23 TV Intros You Never Skip

Television introductions serve as the vital first impression that sets the mood and tone for the story about to unfold. The most memorable sequences combine iconic music with striking visuals to create a piece of art that stands on its own. These openings often become as culturally significant as the episodes themselves and refuse to be bypassed by the skip button. A truly great title sequence immerses the viewer into the world of the show before a single line of dialogue is spoken. The following selection highlights opening credits that have mastered the art of viewer engagement.

‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019)

Ramin Djawadi composed the cello-heavy theme that accompanies the mechanical map of Westeros and Essos. The sequence changes each episode to reflect the specific locations visited in the narrative. Gears turn and castles rise from the ground to visualize the shifting political landscape. This introduction became an integral part of the viewing experience for millions of fans worldwide.

‘The Sopranos’ (1999–2007)

Tony Soprano drives from the Lincoln Tunnel to his home in New Jersey while smoking a cigar. Alabama 3 provides the thumping track titled Woke Up This Morning which sets the gritty tone for the series. Viewers see glimpses of the industrial landscape and suburban neighborhoods that define the setting. The sequence establishes the duality of the protagonist as both a family man and a mob boss.

‘Succession’ (2018–2023)

Nicholas Britell created a score that blends classical piano with hip-hop beats to represent the Roy family wealth and conflict. Grainy home video footage contrasts with sweeping shots of New York City skyscrapers. The montage highlights the isolation and privilege experienced by the characters from a young age. It effectively communicates the themes of generational trauma and corporate power struggles.

‘The Simpsons’ (1989–Present)

Danny Elfman composed the frantic and whimsical theme song that introduces the residents of Springfield. The animation features a distinct chalkboard gag and a couch gag that changes with every episode. Homer drives home from the nuclear power plant while Marge races him with Maggie in the car. This opening sequence has evolved over decades while maintaining its core visual identity.

‘Mad Men’ (2007–2015)

A silhouette of a businessman falls past skyscrapers adorned with vintage advertisements. RJD2 provided the instrumental track A Beautiful Mine which underscores the stylish yet turbulent 1960s setting. The imagery suggests the collapse of a carefully constructed life amidst the chaos of the advertising world. This title sequence pays homage to the graphic design aesthetics of the era it depicts.

‘Stranger Things’ (2016–Present)

Neon red letters slowly drift together against a grainy black background to form the show’s logo. The synth-heavy score by Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein evokes the distinct atmosphere of 1980s horror and sci-fi cinema. This minimalist approach relies on typography and sound to establish a sense of mystery. It immediately transports the audience back to the era of analog synthesizers and Stephen King novels.

‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ (1990–1996)

Will Smith raps the expository lyrics that explain exactly how his character arrived in Bel-Air. The colorful graffiti aesthetic and energetic performance capture the hip-hop culture of the early 1990s. Viewers watch a humorous reenactment of the playground fight that led to his move from West Philadelphia. This theme song remains one of the most memorized lyrics in television history.

‘Friends’ (1994–2004)

The Rembrandts performed the upbeat song I’ll Be There for You as the cast dances in a fountain. Fast-paced clips from the show are intercut with footage of the six main characters interacting playfully. Clapping hands in the song became a mandatory participation moment for audiences around the world. The intro perfectly encapsulates the camaraderie and lighthearted nature of the sitcom.

‘The X-Files’ (1993–2018)

Mark Snow composed the haunting instrumental theme featuring a distinctive whistling melody. Grainy images of UFOs and paranormal phenomena flash across the screen to unsettle the viewer. The text establishes the premise that the truth is out there waiting to be discovered by the agents. This sequence defines the eerie and conspiratorial tone that made the series a cultural phenomenon.

‘Twin Peaks’ (1990–1991)

Angelo Badalamenti composed a dreamy and melancholic score that plays over shots of the Pacific Northwest. Images of a bird and a sawmill emphasize the rustic yet industrial setting of the town. The slow pacing and dissolve transitions create a hypnotic atmosphere before the story begins. This introduction sets the mood for the surreal mystery crafted by David Lynch and Mark Frost.

‘Breaking Bad’ (2008–2013)

Dave Porter created the slide guitar theme that accompanies the periodic table elements on screen. Green smoke and chemical formulas float across the display to symbolize the transformation of Walter White. The sequence is notably short and punchy to allow the show to jump straight into the narrative. It effectively brands the series with its distinct visual style and chemical motifs.

‘Westworld’ (2016–2022)

Ramin Djawadi returns with a piano score that builds in intensity as synthetic bodies are constructed. White liquid forms muscles and tendons over robotic skeletons to mimic the creation of life. A player piano operates autonomously to suggest the programmed nature of the hosts within the park. The imagery juxtaposes the beauty of the human form with the cold precision of technology.

‘Dexter’ (2006–2013)

The camera focuses on extreme close-ups of a morning routine that visually mimics acts of violence. Cutting a blood orange and frying ham are framed to look like gruesome murders. Rolfe Kent composed the playful yet sinister music that underscores the irony of the imagery. This sequence brilliantly establishes the double life of the protagonist as a forensic analyst and serial killer.

‘Cowboy Bebop’ (1998–1999)

The Seatbelts perform the explosive jazz track Tank to kick off this anime masterpiece. Silhouettes of the characters move dynamically against colorful backgrounds in a spy movie style. The visual editing matches the frantic pace of the bongo drums and brass instruments. This opening is widely considered one of the most stylish and energetic intros in animation history.

‘True Detective’ (2014)

The Handsome Family provides the gothic country song Far From Any Road for the first season. Double exposure photography blends the faces of the protagonists with the industrial landscapes of Louisiana. Fire and twisted roots merge with human silhouettes to suggest internal and external decay. The sequence creates a swampy and oppressive atmosphere that mirrors the dark themes of the investigation.

‘Severance’ (2022–Present)

CGI animation depicts a distorted version of the main character navigating a surreal office environment. Bodies morph and multiply to represent the fracturing of identity caused by the severance procedure. Theodore Shapiro composed the unsettling piano melody that accompanies the strange visuals. The intro visually communicates the existential dread and confusion central to the corporate thriller.

‘BoJack Horseman’ (2014–2020)

Patrick Carney of The Black Keys created the bubbling track that plays as the protagonist drifts through his day. The background changes constantly to show the passage of time while BoJack remains stagnant. Viewers see the chaos of a house party unfold behind him while he stares blankly ahead. This sequence perfectly illustrates the themes of depression and superficiality in Hollywood.

‘Peacemaker’ (2022–Present)

The entire cast performs a stoic and choreographed dance routine to the glam rock song Do Ya Wanna Taste It. Characters maintain deadpan expressions while moving rigidly to the upbeat music by Wig Wam. This unexpected musical number sets a hilarious and irreverent tone for the superhero series. It serves as a deliberate contrast to the dark and gritty nature of typical comic book adaptations.

‘Yellowjackets’ (2021–Present)

Alanis Morissette performed the song No Return which plays over distorted 1990s camcorder footage. Flashes of occult symbols and varsity jackets hint at the dual timelines of the show. The chaotic editing mirrors the trauma and confusion experienced by the plane crash survivors. This intro effectively builds tension and signals the psychological horror elements of the series.

‘The Office’ (2005–2013)

The upbeat piano and melodica theme accompanies grey shots of Scranton in Pennsylvania. Clips show the mundane office activities and the cast looking directly into the camera. The sequence captures the mockumentary style that defines the visual language of the show. It establishes the ordinary setting where extraordinary comedy takes place among the employees.

‘Cheers’ (1982–1993)

Gary Portnoy sings the heartwarming ballad Where Everybody Knows Your Name over vintage photographs. The images display patrons in old-fashioned bars to suggest a timeless tradition of gathering for a drink. The melody evokes a sense of comfort and belonging that invites the viewer inside. This opening remains the gold standard for sitcom themes that emphasize community and friendship.

‘Batman: The Animated Series’ (1992–1995)

Danny Elfman provided the dramatic score for a sequence that plays like a short film. Two bank robbers blow up a vault before Batman intervenes from the shadows. The art deco style and heavy shadows establish the noir aesthetic known as Dark Deco. This intro features no text or voiceover because the visuals alone tell the audience everything they need to know.

‘Dark’ (2017–2020)

Apparat provided the song Goodbye to accompany the kaleidoscopic visuals of the opening. Mirror effects duplicate images of the characters and the forest to suggest duality and symmetry. The visuals hint at the complex time travel mechanics and interconnected family trees. This atmospheric sequence prepares the viewer for the intricate and somber narrative that follows.

Tell us which television theme song has a permanent spot on your playlist in the comments.