The opening sequences to television shows provide the thematic sequences that set the underlying tone to the rest of the show. The strength of these sequences often creates the memorable calling card of the show. Here I’ve got compiled 5 of my favorite openings to television shows.
American Horror Story
One of the creepiest and spine tingling openings out there, this one sets up the macabre and dark tone that the insists onto it’s viewers. Quick cuts and dark hallways are all we need to know that there is something very wrong. And baby pictures. If there’s anything I can’t stand in horror movies is when babies and kids are involved.
Dexter
How else to portray the ordinary life of a serial killer by making seemingly ordinary things have the essence of killing, strangling, grinding, and stabbing people on a normal basis. Dexter’s intro has been with us for years now and fails to never get old.
Game of Thrones
I don’t know if you knew this, but this intro changes quite a bit. Each intro, while seemingly the same, features the key locations the show will be set in. Sometimes Winterfell is shown, sometimes Casterly Rock is shown. Regardless, the sheer mechanics of this openings are very cool as they portray famous cities in Westeros and beyond as steampunk toys. And that soundtrack sends chills up my spine every time.
Boardwalk Empire
I can’t listen to this without banging my head. I’ve already mentioned how much I loved this opening in my review of Boardwalk Empire. Perfect timing and beautiful scenery provide another memorable HBO opening.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
This is the surprise one. I just love this opening because the cast and crew [literally the gang, they were pretty broke] originally set out in Philadelphia with a camera and filmed stuff out of their car. Then they went to the place where you can publicly use music for free and chose the most fitting track. 7 years later, they have on the greatest comedies of this time and they’re still using one of cheapest and clearly shittiest openings ever. Even more shocking is that not a single copy of the actual opening can be found on Youtube. Someone please prove me wrong, but I had to stick with the soundtrack version.
What’s a tv opening that simply gets your blood boiling or your spine tingling?
American Horror Story and Dexter, thumbs up!
game of thrones is my number one. i luv the theme
I second True Blood and also want to throw out there Six Feet Under. It’s Always Sunny is a cool pick. The Office’s opening is similar and was randomly filmed by John Krasinksi (I think when they were scouting the area but don’t quote me on that). I really love Freaks & Geeks’ opening too!
I like the opening sequence of “True Blood.” The first time I saw it, I was awed. “American Horror Story” is a good one, too. Glad you included that one here!
Dexter has one of the most cinematic TV openings.. absolutely love it!
I LOVE the one for Dexter. Truly amazing, and horrifying in its innocence. Loveitloveit.
The Sopranos is a good one for me. Sarge and I are re-watching the series, and it’s not the same for me without the theme!
I’m planning on doing a list of my favourite themes when we finish Season 6.
I personally have never seen the Sopranos. I think I was too young to even know what HBO was about. I plan on tackling that and The Wire as soon as I’ve got more free time. Speaking of HBO, it’s no coincidence that two of my favorites are HBO series and a favorite of yours is also HBO. The network seriously produces awesome openings.