# Your favorite TV program opening sequence **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [February 10, 2013, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-tv-program-opening-sequence/649890 "2013-02-10T17:51:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Tangent](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tangent/32/3098_2.png) [@Tangent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tangent)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2013, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-tv-program-opening-sequence/649890/21 "2013-02-10T19:33:43Z")
_Dexter_ - it portrays the mundane routines of getting ready for the day as a visceral experience. A perfect way to set the tone for a show about a boring forensics guy who’s also a serial killer. ---
**Author:** ![terentii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terentii/32/212_2.png) [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2013, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-tv-program-opening-sequence/649890/22 "2013-02-10T19:34:59Z")
**NB:** When I click on the “Danger: UXB” link above, it for some reason starts toward the end of the opening sequence. If this happens, just start it over again from the beginning and it will run normally. ---
**Author:** ![etv78](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/d78d45/32.png) [@etv78](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/etv78)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2013, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-tv-program-opening-sequence/649890/23 "2013-02-10T19:42:43Z")
> [@runner pat](#): > > The Rockford Files, specifically, the [answering machine messages.](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Jim_Rockford%27s_answering_machine_gags) Was there ever a “callback” in the episode to the message? (not that Jim returned the call, but was it ever referenced) ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2013, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-tv-program-opening-sequence/649890/24 "2013-02-10T19:48:15Z")
[Farscape](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzRFARUa3c4) had a great opening. Great show, too. [Battlestar](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysvJMLm3YbA&feature=player_detailpage#t=25s) as well. [And Babylon 5, especially season 3.](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8uVaxWt8R0) ---
**Author:** ![Biggirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biggirl/32/3294_2.png) [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2013, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-tv-program-opening-sequence/649890/25 "2013-02-10T19:49:44Z")
Am I the first to mention [Game of Thrones](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7L2PVdrb_8)? This is the first season opener. I don’t know how many versions there are. I like how you can tell where we are going to visit during the episode by which city unwinds. ---
**Author:** ![epbrown01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7ba0ec/32.png) [@epbrown01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/epbrown01)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2013, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-tv-program-opening-sequence/649890/26 "2013-02-10T19:53:26Z")
Steve Austin. A man barely alive. But we can rebuild him… ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Girlfriend](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.girlfriend/32/193_2.png) [@Dr.Girlfriend](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Girlfriend)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2013, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-tv-program-opening-sequence/649890/27 "2013-02-10T20:02:08Z")
> [@Annie-Xmas](#): > > The Big Bang Theory I had a feeling you would post this! 😃 I agree, I love the song. ---
**Author:** ![Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/earl_snake-hips_tucker/32/3269_2.png) [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2013, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-tv-program-opening-sequence/649890/28 "2013-02-10T20:03:12Z")
> [@california\_jobcase](#): > > The original Hawaii Five-O is my favorite. Cool visuals, great music- perhaps the best TV theme song ever. BTW, [this is the original original 90-second intro](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYvidY4oyx0), which aired only once, on the two-hour pilot. When it re-airs in syndication as a two-parter, they use a slightliy different version of the Season 1 intro, as a different actor plays Danno. Note: You get to see the hula dancer’s face in this one, not just her hips. ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tim_r.mortiss/32/142_2.png) [@Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_R.Mortiss)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2013, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-tv-program-opening-sequence/649890/29 "2013-02-10T20:11:25Z")
Since so many of my favorites have been mentioned already, I’ll add [Magnum, P.I.](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CquMO3vJvo), one of the five greatest TV theme songs ever, and a perfect intro to the world of the series. ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2013, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-tv-program-opening-sequence/649890/30 "2013-02-10T20:22:14Z")
Not my favorites but certainly the most effective have be those for Sherwood Schwatz’ _Gilligan’s Island_ and _The Brady Bunch_. Like _The Beverly Hillbillies_ before them, everything you need to know about the premis is in the opening credits. ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2013, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-tv-program-opening-sequence/649890/31 "2013-02-10T20:26:14Z")
> [@etv78](#): > > Was there ever a “callback” in the episode to the message? (not that Jim returned the call, but was it ever referenced) Twice that I know of. 1. In the first few episodes, Jim’s trailer was at a different location. > [@](#): > > “It’s Laurie at the trailer park. A space opened up. Do you want me to save it or are the cops going to let you stay where you are?” Very soon thereafter, he moved to the Paradise Cove location (which was not a trailer park). 1. > [@](#): > > “Jim, it’s Beth. You have the vet’s number, the flea collar and extra litter. One thing I forgot, keep him away from the other cats. He’s not very discriminating.” In the episode that followed, Jim said that he had to go feed Beth’s cat. ---
**Author:** ![Amateur\_Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/59ef9b/32.png) [@Amateur\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amateur_Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2013, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-tv-program-opening-sequence/649890/32 "2013-02-10T20:28:17Z")
> [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](#): > > Not my favorites but certainly the most effective have be those for Sherwood Schwatz’ _Gilligan’s Island_ and _The Brady Bunch_. Like _The Beverly Hillbillies_ before them, everything you need to know about the premis is in the opening credits. You could also include Green Acres and (IIRC) Petticoat Junction; I’d have to look at the lists for Schwartz (the master) and Paul Henning to remember others. By compressing the unusual, even bizarre story setting into a cheerful singing sequence, audience acceptance would be that much higher. Being entertaining and memorable certainly helped audience retention. ---
**Author:** ![Count\_Blucher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Count\_Blucher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Count_Blucher)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2013, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-tv-program-opening-sequence/649890/33 "2013-02-10T20:36:28Z")
I’ll always love the opening of [GW…](http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=z_M5jmU5hcE#t=3s) ---
**Author:** ![Zeldar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/b77776/32.png) [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2013, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-tv-program-opening-sequence/649890/34 "2013-02-10T20:58:39Z")
> [@NitroPress](#): > > Nothing will ever top _Carnivale_, IMVHO. There are many good ones and I agree with most of the ones already posted, but \*Carnivale \*is the gold standard. > > What I dislike is that a lot of shows begin with a long and fascinating credit sequence, and then compress it to a blip in later seasons. Both \*Eureka \*and \*Warehouse 13 \*come to mind - I’d put the original full length \*WH13 \*sequence very high, while the current one barely qualifies as a sequence (can you have a sequence of one?) I was looking to see if anybody had mentioned _The Sopranos_ yet, but this made me think twice. I agree with your assessment. _Rome_ did a good one as well. ---
**Author:** ![Knorf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/58956e/32.png) [@Knorf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knorf)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2013, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-tv-program-opening-sequence/649890/35 "2013-02-10T21:01:06Z")
For current shows, I’d like to put in a vote for “Archer.” Old shows, “Hawaii Five-0.” Also, the old [National Geographic Special](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRdHhyTnjpQ) theme. The actual sequence of images varied, but with that music, you can put almost anything on and it will be awesome. ETA: [ABC’s Wide World of Sports](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2AZH4FeGsc). ---
**Author:** ![Knorf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/58956e/32.png) [@Knorf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knorf)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2013, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-tv-program-opening-sequence/649890/36 "2013-02-10T21:07:10Z")
Actually, for ABC’s Wide World of Sports, I like [this one](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fi69utdvDcA) better. ---
**Author:** ![BMalion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e274bd/32.png) [@BMalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMalion)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2013, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-tv-program-opening-sequence/649890/37 "2013-02-10T21:17:05Z")
> [@terentii](#): > > This one, hands down: > > [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlFiHhN8aew](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlFiHhN8aew) +1 ---
**Author:** ![Quercus\_alba](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quercus_alba/32/4061_2.png) [@Quercus\_alba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quercus_alba)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2013, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-tv-program-opening-sequence/649890/38 "2013-02-10T21:22:01Z")
The show was crap, but the [Star Trek: Voyager opening credits](http://youtu.be/GRW8mv3GnDA) were awesome. [Ah yes, I wasn’t hallucinating. The credits won an Emmy.] ---
**Author:** ![BMalion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e274bd/32.png) [@BMalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMalion)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2013, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-tv-program-opening-sequence/649890/39 "2013-02-10T21:26:48Z")
Also _Jonny Quest_! ---
**Author:** ![catnoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/7ab992/32.png) [@catnoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/catnoe)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2013, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-tv-program-opening-sequence/649890/40 "2013-02-10T21:32:06Z")
Had forgotten about Carnivale - excellent opening. These days it’s Justified that I love… The song, that beat. And yes to Doctor Who. And Supernatural when they do the then and now and you get to find out the song of the day. Game of Thrones - the clockwork opening of the map of the world! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-tv-program-opening-sequence/649890.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-tv-program-opening-sequence/649890.md?page=3)