By Dustin Rowles | Guides | October 13, 2010 |
By Dustin Rowles | Guides | October 13, 2010 |
Early television didn’t focus much on a show’s main title sequence; on most networks, a longer title sequence meant less time for commercials. They were utilitarian: They presented the names of the cast members, sometimes the characters would flash a grin or wink in a blur of swipes and dissolves, and often exterior shots of the city the show took place in were presented. Frequently, the main titles were simply clips from the show itself, edited down and spliced together under a theme song.
Theme songs were where it was at back in the 80s and 90s, but now the title sequence is as important — or more important than the music: It sets the mood and, in some cases, provides backstory (although, main titles that present backstories usually are not very good, e.g., “Battlestar Galactica.”) Back in the early 90s, these title sequences became such an integral part of a television show that an Emmy Category was devoted to them (one of the first nominees was “Downtown Julie Brown” over on MTV *wubba wubba wubba*). Now, all the cable shows have lavishly produced, complicated main title sequences that combine conceptual visuals and sound and often last more than a minute (the unimpressive-but-for-the-song “Treme” title sequence clocks in at a minute and 34 seconds; the “Entourage” theme is one minute long, and when added to the “Previously On” scenes, there’s barely any time left for a 20-22 minute show).
The best title sequences not only express the concept of a show, feature the typographic logo, and present the key production and cast members, but they capture our attention and draw us in to the show’s mood. These are the 60 Coolest Main Title Sequences of All Time.
Part I: 60- 41 || Part II: 40 - 21 || Part III: 20 - 1.
40. Doctor Who
39. Sherlock
38. The Simpsons
37. The Wire
36. Sanctuary
35. Pushing Daisies
34. House, MD
33. Homicide: Life on the Streets
32. Bored to Death
31. The Sopranos
30. Firefly
29. Being Human
28. Band of Brothers
27. Aeon Flux
26. Big Love
HBO “Big Love” main title design from directionbyreece on Vimeo.
25. Desperate Housewives
24. Dilbert
23. Boardwalk Empire
22. Human Target
21. Six Feet Under