Two dragons sit in a harsh wintery environment in 'Game of Thrones' (2011-2019).Image via HBO
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Michael Block
Published 22 minutes ago
Michael Block is a 14 time GLAM Award nominated writer, producer, and host of the podcast Block Talk. Throughout his time in the entertainment industry, he has worked on and off Broadway as a stage manager, written several produced plays, critiqued hundreds of theatrical performances, drag and cabaret shows, and has produced events randing from drag competitoons to variety concerts!
On Block Talk, he interviews nightlife personalities, covers the wide world of entertainment through features, ranking episodes, and recaps ALL of Drag Race, as well as Dragula and Survivor. He has interviewed hundreds of RuGirls that span the globe at DragCon NYC, DragCon LA, and DragCon UK.
In his free time, he makes one-of-a-kind jewelry and gift baskets with his mom. He is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community.
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A classic television show isn't just the words being said by the actors on screen. There is a lot more that goes into it to help reach iconic status. One of those elements is the opening sequence. Nowadays, in an effort to optimize storytelling time, opening credits have been shrunk or even eliminated. Yet, we have some classics that not only have stood the test of time but have also influenced hundreds of others.
From storytelling theme songs to title sequences that build an entire world, these title sequences have pushed the bounds of possibility. Maybe it's a jingle that never escapes your head, or the joy of watching episode to episode, seeing what has changed in each. These 10 openings continue to dazzle and amaze, so let's celebrate the accomplishments in credits!
10 'Cheers'
The opening credits for 'Cheers.'Image via NBC
When you think of the hit sitcom Cheers, chances are you immediately hear the chorus of the theme song, "Where Everybody Knows Your Name." And it's fitting since when Norm Peterson (George Wendt) entered the titular bar, they would call out his name. Pair the two together, and that's the essence of why the show correlated so well with the program. The debut single by Gary Portnoy was not the originally desired song for Glen and Les Charles. After hearing another song he penned, "People Like Us," they wanted a lyric rewrite, but with the song legally tied to the musical Preppies, they couldn't use it. A new song was written and, after a few alterations along the way, the classic song was born.
The melancholy tune fit the opening sequence as it connected to the series of vintage photos that accompanied the credits. In some instances, the photos correlated with the role the actor played. The iconic opening set the tone of the series by evoking the essence of a hometown bar. There's an instant comfort associated with the entire sequence that became synonymous with the series. The opening had some changes along the way, specifically during the two cast changes, but the charming opening reminded sitcom creators that opening sequences don't need cheesy b-roll all the time.
9 'Mad Men'
The opening credits for 'Mad Men.'Image via AMC
By the time we reached Mad Men on AMC, there was a strong evolution of title sequences. There had been a long trend of what it should look and feel like, especially for dramas, but Mad Men changed the game. For a show about imagery and advertising, the opening credits were crucial. It had to work, or it might defeat the mission that the characters preach in the show. It had to elicit emotion. As Don Draper (Jon Hamm) said, "Advertising is based on one thing: Happiness." So, in our title sequence, a shadowed figure enters his office, lays down his briefcase, and the room collapses around him. As he tumbles, the skyscraper is filled with evocative images that help shape the show's universe.
As it turned out, the piece of music used came by accident. Mad Men writer and director Matthew Weiner stumbled upon an instrumental version of RJD2 and Aceyalone's rap song, "A Beautiful Mine," and found that the 'big old movie' quality of the song fit the series' energy. So, the song was rearranged and suddenly became an iconic symbol of the show. Mad Men's opening proved that in the 21st Century, any old song and title card will no longer cut it; it must advertise the action the audience will be sitting for.
8 'American Horror Story'
The opening credits for 'American Horror Story: Cult.'Image via FX
Audiences were craving something haunting on television, and in 2011, Ryan Murphy delivered with American Horror Story. Meant to be one of the scariest things produced for television. With the series' spooky images generating hype, further lore about the mysterious horror series was woven into the title sequence. Created by Kyle Cooper and his company, Prologue, the opening served as a backstory for Murder House. As Murphy told EW in 2011, "The title sequence is almost like a mystery. By the time you see the ninth episode of this season, every image in that title sequence will be explained. The music, created by sound designer Cesar Davila-Irizarry and Charlie Clouser of Nine Inch Nails, captured the show's aura, leaving an eerie, lingering feeling.
Crafting the perfect opening credits is one thing. Having to do so for an anthology series whose theme changes is the challenge. Once American Horror Story was given the green light to be an anthology series, the original title sequence wouldn't work for the subsequent stories. With the soundtrack fitting hauntingly well, each season had to be altered and adjusted to fit. By adjusting the color palette, images, font, and more, each season had a distinct essence. For super sleuths, the clues to the ending are present, so, with the upcoming 13th season, keep an eye out for what's inside!
7 'The Fresh Prince of Bel Air'
The opening credits of 'The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.'Image via NBC
If you ever wondered what the 90s looked and sounded like, it's the opening sequence of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Written by DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, better known as Will Smith, captured the entire show in one song. The storytelling narrative "Yo Home to Bel-Air!" tells the story of the show's protagonist, who was "born and raised" in West Philadelphia, and how, after an altercation, he was sent to live in Bel Air. Bringing a pathos to the story through a jovial tone, the rap track was historic for being featured on a network sitcom. It wasn't just a success for the show, but it also climbed the charts as a single.
Through musical narration, with synth vibes keeping the beat, Smith reenacts the action as colorful graffiti fills the screen. The humor was right, paying homage to the credits in the 80s, but it still stood on its own as a singular iconic moment. Having been covered over the past three decades and appearing in countless viral videos, the beloved credit sequence has become timeless thanks to the doors it opened.
6 'The Brady Bunch'
The exterior of 'The Brady Bunch' house during the opening credits.'Image via ABC
Imagine having the simplest graphic serve as your opening credits and then being utilized for generations for its iconic imagery. That's what happened with The Brady Bunch. According to Kimberly Potts, the iconic checkerboard originated in a doodle by creator Sherwood Schwartz. The idea of the nine smiling faces of the nine characters was the work of visual effects artist Howard Anderson Jr. The simple graphic design has been replicated throughout pop culture history, becoming instantly recognizable iconography. According to Christopher Knight and Barry Williams, who played Peter and Greg, it was "insidiously difficult" to film.
Now, to the song. The lyrics were written by Schwartz and Frank De Vol. Schwartz had been a major proponent of theme songs for his shows. Using his success from Gilligan's Island, he applied the same formula: a catchy, accessible narrative song that gave the audience just enough information to comprehend the story. By laying out the entire premise in under a minute, The Brady Bunch theme song accomplished everything Schwartz set out to. Thanks to its massive success, many future creators attempted to build upon its formula. The legacy of the opening sequence lives on.
5 'The Real Housewives'
The opening credits for 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.'Image via Bravo
Reality shows typically are not known for their title sequences. Back in 2000, Survivor made history with its legendary opening, featuring the track "Ancient Voices" set to images of the castaways in action, introducing us to each person. But then, a few years later, Bravo took this concept and ran away with it. Beginning with The Real Housewives of Orange County, the title sequence would feature each cast member as their voice-over said their tagline. After each introduction, the main cast would appear together holding an orange, a symbol of their location. It was such a hit that as the franchise expanded, each spin-off would follow the same formula, ending with the housewives holding a different icon, from an apple for The Real Housewives of New York City to a diamond for The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
But it got even better. With each new season and the introduction of new cast members, the taglines would change to reflect the season's action. The one-liners have become synonymous with the franchise, with fans even creating their own "Housewives tagline" to pay homage to the sequence. The evolution of the concept is quite remarkable as executive producer Doug Ross shared that they started as statements before leaning into puns and quips. The process of coming up with the signature lines has been a collaborative process. With dozens upon dozens of taglines over time, fans have loved to rank their favorites. And let's just say, it's a near-impossible feat.
4 'Friends'
The cast of 'Friends' flexing in a fountain during the opening theme song.Image via NBC
When you hear the Friends theme song, "I'll Be There For You," it's nearly guaranteed that you'll clap along when the time comes. Friends wouldn't be what it is without the cast. It also wouldn't be the same without the opening sequence. When R.E.M. rejected the offer to use "Shiny Happy People" for the theme song, the show's creators, David Crane and Marta Kauffman, Kauffman's husband Michael Skloff, and songwriter Allee Willis came up with the melody and lyrics for the Warner Bros. contracted band The Rembrandts to perform. Though they were reluctant at first to record it, the show's success helped lead to the full version becoming a contemporary hit.
But the Friends' opening was more than just a song; it was the sequence of watching our six friends. According to Kelsey Miller, the journey to the iconic couch and fountain was more difficult than one might imagine. An idea that originally started as filming on a Los Angeles rooftop evolved when the weather knocked out the plan. Kevin Bright and Kauffman looked around Warner Bros. lot in Burbank, saw a small park with a fountain, and, as they say, the rest is history. The late-night shoot, filled with dancing and silly poses, led to one of the most iconic openers of a sitcom. Now, fans get a chance to sit on the orange couch when they go on the studio tour. As someone who had the opportunity, it's pretty special.
3 'The Nanny'
The opening credits for 'The Nanny.'Image via CBS
We love a good narrative-based song. Especially if they’re catchy. As we’ve discussed, some infamous theme songs were certified bops that captured the theme of the series. One of which was the classic sitcom, The Nanny. Considered one of sitcom's last real jingles, "The Nanny Named Fran," set the tone for the entire series. Written by Ann Hampton Callaway and performed by her and her sister, Liz Callaway, the intro literally summarizes the backstory of the entire series, paired with an adorable animation of our main characters. But the now-beloved song only arrived in episode 2. The pilot originally featured Gwen Verdon's version of "If My Friends Can See Me Now" from Sweet Charity. As Ann shared, "I wanted to be able to tell this story really, really well in 42 seconds."
Though the classic Broadway tune fit the theme of the show, switching over to the Callaway-penned original became the right decision in the end. Through humor, the opening sequence became just as iconic as Fran Fine's (Fran Drescher) wardrobe. Drawing inspiration from classic sitcoms like Bewitched, The Nanny paid homage to them through a peppy, bright lens. By introducing each character, the credits became a perfect reflection of the series. Now, when you watch reruns of The Nanny, you'll be singing along knowing the origin behind it.
2 'The Simpsons'
The opening credits for 'The Simpsons.'Image via FOX
Not every title sequence needs a song with words. Sometimes the perfect jingle can do the trick. For The Simpsons, the opening sequence was the brainchild of creator Matt Groening. After cutting a lengthy animated sequence, the second episode premiered the now-legendary title credits. In each episode, the camera zooms through cumulus clouds, the show's title appearing as it descends toward Springfield. Then we journey with the Simpson family as they settle down on their couch to watch television. But it's not as simple as that.
Each episode tends to change with different aspects, including what Bart writes on the chalkboard, Lisa's solos on her saxophone, and other visual gags, including the billboard gag introduced in 2009. Paired with a tune written by legendary composer Danny Elfman, The Simpsons intro has evolved ever so slightly over time, thanks in part to time and technology. The intro has become the most famous cartoon opening ever. As many other animated series attempted to capture the success of The Simpsons, it continues, to this day, to serve as the gold standard of perfection.
1 'Game of Thrones'
Cogs and clockwork showing a miniature of a building in the Game of Thrones introImage via HBO
Imagine trying to introduce an audience to a fantastical world made up by a creative mind in a way that is accessible and engaging. Now, imagine your show takes place over a vast landscape that plays a key part in the story. How do you engage your viewers to pay attention? The best place to start is through your opening credits. What Game of Thrones did was revelatory. First, you begin with an epic, sweeping score that prepares you for battle. Then you literally build the world through a technologically inspired steampunk map that comes to life as it dictates the landscape we’re about to venture to in the episode. Through eight seasons, these places weren’t just names, they were just as important characters to the story.
What made this title sequence legendary was how it changed with each episode, adapting to the locations visited. Created by Angus Wall, the head of title design of Elastic, with the theme music composed by Ramin Djawadi, the three-dimensional map of Westeros and Essos evoked a fantasy role-playing map used as a gameboard. As the series continued, the map would also reflect which house was in power of each land through the usage of the reigning families' sigils. The cast members' names would also be paired with the corresponding sigil. Now, for a fun fact, if you're curious if any locale appeared across every episode, there were three: King's Landing, Winterfell, and The Wall. And please, I dare you not to think of the Peter Dinklage parody the next time you hear the intro.
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Game Of Thrones
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Drama
Action
Adventure
Fantasy
Release Date
2011 - 2019-00-00
Showrunner
David Benioff, D.B. Weiss
Directors
David Nutter, Alan Taylor, D.B. Weiss, David Benioff
Writers
D.B. Weiss, George R.R. Martin, David Benioff
Cast
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Kit Harington
Jon Snow
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Isaac Hempstead Wright
Brandon Bran Stark
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