Here are some of the TV shows’ opening credits which have evolved into standalone works of art.
You start a series and the first thing that sets the tone for you is nothing but the title sequence. Whether a few iconic seconds or a complicated two-minute scene, a show’s intro tells us all what we’re in for. Title sequences are often overlooked, and even more often, skipped. But there’s real power in those few moments – the sight, the sound, and the music prepare your mind for the world you’re about to enter.
Here are some of the TV shows’ opening credits which have evolved into standalone works of art.
1. 'Dexter'
)
Dexter's famous intro is simply a sequence of a man waking up and getting ready for his day, or is there more to it? The mosquito slap. Dental floss is taut against a thumb. The drops of blood in the basin. Knife carving into pink pork flesh. The splash of hot sauce. The colours, the themes, the imagery, all feel jaunty, eerie, sickening and yet all we are watching is one man’s morning ritual. This masterpiece of an opening sequence captures a mundane activity and gives it a brilliant sinister mood with the perfect cabaret music. This clever opening sequence also picked up the Emmy Award in 2007. The series is streaming on Prime Video.
2. 'F.R.I.E.N.D.S'
)
In season one, the six friends dancing together in the fountain is the only thing that the opening consists of. In later seasons, it’s intercut with footage from throughout the series and becomes something of a time capsule. The very famous theme song by The Rembrandts –'I’ll be there for you', which was specifically recorded for the show is catchy and unskippable. We all remember the ever-so-popular dancing in the fountain scene, coordinated umbrella opening, the iconic orange couch at the end, the claps throughout the theme song. The lyrics are all permanently logged in our memory. The show is airing on Comedy Central and Netflix.
3. 'Game of Thrones'
)
From the towers of King’s Landing to the gods wood of Winterfell to the castles of The Wall, Westeros comes to life in the opening sequence of television’s epic fantasy, Game of Thrones. This Emmy-winning opening sequence had nearly 25 designers at effects company, Elastic, who worked out a digital 3D map which changed over time to reflect the changing narrative. With the brilliant visual tour, there’s the auditory satisfaction of a perfect theme title. The Grammy-nominated compose, Ramin Djawadi gave the sequence a thundering theme song – easily his best and most iconic work. The show can be watched streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.
4. 'Mad Men'
)
Mad Men’s opening credit sequence is as enigmatic as its dapper protagonist. The 40-second clip represents everything the show is about – advertising, New York City, cigarettes, suits, sex, and the fall of Don Draper. The clip unfolds against the now-famous theme of RJD2’s 'A Beautiful Mine', was a homage to the Oscar-winning graphic designer Saul Bass and the legendary director Alfred Hitchcock, with skyscrapers straight out of North by Northwest and the silhouette of a man from film posters of Vertigo (both, directed by Alfred Hitchcock). This title sequence also picked an Emmy in 2008! The show is currently streaming on Netflix.
5. 'The Simpsons'
)
Here’s how it starts – You peak into the clouds and there’s the heavenly chorus singing the show’s name. This sequence meets all our criteria for a great opening – its innovative, creative, features an iconic theme song (Danny Elfman’s), introduces us to the characters, the scope of The Simpsons’ entire world, with a touch of humour. It is the end of the day and all family members of the Simpson family race home to – what else but watch television. What makes this show part of this list is its attention to detail, along with the elements that change with time. In every episode, Bart writes different lines on his classroom blackboard, all ranging from political humour to pop culture references of the time. And needless to say, the legacy of the show extends well beyond its intro. With more than 600 episodes, the show has long been the world’s longest-running sitcom which begins with no less than the greatest TV title sequence. The show’s currently airing on Star World and Disney+ Hotstar.
6. 'The Wonder Years'
)
The start of every episode of The Wonder Years is likely to bring a smile to your face. In this nostalgic opening sequence, we see 12-year old Kevin Arnold, his friends, and his family through the home video style shots. What separates the show and its opening sequence with others is how real they are. Every moment captured in this show’s intro could have easily been lifted from the video archives of our parents. Set against Joe Cocker cover of Ringo Starr’s 'With A Little Help from My Friends', The Wonder Years serves as a tribute and gateway to past for those of us too young to remember it firsthand, proving that no matter what decade we grew up in, nostalgia is one thing we all share. Known for perfectly capturing the spirit of growing up, The Wonder Years can be watched in India on Star World.
