20 Brilliant TV Show Title Sequences
Since the advent (and in turn, massive success) of “TV on DVD”, television programming has really upped the ante in production value. Now-a-days it seems every show is presented in glorious high definition with big name actors and well-structured story telling. But there is another significant improvement in television over the last few years that could use some recognition: the title sequence.
Long gone are the days of cheesy video montages involving “memorable” moments from seasons past, coupled with tacky music you can’t get out of your head… yes I’m looking at you, Golden Girls.
Today, the credit sequences on television are so visually pleasing that even though we possess the technology to skip past them, we don’t. They’re that captivating. It is in recognition of these amazing television title sequences that we’ve compiled our favorite 20 Brilliant TV Show Title Sequences.
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20 Brilliant TV Show Title Sequences
Mad Men
This is probably my favorite title sequence on television at the moment. Every time I watch it, it leaves me wanting more. It was also hilariously parodied on the Simpsons.
The United States of Tara
A new show with a beautifully animated title sequence. The pop-up book effect is really well done.
The IT Crowd
Such a fantastic title sequence! The 8-bit style animation no doubt speaks to the shows demographic.
Fringe
It’s amazing how captivating a 20 second title sequence can be. This one really draws you in.
House MD
The title sequence for “House M.D.” is simply beautiful. The imagery and music work so well together.
Dexter
A dark and clever title sequence that sums up the tone of the show beautifully.
True Blood
A masterfully made title sequence that really throws you into the creepy world the show has created.
Nip/Tuck
Love this title sequence! The symbolism used is both brilliant and creepy at the same time.
Clone High
Clone High’s title sequence is so well made, it rivals any live action show out there.
Desperate Housewives
Say what you will about the show itself, there’s no denying it has a pretty cool title sequence. The animation is great.
Flight of the Conchords
If you’ve ever seen this show, it’s only appropriate for the title sequence to feel like a music video.
Carnivàle
A brilliantly animated title sequence that brings tarot cards to life.
The Sopranos
Though a fairly simple title sequence, this remains one of my all time favorites.
Samurai Champloo
The colors, imagery and typography all work together beautifully in this title sequence.
Six Feet Under
The title sequence for “Six Feet Under” is beautifully shot and at the same time sets up the tone and premise of the show perfectly.
Lost
For a show like Lost that is so reliant on instant gratification, this minimalist title sequence works perfectly to keep up the momentum.
Deadwood
The title sequence for Deadwood will bring you back to the old west faster than you can say “sarsaparilla”.
Rome
A wonderfully animated title sequence. The effect of the wall paintings coming to life is perfectly executed.
John Adams
Though bending the rules a little to include a mini-series, we would be remiss to include John Adams’ powerful title sequence in this list.
Big Love
For a show about polygamy, a title sequence that is littered with metaphors and symbolism is an absolute must.
Dead Like Me
The title sequence for the “late” Dead Like Me perfectly captured the dark humour of the show.
The Simpsons
After 20 years, the Simpsons have fully revamped their famous animated title sequence for their transition into high definition.
Honorable Mentions
There were so many titles we wanted to include in this list but didn’t quite make the cut for one reason or another.
Related Posts
You may want to take a look at the following related articles:
Jurjen
February 22nd, 2009 2:19 pmThanks guys, looks good!
Eddy Munn
February 22nd, 2009 2:23 pmGood inspirational topic. :)
Mark Bowen
February 22nd, 2009 2:45 pmNice post. Missing Pushing Daisies in the list though. Weird though as it seems to look different in different countries. I really like the one here in the UK.
Nice to see Fringe up there. Great props to Andrew of Videocopilot.net for that one. The guy’s a genius!! :-)
Best wishes,
Mark
Karl
February 22nd, 2009 2:47 pmThanks. An often overlooked facet of design, with some very talented artist working in this field. Cheers
Juan Scarnati
February 22nd, 2009 2:48 pmdon’t forget “cacht me if you can” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVEgK3nCkao
Jordan Moore
February 22nd, 2009 2:55 pm@Mark Bowen, totally agree with the Fringe credits, the titles are awesome throughout the show :)
Dave
February 22nd, 2009 3:04 pmWeird, New York Times had a piece about movie title sequences this morning too: http://bit.ly/1aFgZq
Perhaps title sequences are on the verge of getting some serious mass recognition. Regardless, great list!
wyeko
February 22nd, 2009 3:10 pmbig bang theory?? hellooo??? :)
Chexee
February 22nd, 2009 3:29 pmDexter is hands down the best title sequence on TV today :]
ciaran
February 22nd, 2009 3:40 pmThe opener to Australian mockumentary Summer Heights High is excellent too, good use of invisible edits.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4kJAbrtHxU
Won Shim
February 22nd, 2009 4:03 pmI really do love the double entendre featured in Dexter’s opening sequence!
Mike
February 22nd, 2009 4:23 pmTake a look at the opening for “PARKING WARS”
Paul
February 22nd, 2009 4:38 pmGreat post! I’m missing Criminal Minds (great show) and especially Standoff, can’t find it on Youtube though.
Emily
February 22nd, 2009 4:42 pmWhat about the opening sequence for ReGenesis? I also think that Murdoch Mysteries has a great opening sequence, but I can’t find it online to share.
Although a little older, the opening for Gunsmith Cats has a similar vibe to the Cowboy Bebop opening. Fitting, considering the shows both revolve around bounty hunters.
Mykal Cave
February 22nd, 2009 4:56 pmHere’s a whole archive of movie title sequences:
http://www.artofthetitle.com/
CodeLOL
February 22nd, 2009 5:10 pmI think the Dexter opening is the best :)
Jen
February 22nd, 2009 5:28 pmI love the True Blood titles and wont let my housemate skip through it when we watch!! Awesome bit of video work!
orson9
February 22nd, 2009 5:34 pmGood list, I really like the Entourage & Huff titles too.
SR
February 22nd, 2009 5:43 pmMy choices are the 1974 Doctor Who intro and the minimally delightful 24 intro.
Youssef Sarhan
February 22nd, 2009 5:55 pmThis is really making me want to watch some tv shows..
right now I want to watch, lost, prison break and nip/tuck…
no problem.. of to surfthechannel i go!
Nice post! :)
Sheamus
February 22nd, 2009 6:24 pmGlad some good anime was mentioned in there. I’m surprised Bleach wasn’t included though. I found it to be really good.
Dave Ward
February 22nd, 2009 7:10 pmThe IMDB link for The IT Crowd links to the wrong page (the show above it).
Andy
February 22nd, 2009 7:46 pmFor the love of god, don’t publish a bunch of flash videos on the same page, the browsers become completely unresponsive. Link to them instead.
jk_chinchilla
February 22nd, 2009 8:07 pmFrom the first time I saw it, I thought the Grey’s Anatomy original opening sequence (seasons 1) is beautiful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrM1nb1U3f8
wings
February 22nd, 2009 8:23 pmim kind of insulted at Futurama just being an honorable mention…especially since the sequence began airing in 1999.
…
the Simpsons HD intro is great, no question; but I say Noir (anime) should get honorable mention for style
…
otherwise kudos
Sven
February 22nd, 2009 10:15 pmYou might take a look at the trailer from “Van vlees en bloed”. It’s a Flemish tv show about a butchery. And for those who might wonder; Dexter was first.
Van vlees en bloed
inthewayboy
February 22nd, 2009 10:56 pmLove Clone High!
Brian Gottier
February 22nd, 2009 11:49 pm@Andy – Same thing happened to me on my netbook :(
oliver, priest
February 22nd, 2009 11:58 pmhouse md – love it! The new Simpsons suprised me the first time i saw it – but it was a little bit to long .. ^^ for the first time.
tom hermans
February 22nd, 2009 11:59 pmAm missing pushing daisies on this list, for the rest I agree, although in the past there were some beauties too, or is this nostalgia speaking (mcgyver ? ;) )
grtz,
T.
John
February 23rd, 2009 12:30 amI really think Scrubs should be here. Nice list, though.
Lars
February 23rd, 2009 12:57 amyour missed the firefly title sequence http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjRDcOW7Xp8
Gustavs
February 23rd, 2009 12:59 amCarnivàle and Six Feet Under are defenalty mine favorite.
Dead like me also, looks awesome!
janis
February 23rd, 2009 1:31 amhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQFTzkwGFH8 Latvian movie Soviet Story has the same great titles!!!
Matt
February 23rd, 2009 1:35 amI’m so disappointed you forgot others which are better than some of those.
I think at the ever changing Weeds or The Wire with a good song.
Remember also Oz…
Floris Fiedeldij Dop
February 23rd, 2009 2:21 amI am in love with the opening of True Blood. I always play the music loud and enjoy watching it.
Chuck
February 23rd, 2009 2:51 amDexter Season three!
Richard Acquaye
February 23rd, 2009 3:00 amAww no prison break :S
Jiri Ibl
February 23rd, 2009 3:13 amOne tip: The Kingdom by Lars Von Trier. After yoers it’s stil scary.
Ben W
February 23rd, 2009 3:13 amThe title sequences for all 5 series of Hustle are amazing. Here is Season 5, although I think I prefer some of the earlier ones: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOxYmEtrYaI
kristian
February 23rd, 2009 4:08 amThe page is loading slowly. I think you should consider creating a youtube playlist next time.
Charles Ravndal
February 23rd, 2009 4:11 amHmmmm, you forgot Bleach! But I love the opening of True Blood and Dead Like Me
Shane
February 23rd, 2009 4:14 amSix Feet Under is the best thing I’ve ever seen. If you’ve never seen it, get watching it now!
Malene
February 23rd, 2009 4:53 amThese guys (Digital Kitchen) http://www.d-kitchen.com/, did, as I recall since I couldn’t find it on their webpage, both House, Dexter and Six Feed Under. Can’t remember if they did more on the list, but they also made Ghost Whisperer intro, which is also really nice.
blake
February 23rd, 2009 4:53 amO right like The Wire doesn’t belong on the list psshffftt voted 1
Mike@ssm
February 23rd, 2009 5:00 amDexter has to be one of the best implied theme credits I have ever seen.
It’s a shame you left out United States of tara.
bob
February 23rd, 2009 5:26 amMasters of horror !!
Andrew
February 23rd, 2009 5:30 amOkay, not a bad list. But honestly, how does the Scrubs intro not make this list? Not even honorable mention?
Talmon
February 23rd, 2009 5:32 amWhat about the RocknRolla intro, I love it! Great animation, great voice, great music..
Link (www.youtube.com)
Dustin
February 23rd, 2009 5:43 amThe Dexter title sequence is the best I’ve ever seen. Truely on great show…
mikeythefish
February 23rd, 2009 5:47 ammost of which are hbo shows.
JL Hill
February 23rd, 2009 5:53 amHouse & Dexter. Yup.
Sebastiaan Stok
February 23rd, 2009 6:58 amHow about Steven Kings Kingdom Hospital
And 1300 (i believe it was).
mrmarkrobson
February 23rd, 2009 7:09 amas for that bebop opening, its design is heavily influence on blue note jazz covers! the opening shows off each characters strong sillouhette and their distinctive body language and movements.
samurai champloo is from the same production company, but the awful song really killed it for me. ill take the bebop intro anyday
jaxter
February 23rd, 2009 7:25 amhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQFTzkwGFH8 Latvian movie Soviet Story has the same great titles!!!
Matt
February 23rd, 2009 7:30 amI was surprised to see LOST on your list. I agree that the show doesn’t need a title sequence and have no problem with its minimalist style, but they could have done a bit more with it. It’s very cheap – I could have created it myself! – and it’s poorly rendered – the edges of the ‘S’ break up for a split second and once you’ve seen that once you see it everytime. I think the show deserves better.
Larry
February 23rd, 2009 7:44 amIf you’re going to bend the rules and include a mini-series like John Adams, then I think a better choice would have been the Band of Brothers sequence, which is beautiful and moving.
christian
February 23rd, 2009 8:22 amI’ve always been a big fan of title sequences in (first) movies and now definitely TV shows. I think The Wire has a great sequence and a cool song in which a different performer records for each of the five seasons, definitely should have been up there! Dead Like Me was an awesome show with a great opening. I also really like House M.D. (cool song), True Blood (another great song and show), Deadwood and of course Flight of the Conchords. Where’s Friday Night Lights? One of the best TV shows ever, with a fantastic song that has a crescendo that’ll give you chills the more you watch it. Probably the only show I refuse to fast forward through the opening after watching it about 10 times – it’s a perfect set-up for the show. Great list though, really enjoyed it.
Andrya
February 23rd, 2009 8:57 amI always loved, loved, LOVED Carnivale. It gave me goosebumps. Great post!!
Darragh
February 23rd, 2009 8:58 amFRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS – title sequence is beautiful – and updated when the panthers became State Champions!
Brian Parks
February 23rd, 2009 9:07 amHow could you forget the X-Files credit sequence? There would be no Fringe credits without the XF.
Izabela Bogdanovic
February 23rd, 2009 9:36 amAlthough I share your feelings about title sequences in general, I think your list is very very bad.
Obviously, this is such an adolescent and a manly list…
ellipsiso
February 23rd, 2009 9:53 amI think the Weeds titles should have gotten at least an honorable mention. The visuals are okay, but the interaction between live action and typography is perfectly subtle. Not to mention that the theme song got covered by different artists for two seasons.
And I agree with Bryan Parks, The X-Files titles deserves to be on this list.
freekasaur
February 23rd, 2009 9:58 amI was upset to not see Penn and Teller’s Bullshit! on that list. As I recall they won an award for their title sequence.
Brian Parks
February 23rd, 2009 10:05 amAlso, the opening credits for the TV show “Cheers” were pretty good as well.
John
February 23rd, 2009 10:46 amFags you forgot Battlestar Galactica
Chris Lee
February 23rd, 2009 10:49 amHow could you not have weeds in here? The repetitiveness is unique and brilliant, and a new artist plays the song in a new rendition every show!
David Pritchett
February 23rd, 2009 11:02 amDon’t forget about “HUFF”. One of my all-time favs.
Carey
February 23rd, 2009 12:37 pmThis work may be publicly available, but if you’re going to showcase it like this, at least provide credit. It would make the post more interesting/informative and give the studios and artists their due.
Blah
February 23rd, 2009 3:36 pmI would have liked to see some classics on there, like “Get Smart” or “Monty Python’s Flying Circus”.
kantslowdown
February 23rd, 2009 4:03 pmI’m really glad Dexter was featured…when I saw the title of the article, Dexter was the first show I thought of. True Blood is another great one worth mentioning as well.
Jacob Lee
February 23rd, 2009 4:38 pmYeah, dexter was the first that came to mind. I think cowboy bebop should of made the cut though, i love the music in the intro sequence.
, Billius
February 23rd, 2009 5:34 pmMeh, not the best list in the world. As others have pointed out, with all the HBO shows on there your omission of “The Wire” is quite noticeable. It easily could have replaced “Rome” or “Deadwood,” neither of which I ever felt had particularly memorable opening sequences (I do like both of the shows though). I also agree with the person who said “Band of Brothers” over “John Adams” if you’re going to go with an HBO mini-series.
Also, no “Law & Order?!?” That’s one of the most iconic opening sequences in television history… EVERYONE recognizes that one.
toobitterforyou
February 23rd, 2009 7:48 pmpretty good list, but if you’re rewarding simplicity, the arrested development title sequence should be on here. it perfectly introduces this complex comedy.
Edwin De la Cruz
February 23rd, 2009 7:50 pmDr. House is my favorite, but controvercial is a very smart and professional
Mike
February 23rd, 2009 8:02 pmWeeds? Come on guys! A great intro that’s not even on the honorable mention list?
Bob Ross
February 23rd, 2009 8:38 pmThe short lived show VR5 had a really crazy opening credit scene.
alex
February 23rd, 2009 9:30 pmYou forgot “the 4400″ intro
I think it’s on the same level as carnivalle
alex
February 23rd, 2009 9:34 pmi mean this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMBcyt_CRM4
jay shok
February 23rd, 2009 10:14 pmTIM AND ERIC AWSOME SHOW GREAT JOB
Dave
February 23rd, 2009 10:23 pmyeah, what about Weeds???
ruckus
February 23rd, 2009 10:47 pmyou forgot boondocks… tsk tsk
Lee Munroe
February 23rd, 2009 11:11 pmI miss The Sopranos. What, no Thundercats!?
Idan Smith
February 23rd, 2009 11:34 pmWhat?! how can you forget the best show in all time – OZ!?!?
Doctor Who Fan
February 24th, 2009 2:57 amHow could you forget the Doctor Who theme?
belgianbingo
February 24th, 2009 4:07 amsimilar to Mad Men: Hustle (BBC, original intro Season 1-4)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGyIDtBX7f0
similar to The United States of Tara: S1ngles (Net5, Holland, kind of Sex and The City, based on a comic)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jU_Q-F-biU
similar to Dexter: Van Vlees en Bloed (Of Flesh and Blood, één, Belgium, tv show about a family of butchers)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7V-vadXTaCs
Sanbor
February 24th, 2009 5:35 amAnd what about Dragon Ball Z in its last new episodie? :P
Donald
February 24th, 2009 5:37 amWhat about Cold Case, really like it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdrpY52VCUE
Kate
February 24th, 2009 7:42 amNot a huge fan of the show, but the intro for Without a Trace is really gorgeous: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXAJif3MC6Q
Stephanie
February 24th, 2009 7:46 amI did a post on this a while back. Six Feet Under is definitely my favorite. But you left out The Tudors on Showtime, which is my second favorite. Fantastic opening sequence with great music and imagery.
Al
February 24th, 2009 7:58 amTHE BIG BANG THEORY???? 0.O
Ray
February 24th, 2009 12:02 pmVery long post, and some of the intros are not that good. The list would have been much better if it had featured only Top 10, rather than 20.
Regards!
Ray
February 24th, 2009 12:03 pmPS. The embedding of the Simpsons video has been disabled. It doesn’t work.
Rishi Savera
February 24th, 2009 4:50 pmLeft the best one out. Masters of Horror.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JS4Apd24auY&feature=related
Mitch Hawkins
February 24th, 2009 5:41 pmYou can judge a good show intro with if you watch it every time. Dexter, no doubt, is the most watchable intro ever. Glad Chuck made the honourable mentions… Other good ones are X-Files (spooky arm waving person) and Oz…
Tp
February 24th, 2009 6:00 pmI often watch these things and wish the web looked more like tv…its only a matter of time i suppose
Seraphim Collective
February 24th, 2009 9:34 pmI vote for FRINGE AND HOUSE. :0)
OverZero.it
February 25th, 2009 2:42 amIn Italy some of the mentioned TV Show are unknown.
Dexter title sequence is simply brilliant!
Brett
February 25th, 2009 9:47 amI agree about the Lost title sequence, personally i’m not a fan. I like minimalistic design, but this is poorly rendered.
Rodrigo
February 25th, 2009 10:28 amPlease, correct the link of the simpson’s video.