Television openings often set the tone for what’s to come, blending visuals and music into a memorable prelude. While mainstream shows frequently dominate these discussions, a treasure trove of underappreciated series boasts equally compelling intros. From pirate dramas to animated gems, these openings leave a lasting impression, even if the shows themselves fly under the radar.
Pirates, Jazz, and Destruction: The Allure of *Black Sails*
One show that repeatedly surfaces in conversations about great openings is Black Sails. Its intro masterfully foreshadows the series’ themes of chaos and ambition, pairing striking visuals with a haunting score. As one viewer noted, ‘The intro hints at the coming destruction pretty well.’ The sequence’s ability to capture the show’s essence makes it a standout, yet it remains surprisingly overlooked in broader discussions.
Sci-Fi Mastery: The Expanse and Its Evolving Credits
The Expanse earns praise not just for its storytelling but also for its opening credits, which evolve with each season. The sequence charts humanity’s journey into the solar system, accompanied by a score that ‘is simply perfect for it.’ Another admirer described it as ‘top-notch art design [that] could easily be a great screensaver.’ This dynamic approach ensures the opening remains as fresh as the narrative it introduces.
Unexpected Gems: From Wrestling to Animated Classics
Beyond traditional TV, wrestling show NWA Powerrr made waves with its use of Dokken’s ‘Into the Fire’ during its first year. The theme ‘was easily the best wrestling theme in a long time,’ though its impact was somewhat diminished when the show switched songs without updating the visuals. Meanwhile, the animated series MIB (based on Men in Black) is remembered for its ‘amazing stories, animation, and music,’ proving that underappreciated openings aren’t limited to live-action shows.
Why These Openings Matter
What ties these examples together is their ability to encapsulate the spirit of their respective shows. Whether through evolving visuals, genre-appropriate music, or clever foreshadowing, these openings serve as more than just placeholders—they’re mini-masterpieces in their own right. As one fan of American Gods put it, ‘It’s a fever dream and it’s amazing.’
In an era of binge-watching and skipped intros, these sequences remind us of the artistry that goes into television’s smallest details. They’re not just gateways to the story; they’re part of the story itself, deserving of recognition long after the episode begins.
