June 7, 2020 – TV show intros have changed a lot over the years. This happened because of major changes in movies and television. For movies these days, Hollywood’s focus is making blockbusters with big opening weekends. That wasn’t always the model. With television, there was the rise of cable networks and then streaming services. These changes have caused show biz people to focus more on the small screen than ever before. The result has been called a “golden age” of television.
With the TV show boom came a change in TV show title sequences. They became more like movie intros. The granddaddy of intro makers is Maurice Binder, who did the early James Bond title sequences. Many title sequences are derivative of his work.
The list below doesn’t include comedy shows (The Office, Monty Python’s Flying Circus) or vintage shows (The Twilight Zone, Mission: Impossible). These are from contemporary dramas.
SUGGESTION: Turn up your volume a bit.
An eerie opening sequence that gets you warmed up for an equally eerie (yet fun) series. The boldness of this intro is its simplicity. Music by Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein of the synth band S U R V I V E. Watch this show on Netflix.
One of my favorite show debuts of 2019. Based on writings of the late Bruce Lee. Title sequence by Method Made. Watch this show on HBO Max.
A trendsetter for TV show intros (probably the influence for Justified). A crazy short film unto itself, which fits with the weirdness of True Blood. The song is “Bad Things” by Jace Everett. Watch this show on HBO.
This intro was another trendsetter. It’s directed by Patrick Clair, who has done other notable work, such as intros for Westworld and the Marvel Series on Netflix. True Detective’s intros for Season 2 and Season 3 are similar. Watch this show on HBO.
This was the third of Marvel’s series on Netflix. Very cool music. Watch this show on Netflix.
The visuals are okay, but what really makes this is the fantastic music by Bear McCreary. Watch this show on Amazon Prime.
In this show, almost everyone is blind and relies heavily on their hearing. The very subtle intro works well with that theme. You might need to turn the volume up even more for this one. Watch this show on Apple TV+.
Even though I’m quite upset with this show as a whole (and sick of the theme song), I do appreciate the opening sequence’s symbolism and technique. Watch this show on HBO. (Or don’t, since it has a lousy ending.)
This is so similar to the title sequence for 2006’s Casino Royale, I assumed it was done by the same people. But it wasn’t. The Bond film’s opening was done by Daniel Kleinman, and this intro was done by a company called Imaginary Forces. Watch this show on Netflix.
The use of the actual photos is great, but the kicker is the music by Rodrigo Amarante. Watch this show on Netflix.
This was the first of Marvel’s series on Netflix. Watch this show on Netflix.
I don’t like the music here, but do like the imagery. Kind of creepy, but in a good way. Watch this show on HBO.
A great show that was cancelled too soon. Watch this show on Starz.
The intro sets you up for Carrie’s special brand of crazy. Watch this show on Showtime.
Visually interesting, quick-paced, and a nice fit for the show. Watch this show on Amazon Prime.
The visuals are so-so, but the music is great. I love how it builds. Music by Bear McCreary, who also did intro music for The Walking Dead and Battlestar Galactica. Watch this show on Starz.
I picked this one mainly because I like the music so much. Watch this show on Netflix.
Imagery using silhouettes, which is not brand new. But I really like the music, and the intro fits with the show nicely. Watch this show on Amazon Prime.
Another silhouette montage. But, for an action show, this intro is better than most. Watch this show on HBO Max.
Check out this Game of Thrones intro done in the style of True Detective…
The #GameofThrones intro in the style of True Detective
— Game of Thrones Facts (@thronesfacts) May 30, 2018
(via Youtube: Robin Lindqvist) pic.twitter.com/V3JHYoYXyr