'Miami Vice'? Really? And not 'The Sopranos'?

Stephen Cooper Sat, Sep 29, 2007 at 05:31 PM EST

Like more than one person here, the fact that you included any cartoon intro was cool, but the fact that it wasn't Batman: The Animated Series was a shame. That intro gave me chills and thrills BEFORE every episode (ok, so I was a kid. It's still good)

Jakeem Sat, Sep 29, 2007 at 11:15 AM EST

If there's a Hall of Fame for TV intros, then this guy certainly should receive a lifetime achievement award!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnHC44ARF0s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcUFr2mkF6k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFDBW7Xgagg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRzQuduV59Y

Eco Fri, Sep 28, 2007 at 06:38 PM EST

Batman: the animated series - Danny Elfman's score, the exploding building, the Batmobile lighting up and Batman staring down at his prey. It was so good and iconic, it didn't even require an opening title.

KateDFW Fri, Sep 28, 2007 at 12:25 PM EST

OK, call it the ultimate cheese factor but Hank Williams Jr. signing "Are You Ready For Some Football" really does it for me.

Andi Fri, Sep 28, 2007 at 09:56 AM EST

One of my favorites is WKRP. There's something about that song...

Franky Fri, Sep 28, 2007 at 07:16 AM EST

OMG. I can't believe you forgot The A-Team. Who works over there at EW?

Holly Fri, Sep 28, 2007 at 07:08 AM EST

Welcome Back Kotter, just for the catchy song!

Theo Fri, Sep 28, 2007 at 02:29 AM EST

There's no excuse for leaving "The Incredible Hulk" off this list. More recently, I agree the "Dexter" credits are amazing. And you "Cowboy Bebop" fans should find "Cosby Bebop" on YTMND.com; it's hysterical.

Jager Fri, Sep 28, 2007 at 01:03 AM EST

Wow, how about

- "Dead Like Me"
- "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (boo-hiss to "Enterprise" - even after they revised their credits the 2nd (3rd?) season, it still looked like we were watching NOVA - I think this had more to do with the failure of the series than anything else)
- "Cheers"

There are FAR too many impressive, inspiring, or interesting opening credits to fit into a list of just 15... tell your editors you want to do one of the top 100...

blue girl Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 11:23 PM EST

wow- not one person mentioned the odd couple?!?!

Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 10:26 PM EST

Wook Kim, you poor soul. Guy, I hate telling you this (really, I do) but this is probably the worst list Entertainment Weekly has ever put together. This list sucks. There's maybe three that belong on it, and soooo many notable exceptions. You didn't include the obligatory (Seinfeld, All in the Family), the appropriate (Roseanne's theme perfectly plays up its blue collar bawdiness), or, God forbid, the alive and crackling (The Sopranos, The Wire). Nothing on your list inspires any kind of excitement, nor anything approaching the comfort zone joy of Curb Your Enthusiasm's opening bum-bum-bum.

Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 09:59 PM EST

I loved the opening of the old cartoon show "Wacky Races."

Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 08:49 PM EST

I can't believe no one mentioned The Addams Family. (snap, snap)

cv Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 08:19 PM EST

You mentioned Mike Post and Pete Carpenter, and picked Wild Wild West, sounds good to me.

I'd add Stingray, which won an Emmy for opening credits (and is a great Post & Carpenter theme), LA Law, & The A-Team.

Angelcake Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 07:50 PM EST

Remington Steele 1st Season

queen of disrepair Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 07:07 PM EST

The Jetsons opening and closing credits "Jane, stop this crazy thing..Jane..JANE!!!!"
The Police Squad mention was a good one as was the open for Get Smart. Twilight Zone - still hearing that music makes that ginormouis black and white eyeball jump right into the middle of my brain.

UCCF Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 06:17 PM EST

It's true - there's a pretty big distinction between best theme song (which seems to be what a lot of people are nominating here) and best opening sequence. Something like Law & Order doesn't really have much of a theme song, but I was stunned not to see the opening sequence in the top 15. The stark letters on black background, the still shots of the stars, the quick cuts of police cars, courtroom scenes, and defendants, and the famous walk down the hallway at the camera - criminals beware!

Keri Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 06:11 PM EST

The opening credits to "Dexter" are jaw dropping, no matter how many times I see them. It's like a brilliant short film.

stephen Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 05:47 PM EST

I'd also add on "The Dick Van Dike Show" just b/c it's so iconic.

DanOregon Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 05:37 PM EST

Get Smart
Ironside
Hawaii Five-O

Lisa M Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 05:30 PM EST

The Buffy opening credits are great. It makes me want to go out and kick some demon butt.

Carly Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 05:28 PM EST

Freaks and Geeks. I know you said you considered it, but c'mon! Every time I rewatch an episode, I look forward to the opening credits. They perfectly introduce every character while setting up the mood of the show: funny, pitiful (Bill's smile and subsequent self-hatred comes to mind), drab and rebellious.

Ellipsian Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 04:51 PM EST

Jeff, I agree with you on "Battlestar"; my favorite reason to watch the opening, though, is to catch the ever-changing, dwindling number that signifies the entire human race.

jez Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 04:37 PM EST

Umm the Wonder Years anyone?!?! "What would you do, if I sang outta tune..."

sarah j Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 04:36 PM EST

What about "Charlie's Angels" If only because it was so cheesy and so memorable.
I'm totally with you on the "Garry Shandling Show". I'm embarrassed, but I think I actually remember all the words still...

Coach's Mistress Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 04:35 PM EST

I loved the opening for The Love Boat...I couldn't wait to see which guest stars would show up inside the life preserver!

Also, there's something about the opening for Hart to Hart that I loved. My favorite line in the opening narrative.."but when they met, it was Muur-derr."

I'm showing my age with these shows. I was thrilled to see The Monkeys on the list.

cruzilla Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 04:32 PM EST

I was pretty pleased with the list - although I agree that Gilligan's Island was a classic. One thing I noticed is that openings used to be much better than they are now.

If anything, you missed so great oldies - The Andy Griffith Show and All in the Family.

shawshank Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 04:03 PM EST

Third, (I ran out of characters) I thought I would second some of the suggestions I've seen here that, while I didn't think of initially, once mentioned I can't help but say "Yes!"
Freaks and Geeks-so sweet, Growing Pains-so corny but excellent, and the awesome dancing Huxtables make me and my kids get up and dance every time we watch The Cosby Show on DVD.

shawshank Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 04:01 PM EST

I am so glad you have allowed us a place to post comments about that list, because as soon as I read it, I wanted to point out your oversights.

The ones I immediately said "I can't believe this didn't make the the list" were Arrested Development and the Practice. Arrested clean cut orange and white is perfect, unique visual combined with that catchy tune: plinka-plinka-plink. plinka-plinka-plink. Love it. If you included The Practice, I'm sure you would have people saying "The Practice?!?" but I think the street sound semi-techno intro for that show is one of the most stunning ever.

Second, I thought your picks were great till you got to the 90s. Worst of them all was Twin Peaks. That's just pretentious.

Jakeem Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 03:55 PM EST

By the way, they give Emmys for Outstanding Main Title Design. It wasn't announced at the prime-time awards show, but this year's winner was "Dexter."
The runners-up were "Hu$tle," "The Lost Room," "The Path to 9/11," "Standoff" and "Ugly Betty."

Jeff Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 03:50 PM EST

For the most part, I thought your picks were spot on, although the one I'd disagree with is Twin Peaks. I never got into the show, so I viewed the title sequence without any accompanying love of the show, and ... eh. Kinda long and boring, and it didn't tell me too much.

The shows I thought you missed:
Battlestar Galactica - We see images of a thriving world wiped out almost instantly, all accompanied by a haunting, almost mythic score. It then kicks into high gear as we see a mini preview of clips from the episode. My wife and I never miss the title sequence.

Dexter - Never have routine acts of getting ready in the morning been shown in such a chilling, violent manner. In a minute and a half, it allows us to identify with a serial killer by seeing through his eyes.

The Flintstones - As much as I love the Simpsons' title sequence --and I do believe it should be listed as among the best -- it owes everything to it's predecessor. It's every bit as iconic as The Twilight Zone title.

JT Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 03:49 PM EST

One of my favorite intros is from Police Squad (the precursor to the Naked Gun movies). In each episode, the "special guest star" (a random celebrity) dies a violent death during the credits, then is never seen for the rest of the episode.

Kate Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 03:18 PM EST

I am *loving* the intro to "Damages" these days, the Glenn Close FX show. It reminds me a lot of "Six Feet Under," though I admit "SFU" has a better intro. It's just so evocative and beautiful, sad and ominous.

Jakeem Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 03:15 PM EST

The best-ever opening credits sequence in television history was the one for "ER" from 1994 to 2006. It accomplished two things at once, establishing a sense of urgency in the emergency room as evidenced by the hurried paces of the lead characters, and introducing an ever-growing cast. All within 50 seconds or so!
James Newton Howard's theme was one of the catchiest ever. The beginning of the composition even sounded like an ambulance siren.
And let's not forget the enduring image of Dr. Peter Benton (played by Eriq La Salle) giving us all a big "Booyah" by pumping his fist!
I was a little more than annoyed when NBC dropped the opening sequence last season. I'm sure I wasn't alone in that sentiment.

Chris Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 03:13 PM EST

Count me among the few who totally despises almost every single HBO opening sequence, save for the two second Curb intro. And don't get me started on The Wire...I vomited everytime I had to hear the Neville Brothers sing that theme song for the whole season.

Lesha Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 02:43 PM EST

What? No Highlander? Duncan McCloud of the clan McCloud, born in the HIghlands of Scotland nearly 400 years ago...+ kick ass song by Queen! In the end, there can be only one.

Jay Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 02:43 PM EST

Sopranos was the big omission. Every shot and cut is perfect. That opening is a mini-episode in itself.

How about the Flinstones?

Lola Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 02:35 PM EST

My picks:
-- Beverly Hills, 90210 (seasons 2-4 only… the one where everyone mimics Brandon’s playful fake punching… Da-na-na-na, da-na-na-na – punch, punch!)
-- the original Degrassi Jr. High (Wake up in the morning, feeling shy and lonely, gee I gotta go to schoooooool…)
-- Batman (Adam West version)
-- Happy Days
-- Cosby Show
-- The Wonder Years

Ryan Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 02:20 PM EST

I agree with the poster who suggested Dexter. That show has a very distinctive and memorable (also disgusting) opening sequence. I really liked the original Alias opener too. It was all flashy and mysterious and even threw in a subliminal image of the infamous eye of Rambaldi(). There was one for an earlier season of Everybody Loves Raymond where Ray and Deborah see Ray's family coming and try to hide to the tune of Ode to Joy. I'm not saying any of these HAD to be on the list, but I really liked them. I'm glad you included Six Feet Under. It's probably my favorite. I just thought of one that maybe should have been on the list: Cheers. That was an iconic title sequence.

Zoe in TO Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 02:15 PM EST

Dexter- they take completely ordinary moments and make them seem so incredibly creepy.
Also- The Prisoner- in keeping with the trippiness of the show itself

Sandy Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 01:33 PM EST

I LOVE the opening credits for "King of the Hill". The high-speed animation introduce all the main characters (and showcase Hank and buddies in their favorite spot by the fence drinking beer). And the song is spot-on as far as supporting the culture of the show.

Todd Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 01:16 PM EST

While I do like a lot of your list (although I'm not completely convinced that "Six Feet Under," despite its brilliance, is a better opening than "The Sopranos," even if it was a better show), I'm surprised that two genres were completely unrepresented here. Where are all the great sitcom themes? Ask someone to tell you the "Twin Peaks" opening and see if they can do it. Then ask someone to sing you the "Facts of Life" theme song and see if they can do it. Wanna guess which one people will know more? And where are all of the cartoons too? One of the most memorable moments of "The Simpsons" is when Homer lampooned the opening of "The Flintstones." You went too highbrow on us. I don't disagree with the greatness of any of your choices, but it definitely seems like you missed a lot by making a list this short.

tia Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 01:06 PM EST

You should separate opening sequences with theme songs (a fantastic list that would make, no?). Most of the shows I came up with was because of the theme song more than anything. Aside from those, I would echo X-Files, Quantum Leap, and the Brady Bunch (how often has the nine pics tic tac toe style been parodied?).

Ames Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 01:05 PM EST

Was Rockford Files on the list? I can't remember.

And since my brother actually works rather than blog all day, I'll put in his vote -- Hardcastle and McCormick.

Kaitlin Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 01:02 PM EST

I love that you included Wild Wild West, Get Smart, The Office. I love all those shows and the openings for all of them really set the tone of the show.
The ones I think you missed were Arrested Developement, it tells who everyone is and most of the photos really sell who they are as people, How I Met Your Mother, these are young people that hang out and have fun. Every photo in the opening is one that you have in a photo album somewhere it also makes you feel like one of the group and that these guys are your friends, Finally Law and Order has a great theme that really gets me geared up for it. It doesn't matter how many episodes i have seen I never don't watch that opening.

katy Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 01:00 PM EST

Both Dexter and Rescue Me have credits that perfectly set up the tone of the show. Dexter's credit sequence is probably my favorite ever.

Newbs Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 12:52 PM EST

"Just sit right back and we'll tell you a tale, a tale of a fateful trip, that started from this tropic port aboard this tiny ship". Gilligan's Island! Admit it - when you get drunk you try to sing it and remember the words! And screw it up every time....

Ward Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 12:47 PM EST

Quantum Leap.

tnygrl Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 12:47 PM EST

I know it's not high-brow or artistic, but who doesn't know the entire intro to "Fresh Prince of Bel Air?" C'mon! It's a great set-up, colorful and catchy...and now guaranteed to be stuck in my head all day. "Innnnnn West Philadelphia, born and raised..." Ah Will. How you've grown.

dangle Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 12:40 PM EST

What about Knight Rider and/or MacGyver? Great songs make for a great intro. And how can you beat all the action in the MacGyver intro. This list seems pretty terrible. Plus, none of those early 90's family sitcoms got a representative (i.e. Full House, Step by Step, Family Matters) Something along those lines just to represent a very full and deep category of intros.

Dan Holden Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 12:36 PM EST

WEEDS - I still think the original version of Little Boxes is the best, but even with the guest players the series of duplicated people perfectly captures the feel of the burbs. We generally record the show and don't zip through the opening credits because they are so entertaining.

Ceballos Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 12:30 PM EST

Well Wook, I'll actually give you and your colleagues some props and say that you did a pretty good job putting this list together (since doing that kind of thing can be hell).

If I had to pick ONE show on HBO it would've been "Six Feet Under" as well, though I probably would've picked more than one show on HBO.

The only suggestion I would add is the opening title sequence to Nip/Tuck. It's got the right (creepy) imagery matched by the dreamy/anesthesized song "A Perfect Lie." I think few songs fit their TV shows as well.

jmg Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 12:30 PM EST

This is scary to admit but I always liked the "Growing Pains" opener. They showed old pictures of each character and had Jennifer Warnes singing duet with the theme song. Can't remember the name of the guy.

DW Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 12:27 PM EST

Would have liked to have seen 'Battlestar Galactica' on that list...and maybe 'The Equalizer' - always liked the opening music to that show.

And major cudos for putting 'Cowboy Bebop' on your list. You made this anime fan very, very happy. (and it is an awesome opening)

mike Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 12:25 PM EST

I'm with Trish. NYPD was not the better show, the theme song did not stand out and Dennis Franz showed his butt!
And Six Feet Under was much better tha Twin Peaks. Three minutes of elevator music while showing a blade being cut.

bb Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 12:23 PM EST

"Love American Style" or "The Patridge Family" both groovy.

Shelley Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 12:22 PM EST

Definitely add my "yes" to Quantum Leap. I wasn't sure if this was meant for rememberance of clips with music, or opening credits you bop along to every week. For visual pretty, Stargate: Atlantis first 3 season. Star Trek: Enterprise for the music and for using not just "real" footage, but Cochran's first warp ship from First Contact. For sheer memory recall, original Battlestar Galactica and Starsky & Hutch. But Miami Vice is #1, all the way.

Trish Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 12:19 PM EST

X Files, Cheers, The Garry Shandling Show ("I'm almost to the part...of where I start to whistle...").

But mostly? I'm appalled you would choose NYPD Blue over Hill Street. Sacrilege!

Cisco22 Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 12:16 PM EST

Hey, what about "The Fall Guy"!
Sure the intro was stock footage of the characters and stunts but the theme song...
"The Unknown Stuntman", sung by none other than Lee Majors himself. I'm sure he's singing that in a theatre in Branson,MO right now...
Good times

Jennifer Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 12:15 PM EST

I got so bored with the Twin Peaks one I skipped to the next one after about a minute. What's so great about it?

Troubledmind Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 12:09 PM EST

Was the Six Feet Under intro mentioned in the list? Too lazy to go thru the whole list. If not, what about it?

glg Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 12:05 PM EST

Dexter - all seemingly normal things rendered violent and weird.
Oz - none of the characters are seen clearly, just various images of claustrophobic and stark violence surrounded by a white letterbox frame.
(Hell, as you said in your list, pretty much anything on HBO, especially as well, The Wire for using the same song each year, but changing the style and singer to mirror the tone of season.)
The X-Files - just for its classic strangeness.

Rebecca Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 11:58 AM EST

The Jeffersons, just for the song. I can still sing it by heart. But seeing George strut around was great as well. Has anybody commented that opening credits for TV shows no longer have original songs with lyrics? Such a shame, I guess we're too ironic now.

Charles Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 11:56 AM EST

Great choices full of most excellent memories for a TV raised boomer baby like myself.

I'd add the original Star Trek for it's opening monologue explaining the "5 year mission"(oops, better make that 3) that played over what must have been totally groovy planet visuals for the 60's. Of course, when the Next Generation came along they had to spiff up those planet shots and PC out the "Where no man has gone before" line. but both worked well for their time and audience and encapsulated the plot.

Thanks again, TV rules!

Auriana Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 11:51 AM EST

I was really excited to see Cowboy Bebop included...especially as that's the show that first came to mind when seeing the list topic. However, I saw that they listed the show as from the U.S....it's not. It's Japanese that just happens to run on an U.S. network.

As for shows that should be on the list I put my vote in for Mystery Science Theater 3000 and Robot Chicken.

Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 11:51 AM EST

Not a classic (yet), but Dexter has fabulous opening credits.

And thank you for putting Twin Peaks on the list.

Andie Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 11:49 AM EST

I always enjoyed Cheers. It was unique and put you in a good mood for the show.
And the Quantum Leap theme was pretty awesome.

Jenny Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 11:43 AM EST

The X-Files. Simple and eerie, it sets the tone perfectly. Classic.

lordheinrich Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 11:43 AM EST

I would've liked to have seen Quantum Leap included, both for the fantastic score and for the tale of a man lost in time with no control over his own destiny but serious control over the destiny of others neatly wrapped in 60 seconds. As for choosing NYPD Blue over Hill Street Blues, having never watched either show the opening of Hill Street still resonates as iconic. NYPD Blue? not so much.

Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 11:42 AM EST

Aqua Teens! I love how the opening sequence has nothing to do with the episode that follows, plus a kick-butt theme song.

Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 11:40 AM EST

The Munsters of course! All the characters are established immediately just by walking out the front door, plus the most rocking theme song ever!

stephen Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 11:39 AM EST

"All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons" because they're freakin' awesome.

J.U. Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 11:37 AM EST

I know it's a new show, but the opening of "Mad Men" is awesome!

furry_tom Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 11:35 AM EST

I was thinking The Prisoner too.
Also, Star Trek, Flintstones, Cheers & M*A*S*H are all pretty classic.

Number Six Thu, Sep 27, 2007 at 11:25 AM EST

The Prisoner! You Tube it and see.