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.
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Steven
February 25th, 2009 12:45 pmThe lie to me opening scene is pretty cool too. I like the music for it :)
Nick
February 25th, 2009 1:07 pmDexter is the best by far, so creepy. Even though it wasn’t around for very long, I really liked “John from Cincinnati” and it’s title sequence.
Joris_Lucius
February 25th, 2009 3:58 pmDexter really still brings me standing arm-hair. The intro completely covers the content. Really looking forward to Season 4!
A.Courdian
February 25th, 2009 8:35 pmGreat list! The Flight of the Conchords intro is great, especially if you have seen the show and know the inside jokes. I kinda like the 1st season’s titles better though.
Sara
February 26th, 2009 1:29 am“Huff” i one of my fav (as other people already said)… her it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_WFWIjnAFk
mith
February 27th, 2009 8:56 amOhh.. You so forgot about “Lie to me” intro!
Jam
February 27th, 2009 11:29 pmI second the TIM AND ERIC AWSOME SHOW GREAT JOB tite sequence!!
m.and.arin
February 28th, 2009 7:10 amI like the “Medium” intro. It works well with the music.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yi70mziBV2s
brista
February 28th, 2009 3:21 pmAnother vote for Weeds here!
kaistroemer
March 1st, 2009 8:58 amwow, I just love the new simpsons title sequence. In germany there is still the old one on tv :(
Keith
March 2nd, 2009 8:03 amThere are a few that got the shaft…
1 – ALF: I know what you’re thinking…ALF? You’re nuts. I think ALF is worth being on this list more than Deadwood because even Milch said, of Deadwood’s title sequence, “Nobody can explain the horse to me. It’s just there…” ALF, on the other hand, is great because the show is looking at suburban family life through the eyes of an Alien. The intro is of ALF shooting the family through a camcorder. What better way to convey the message of the quirky show in a quirky way?
2 – A Different World: I was pretty surprised this wasn’t on there. The continual shot going through all the various characters as they related to college life was a great way to open the show and ending with the characters throwing their graduation caps in air was a fitting end.
3 – He-Man: Okay just kidding…it’s just too funny to have the main character explain the whole show and all the characters to you. It was basically redone for the original title sequence for “Everybody Loves Raymond.”
Jeff
March 3rd, 2009 12:38 pmI thought I was going to be cutting edge here, but it looks like people have already mentioned the absence of one I expected to find here: “Huff”
Huff is an easy one to overlook because the show was relatively short-lived, but it is absolutely beautiful. I was designing full time when the show was airing, and it was the beauty of the title sequence that first caught my eye. Turned out to be a great show, too.
Haha, just looking over the comments some more… I’ll throw a vote toward TIM AND ERIC AWESOME SHOW GREAT JOB, too (if you’re into that sort of thing, which I am).
Tony
March 3rd, 2009 1:22 pmGreat list – love the fact that you included the wonderful DEAD LIKE ME!
2 other suggestions though – Scrubs (which has been mentioned) and if you’re going to include John Adams, i think the opening sequence to ANGELS IN AMERICA is so brilliantly stunning and haunting and deserves recognition. But otherwise, great list!
szantaii
March 5th, 2009 3:13 amBrilliant title sequence from a political show in Hungary from the ’80s, Panorama. Music by Tangerine Dream (Choronzon).
Scott
March 5th, 2009 9:52 amHBO’s Carnival?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-Onb-FqR74
Jazz
March 7th, 2009 8:28 pmHow about “Twin Peaks” …one of the first TV shows that I could remember that set the atmosphere with music and imagery without using clips from the show…in a time when every show was doing it. Great list though!
Panacea
March 8th, 2009 2:55 pmTrue Blood Main Title Sequence
Client: HBO
URL: http://www.d-kitchen.com/project.php?p=128
DK Credits:
Creative Directors: Matt Mulder, Rama Allen. Live Action Direction: Rama Allen, Morgan Henry, Matthew Mulder, Matt Clark, Tevor Fife; Designers: Rama Allen, Shawn Fedorchuck, Ryan Gagnier, Matthew Mulder, Camm Rowland, Ryan Rothermel, Jacques Broquard; Compositor: Ryan Gagnier; Editor: Shawn Fedorchuck; Producers: Morgan Henry, Kipp Christiansen, Keir Moreano; ECD Paul Mattheaus; EP: Mark Bayshore
Jeroen Boon
March 14th, 2009 5:38 amI miss the sequence of “How I met your mother”, I think that one is very brilliant
MindKillaz
June 15th, 2009 1:39 pmWhat about “Kingdom Hospital” by Stephen King. Awesome!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_Rk2NouHiY
asd
August 11th, 2009 10:46 amhowcome chuck didnt make it… lame
akirk
August 26th, 2009 8:48 amWhy are the credits removed from the Six Feet Under video? The type is the best part!
Arnold83
October 22nd, 2009 3:32 amRottencrotch through her pertty pink panties are over! ,
icedzoo
December 10th, 2009 6:24 amAll 103 still images from The Big Bang Theory opening sequence:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/79495638@N00/sets/
Gavin Gray
January 15th, 2010 4:38 amAlas the inventiveness of BBC;s “Doctor Who” original title sequence and music was missed. Arguably the most inventive of all time, for it;s time.
Rinaldo
June 4th, 2010 6:05 pmDon’t forget UFO (1969)
rbk
August 13th, 2010 10:32 amYou missed the The Wire and Firefly…shameful.
Jeff
November 30th, 2010 8:50 amFor me:
Carnivale
True Blood
Dexter
Six Feet Under
Weeds
Tim & Eric (lol)
United States Of Tara
Twin Peaks
stereopair
June 29th, 2011 11:22 pmThe weeds title sequence is horribly executed. Look close at the background elements. Whoever was the compositor did a half ass job and didn’t take the time to properly roto the runners. A high school kid could do a better job.
Joe
December 8th, 2010 6:30 amDamages’ title sequence should be on this list as well. The cinematography as well as the song is amazing.
HoDDerZ
January 4th, 2011 5:26 amwho did the title sequence for the IT crowd, Anyone know?