960s and ’70s. The series’ creator, Sherwood Schwartz, penned the lyrics, and it was originally sung by the Peppermint Trolley Company.
In the show, the adult singers switched roles with the child actors who made up the Brady Six, and they were responsible for the singing throughout the series’ run. It’s interesting to note that the program’s title and song lyrics were originally intended as “The Brady Brood” to prevent being confused with “The Wild Bunch.” Luckily, the name was adjusted to the more recognizable “Bunch” before it debuted on television.
The Walking Dead
Few shows invest as much creativity into their opening sequences as “The Walking Dead.” Spanning over 11 seasons, one constant aspect was the continuous evolution of the credit sequence. At first, the show’s title card displayed a grungy logo; by the final episode, this title had deteriorated, mirroring the decay of the walkers with traces of blood and mold.
This method cleverly illustrates the gradual disintegration of our world, leaving only those who can piece things back together. The visuals on the opening sequence, which evolve with time, reflect this as well. The introduction credits for “The Walking Dead” are significant because they help tell the story by portraying the current state of the world.
The haunting melody of the show’s theme song creates a chilling atmosphere that seems almost touchable for viewers, as they witness a world largely devoid of life. As the narrative unfolds, the title undergoes a substantial transformation, reflecting a resurgence of greenery as survivors start to prosper. This backdrop skillfully prepares the ground for each episode’s events and drama, making the opening sequence exceptionally impactful.
Bojack Horseman
Each episode of “Bojack Horseman” initiates with a captivating 40-second title sequence that sets the stage for the series’ profound themes. The story revolves around the main character Bojack, voiced by Will Arnett, who was once a popular ’90s TV star but now struggles with depression, alcoholism, and feeling insignificant in today’s world. Despite its appearance as a light-hearted show about an animated horse, it couldn’t be further from that reality.
The opening scene finds Bojack stirring awake in his luxurious abode, maintaining a steady gaze directly into the camera as he carries out his daily routines. Meanwhile, life unfolds around him, and he keeps looking at us before accidentally tumbling backward into his swimming pool. Concerned onlookers peer down, and the sequence concludes with Bojack lounging leisurely in his pool.
The evocative imagery illustrates who Bojack is in the world, and the sequence changes throughout the series to reflect changes, good and bad, in Bojack’s life. The sequence is subtle but also telling, and helps establish the series in a quick and relatable way. Each sequence conveys anxiety, addiction, and dysfunction without being overt, which grounds the series despite all the talking animals.
Westworld
In the TV series “Westworld”, there’s a recurring idea that things aren’t always what they seem, and this concept is reflected even in the opening credits. Initially, you might think the scene is a sunrise, but it turns out to be light illuminating the construction of a ribcage instead. Each subsequent image follows suit, suggesting that it could represent two different things, thereby hinting at the show’s symbolic nature.
In “Westworld,” the opening scene subtly delves into the intricacies, showcasing the painstaking craftsmanship behind the creation of the series’ artificial characters, or ‘hosts.’ Patrick Clair’s introductory sequence unfolds with a mechanical hand, stripped of its skin, skillfully playing a piano as visuals transform.
The scene transitions to a gun being made, contrasted by Western motifs alongside the construction of an eye in the backdrop. Towards the end, an almost-finished android is portrayed mimicking Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man stance, symbolizing the show’s central theme: the struggle for control between humans and artificial beings over their lives. It offers a captivating analysis of the series’ visual elements and offers a profound representation of the human predicament.
Friends
As a dedicated viewer, I can’t help but marvel at the impact “Friends” has had on pop culture. This iconic series offers a glimpse into the lives of six friends in their twenties navigating New York City, tackling relationship woes, family dramas, and professional challenges. It’s one of those shows that either captivates you or leaves you indifferent, but considering its impeccable execution, it’s safe to say that more viewers are enamored than not.
Each episode begins with a distinctive ’90s-inspired opening sequence, accompanied by “I’ll Be There For You” by The Rembrandts. The scene shows the cast lounging on a couch near a fountain, engaging in playful antics while their names are displayed. This setup evolves somewhat in later seasons.
As the program unfolded, various clips were interspersed to provide visual variety, and these clips evolved along with the changing seasons. Just like the actors themselves, the theme song has become synonymous with “Friends.” However, the original choice for the opening theme was not “I’ll Be There For You” by The Rembrandts; it was intended to be “Shiny Happy People” by REM. Unfortunately, REM declined, leading the producers to approach The Rembrandts, who then composed the iconic tune that has been resonating in our minds since 1994.
Star Trek and Star Trek: The Next Generation
Among the most legendary science fiction television shows ever made is the series known as “Star Trek”, which boasts an equally timeless opening sequence. Every episode commences with Captain James T. Kirk (played by William Shatner) providing a voiceover, outlining the mission of the USS Enterprise: “Our journey takes us to uncharted territories, in pursuit of new worlds and alien lifeforms, and daring to venture where no human has gone before.
This scene showcases the starship Enterprise traversing the galaxy, set to music by Alexander Courage. It’s a breathtaking spectacle, even more so when you realize it was created as far back as 1966. Although the opening of the original series is impressive, it was surpassed by “Star Trek: The Next Generation” in 1987.
Among all Star Trek series opening credits, “The Next Generation” stands out as particularly unrivaled. Instead of simply repeating lines from the original Star Trek, it rephrases them to resonate with a new audience. For instance, it extends the mission, and instead of boldly going where no one has gone before, it becomes about exploring new destinations that have yet to be discovered. The enhanced visuals, modern graphics, and revised music make this introduction exceptional within the entire Star Trek franchise.
Doctor Who
The British science fiction television show known as “Doctor Who” has a rich history that stretches back to 1963. Although it experienced some breaks in production, fresh episodes or re-runs have consistently been available since its debut. Given the multiple actors who’ve portrayed the main character over time, there’s an extensive collection of “Doctor Who” content available.
As a devoted fan of “Doctor Who,” I understand if it seems daunting for newcomers to dive into this long-running series due to its extensive history. However, fear not! You don’t have to watch every episode to follow the storyline. The show always starts fresh with an intro that gets updated from season to season or adapted to introduce a new Doctor. Over six decades, the “Doctor Who” intro has undergone more than a dozen transformations, ensuring a fresh start for each new adventure!
Each sequence is different, beginning with the first season’s camera pointing to its own monitor and progressing with images from the series. Many later intros feature clocks or other depictions of time passing, aligning with the show’s time travel theme. The TARDIS is often seen cruising through a magical vista of abstract imagery as composer Ron Grainer’s iconic title music draws viewers in for more.
The Muppet Show
It took Jim Henson years to bring “The Muppet Show” to life, but when he did, he presented the world with something extraordinary that hasn’t been replicated since. Unlike any variety series before it, “The Muppet Show” started with an extravagant musical number featuring numerous Muppets, leaving audiences awestruck.
Each installment begins by Kermit (Henson) popping up from the O in the title screen. He warmly greets everyone, introducing the episode and its special guest while the beloved Muppets perform “The Muppet Show Theme.” It’s an exhilarating and enjoyable start to the show. The tune concludes dramatically as Gonzo strikes a gong, causing him to shudder violently.
Over time, the opening sequence of the series underwent improvements, enabling more Muppets to perform music and dance. However, the lyrics remained consistent throughout. Given the difficulty of managing such a large cast of Muppets, it’s safe to assume that the unseen puppeteers put in countless hours behind the scenes to pull everything off seamlessly. The theme song is still iconic and remains one of those TV show tunes that continues to resonate in pop culture, even decades after its initial broadcast.
Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon
George RR Martin’s “Game of Thrones” and “House of the Dragon” are two highly acclaimed television productions known for their rich history, compelling characters, and stunning visuals. Notably, these elements are integrated into the opening credits as they summarize the storyline so far, featuring emblems or relevant imagery related to the narrative in each episode.
For “Game of Thrones,” Ramin Djawadi’s dramatic music played as the series displayed its various locations through intricate animation. This sequence was created to address some initial confusion about the numerous locations and houses following the pilot episode. The opening credits sequence resolves this issue by illustrating the show’s events, and it evolves over time.
In a similar fashion to its predecessor, the opening credits of “House of the Dragon” present characters, houses, dragons, and locations as the story unfolds. Instead of using a traditional backdrop, it chooses a tapestry design. Although each show presents this differently, they both achieve the same objective, resulting in two visually stunning opening sequences that effectively set the stage for the series.
Cheers
In the 80s, NBC’s television lineup held significant sway, with one standout series being “Cheers.” This show was unconventional for its era, as it was set in a bar and seldom switched locations. The cast consisted of both employees and regular patrons, who often spent their evenings there. In contrast to the majority of sitcoms at that time which centered around families, “Cheers” opted for a unique approach.
Each episode starts with a widely recognized opening sequence and song considered timeless classics. The show’s theme, “Where Everybody Knows Your Name” by Gary Portnoy, beautifully encapsulates the setting: “You desire to visit where everyone knows your name, and they’re always happy you showed up.
Instead of displaying actors with their names, the show uses images from historical paintings and pictures as an introduction. This is quite intriguing, especially when you’ve watched a few episodes and recognized the characters. The sequence changed slightly once some cast members departed, but overall, “Cheers” consistently preserved the same theme in its opening credits for all 11 seasons of its run.
The Simpsons
Among countless TV series that have introductory credits, none has stood the test of time quite like “The Simpsons.” Its distinctive opening is instantly recognizable, with scenes from Springfield showcasing various locations and characters in their daily lives. Each episode offers a unique twist, such as Bart’s chalkboard scribbles, Lisa’s saxophone performance, and the iconic “Simpsons” couch gag where the family jumps off the couch in unexpected ways.
The closing segment of the introduction, known as the couch gag, has been a consistent element over the years since its debut in 1989. Across more than 760 episodes, there have been numerous changes made to this segment, which is quite remarkable. Along with the animated visuals, each sequence includes the iconic tune “The Simpsons Theme,” created by Danny Elfman.
The intro evolved over time, inserting new elements while removing others and recreating all of the animation. There are so many episodes that it’s almost impossible to choose a favorite couch gag or opening scene. Regardless of a fan’s preference, there are hundreds to watch, and each builds upon the success of those that came before, making the “Simpsons” opening credits the best of them all.
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2024-10-18 14:31