A television show’s opening title sequence used to be a production. It would introduce the characters and provide a sense of the program’s genre. There’d often be a catchy theme song that would set the stage for the story or simply remind viewers that the show was about to begin. Sometimes there would even be a scene before the opening title sequence, so if you weren’t ready at exactly 8 p.m. or 9 p.m. or 10 p.m., you’d miss an important moment.
Do you remember the theme songs for “Family Ties,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “Moonlighting” or “Cheers”? I’ll bet those catchy tunes are filed away in your brain attic, just waiting to become a future ear worm. Going back even farther, can you recall the lyrics to “Happy Days,” “The Jeffersons” or “The Greatest American Hero”? Next time you’re in a car with several friends, sing the first line from one of those theme songs and I’m betting everyone over the age of 30 will immediately join in.
Two of my favorite opening title sequences don’t even have lyrics. But when I heard the theme music for “ER” or “The X-Files,” I knew I was in for some compelling storytelling.
Then there’s the granddaddy of openers: “Law & Order.” As all diehards know, “the people are represented by two separate yet equally important groups, the police who investigate crime, and the district attorneys who prosecute the offenders. These are their stories.” That intro was straight and to the point. It perfectly encapsulated what the viewer was about to watch. But the show didn’t really begin until you heard the DUN DUN:
Opening title sequences now seem like relics. Few programs have them any more. And those that do, particularly shows on streaming services, feature the option to “SKIP INTRO.” Even though I’m a fan of openers, I’ve clicked that button many times. Generally, I’ll watch the opening title sequence once and then skip it every time afterwards, particularly when I’m binge-watching a series. I already know what’s happened in the previous episode — I just watched it — and I’m well aware of who the cast is. Let’s go!
There are four exceptions to this rule:
1) “Sense8”: First of all, if you haven’t watched this show, do so immediately. It’s from the same team that created “The Matrix.” The opening is gorgeous and offers a glimpse into our strange and wonderful world. (One small aside: “Sense8” was, infuriatingly, canceled by Netflix and that is something I’ll never forgive.)
2) “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver”: During each opening sequence, the background titles change with the news and the sketches featured on the show. However, there’s also a special title card highlighting something good, bad, sad or odd that happened during the previous week. I’m always curious to see what’s going to be featured.
3) “Evil”: The visuals and music are appropriately brooding, gothic, bloody, dramatic and gorgeous. If that’s your jam, watch and enjoy. If you’re binging, a “SKIP INTRO” button will appear. No matter what, do not click it or ghosts/demons/monsters will haunt you.
4) “The Great British Baking Show”: I love everything about this opener. In 19 seconds, there’s baking, whimsical music and then CAKE! Watch it and you know you’re in for some good, old-fashioned, kind-hearted, educational programming.
