The opening credits for a television show have the opportunity to immediately capture the attention of viewers, offering insight into the premise of the program. When done effectively, these sequences can entice and engross audiences, an important and crucial feat due to the ever-growing amount of small-screen media available. It is up to the creators to craft a memorable and eye-catching introduction, thereby ensuring that watchers don’t change the channel in search of something more appealing. Over time, opening credits have evolved into stunning standalone forms of art, often featuring brilliant visuals, memorable musical scores, and eye-catching effects.

Updated November 20th, 2023: If you're a fan of TV, you'll be happy to know that this article has been updated with even more iconic intros by Jack Deegan.

For decades, productions on the small screen have continuously upped their sequence game, utilizing CGI, groundbreaking scores, and cutting-edge imagery to set their TV show apart from the competition. The iconic '90s cult classic The X-Files is famous for its eerie and unsettling instrumental and opening montage, flawlessly mastering the art of an unforgettable sequence. Severance, which recently aired its season finale on Apple TV+, is an innovative dystopian thriller that gifted audiences with a breathtakingly bizarre introduction that has garnered universal acclaim and appreciation. These are the best TV opening credit sequences of all time.

17 The Sopranos (1999-2007)

The effortlessly cool and stylish opening sequence of the epic HBO crime drama The Sopranos features James Gandolfini’s Tony Soprano driving through the Lincoln Tunnel and past various landmarks in and around Jersey City and Newark, cigar hanging loosely from his mouth. The credits are slightly ambiguous, as they give viewers no real tangible information about what will unfold on the edgy program or that it deals with the violent lives of notorious mobsters, but sets an unmistakable tone.

What Makes It Great

The minimalist intro did exactly what the show’s creators intended: it informed audiences that the series would be set not in New York like so many of its fellow dramas, but instead takes place in New Jersey. The show’s theme song “Woke Up This Morning” was remixed and performed by the British band Alabama 3; TV Guide ranked the title sequence at number 10 on a list of TV’s top 10 credits sequences, as selected by readers.

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16 Freak and Geeks (1999-2000)

The cult classic teen dramedy series Freaks and Geeks famously depicted the lives of a group of misfit adolescents at a Detroit high school in 1980. Despite only lasting one season, it has been heavily regarded as one of the greatest television shows of all time. Joan Jett’s “Bad Reputation” was the perfect choice to serve as its theme song, with the introduction showcasing the various characters as they sit to have their school picture taken.

What Makes It Great

Each of their personalities is hilariously captured in the montage, skillfully revealing to audiences who the true “freaks” and “geeks” of the program are. The gone-too-soon comedy contained an impressive soundtrack throughout its run (including the head-banging intro) and helped launch the careers of many of its outstanding lead actors. Freaks and Geeks placed third on Time magazine's list of the greatest television shows of the 2000s.

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15 Shameless (2011-2021)

Showtime’s cult hit about Chicago’s poor, dysfunctional Gallagher family aimed to highlight how patriarch Frank’s alcoholism and drug addiction affected his loved ones. Shameless' series creator Paul Abbott declared, “It’s not My Name is Earl or Roseanne. It’s got a much graver level of poverty attached to it. It’s not blue collar; it’s no collar.”

What Makes It Great

A drama following a group of wild degenerates needs an equally chaotic introduction to capture the essence of the show, which was achieved with its carefree and dance-worthy opening credits. The sequence features a dirty and dingy bathroom that hasn’t been properly cleaned in months, with each member of the Gallagher bunch popping in to do their business and participate in various forms of debauchery while its theme song “The Luck You Got” by The High Strung plays.

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14 Dexter (2006-2013)

Centering on the misadventures of forensic technician and vigilante serial killer Dexter Morgan, Dexter quickly became one of the best original Showtime series. It's a critically acclaimed crime drama that captivated fans with its unique premise of a seemingly unassuming man who hunts down murderers who have evaded punishment in order to serve retribution. It's one of those antihero shows that redefined the TV protagonist as it's now known.

What Makes It Great

Despite being a dark and extremely twisted series, the opening credits humanize Dexter by showcasing the blood-splatter analyst as he goes about his mundane morning: shaving his face, making breakfast, and heading out to work like any other average person. As the sequence progresses, it takes on a more sinister tone and enlightens viewers that perhaps he’s not so normal after all. The score intensifies as the credits close, and audiences are left questioning whether Dexter is a reluctant antihero or devious villain in the cutting-edge series.

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13 All in the Family (1971-1979)

Famously following the bigoted working-class family man Archie Bunker and his often controversial world views, the renowned ‘70s sitcom All in the Family was a groundbreaking program that dove head first into a slew of issues that were previously considered TV taboo, touching on topics like racism, abortion, antisemitism, and homophobia. By addressing such issues, All in the Family went on to become one of the most influential comedic shows of all time, as it injected realistic conflict and dramatic moments into the traditional sitcom format.

The outspoken and narrow-minded Archie croons alongside his sweet and compassionate wife Edith for the introduction, with the pair sitting at a piano while sharing a tender and affectionate moment. The simple melody, entitled “Those Were the Days," is easily recognizable and a treasured theme song that audiences both young and old can’t help but tap their toe to.

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12 The X-Files (1993-2018)

The revolutionary pop culture phenomenon with Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny, The X-Files is one of the most lauded and longest-running sci-fi series in U.S. television history, introducing the world to the dynamic duo Fox Mulder and Dana Scully, FBI Special Agents with differing views on the supernatural who investigate paranormal phenomena. The introduction’s montage of unexplainable and unsettling imagery, paired with eerie shots of the leads’ FBI badges and the ominous theme song, instantly makes audiences uncomfortable and on edge.

What Makes It Great

The opening credits sequence is one of the most recognizable and iconic, with the theme song having been created by famed composer Mark Snow; the atmospheric score used more instrumental sections than most dramas, and creator Chris Carter “was looking for something that boy scouts could hum at the campfire, a scary song. You know, something akin to The Twilight Zone.”

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11 Mad Men (2007-2015)

Set at the beginning of the 1960s at one of New York City’s most prestigious ad agencies, AMC’s award-winning period drama Mad Men focuses on one of the firm’s most mysterious and extremely gifted ad executives, Don Draper. The series tracks people in both Draper's personal and professional lives while depicting the changing moods and social climates of the United States during the ‘60s and early ‘70s.

What Makes It Great

The opening title sequence includes credits superimposed over a graphic image of a businessman falling from a height, surrounded by skyscrapers with period advertising posters and billboards in the background. The introduction features the man in a black and white silhouette, with production paying homage to graphic designer Saul Bass and Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest and Vertigo; the stunning sequence is accompanied by a short edit of the instrumental “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2.

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10 Peacemaker (2022-Present)

Set after the events of 2021's The Suicide Squad, the series follows its titular character, Christopher "Peacemaker" Smith, as he's given a third chance at life working for the organization ARGUS. As a part of "Project Butterfly," Peacemaker is tasked with stopping a mysterious alien invasion as these parasitic creatures begin to take on human hosts. John Cena reprises his role as the man willing to kill as many people as necessary to achieve his goal of peace, trying to figure out if that's really who he is.

What Makes It Great

The series' opening credits have very quickly risen up the ranks of the all-time greats, as it features the entire cast dancing to Wig Wam's "Do Ya Wanna Taste It". The best part about it is that everyone is doing the absurd dance number with the most serious face ever. The hilarious dance paired with the rocking song makes for an intro that makes the series worth watching for that alone. It's a unique intro with nothing else like it and deserves its place in history.

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9 The Office (2005-2013)

Even if you haven't seen The Office, you've most likely heard its intro. The workplace comedy set at the fictional Dunder Mifflin Paper Company turned one of the most boring jobs imaginable into one of the most entertaining and popular shows of all time. Managed by the eccentric Michael Scott (Steve Carell), the workday is anything but dull with tons of shenanigans, pranks, and surprisingly emotional stories to hook the audience in.

What Makes It Great

The intro has become as famous as it is, largely due to how catchy the theme song is. Real-life imagery of the Scranton, Pennsylvania area is cut together with clips from the series showcasing the cast. The monotony of an office workplace set to a fun and upbeat tune makes it infectious and is sure to be stuck in your head for days. It highlights everything about the show in such a short amount of time with one of the most recognizable show themes ever made.

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8 The Simpsons (1989-Present)

As the longest-running American animated series ever made, generation after generation has been growing up with The Simpsons. The show parodies the average American lifestyle in the fictional town of Springfield. If there's a famous story out there, there's a very high chance that The Simpsons has told their own satirical version of it in some way. The dysfunctional family dynamic is at the center of it, with each member finding new ways to get into the most insane circumstances.

What Makes It Great

The series' opening has become a genre in and of itself, with each episode having a slightly different variation. As the camera pans from each family member's day-to-day life, it showcases the insanity and satirical nature of the series extremely well. Famously, each intro ends with a different "Couch Gag", where the whole family ends up in wildly different scenarios as they try and sit on the couch together. It's perhaps the most iconic animated intro in history, and one that everyone is familiar with.

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7 Succession (2018-2023)

HBO's hit series Succession took the world by storm before it wrapped up earlier this year. Following the fictional Roy family, it centers around the company Waystar RoyCo, a media empire in the process of preparing who will succeed its founder and CEO, Logan Roy. His three children, Kendall, Shiv, and Roman, are all fighting for control to try and be the one to lead the company into the future. The series is full of betrayal, shocking twists, and some of the best writing in television history, as they somehow manage to make board meetings exhilarating.

What Makes It Great

The opening credits of the series tell a subtle story of their own, showing brief glimpses of the Roy family's upbringing. The quick flashes of their childhood give viewers a look at the good and bad moments, like the luxurious life they led, to their father not making time for them. That alone would get it on this list but on top of all that, it has one of the best composed theme songs ever. The piano and string instruments all come together to create something memorable that perfectly fits the tone of the series.

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6 Daredevil (2015-2018)

Often considered one of the best superhero projects ever made, Daredevil is a much more grounded and real take on the genre. Matt Murdock lost his sight as a child, but the rest of his senses became heightened. After his father was killed by the mob, he swore vengeance on the city to clean up the filth ruining it. As a lawyer by day, he works to fix things the legal way. When that doesn't work, and corrupt parties get in the way, he becomes the vigilante known as Daredevil at night to enact his own justice.

What Makes It Great

The opening credits of the series highlight how well the show as a whole is put together. John Paesano's score puts the viewer in the position of the Man Without Fear, as heartbeats are heard within the chilling piano and strings. The visuals beautifully complement that with blood dripping to create imagery important to the series. From the biblical imagery of a church to Lady Justice, it all comes together to create the city that Daredevil fights for before it all pours into the devil himself.

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5 Stranger Things (2016-Present)

A simultaneously sci-fi and horror juggernaut on Netflix, Stranger Things is a massive hit for the streaming platform. It follows the disappearance of a young boy and subsequent supernatural events occurring around the town of Hawkins, Indiana during the 1980s. Created by the Duffer Brothers, the series was developed as a mix of investigative drama alongside otherworldly elements portrayed with horror, conspiracy theories, science fiction, and childlike sentiments.

What Makes It Great

To capture the essence of the nostalgia-fueled show, the creators opted for a minimalist opening sequence, equipped with a simple electronic score that utilizes synthesizers in homage to 1980s artists and film composers. The Duffer Brothers hired electronic band Survive to develop the theme song, who retooled their demo to make it “bigger, bolder and kind of build to a climax” (via Fact Magazine). The distinct score was elevated by the intro’s use of film-like grain that perfectly captures the lo-fi titles popular in the 1980s.

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4 Cheers (1982-1993)

The adored and timeless sitcom Cheers centers on the titular bar and its owner and head bartender Sam Malone, a womanizing former professional baseball player who develops relationships with the Boston bar’s regulars. During its impressive run, Cheers was one of the most popular programs in history and one of the great workplace TV comedies, with its beloved series finale becoming the most-watched single episode of the 1990s.

What Makes It Great

The cherished show’s outstanding theme song “Where Everybody Knows Your Name” was the debut single for Gary Portnoy, and instantly draws in audiences with its wholesome and endearing lyrics and montage. The use of old-world photographs and images of bars and their patrons only adds to the overall charm and appeal, and the uplifting music and timeless atmosphere help cement Cheers’ status as one of the greatest introductions of all time.

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3 True Blood (2008-2014)

HBO’s groundbreaking fantasy horror drama True Blood takes place in the fictional town of Bon Temps, Louisiana. It focuses on telepathic waitress Sookie Stackhouse as she encounters a strange supernatural world full of vampires, werewolves, and other mythical creatures while navigating the complex world of romance and relationships. The Emmy-nominated title sequence for the series is composed of portrayals of its Deep South setting, and depicts contradictory images of violence, sex, and religion.

What Makes It Great

Created by the independent film company Digital Kitchen, the intro is from the point of view of “a supernatural, predatory creature observing human beings from the shadows…” (via Red Orbit) and is set to the sensual and mysterious song “Bad Things” by country singer Jace Everett. The sequence’s transitions were made with a Polaroid transfer technique, with individual frames splattered with drops of blood that ingeniously capture the essence of the series.

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2 Severance (2022-Present)

The Apple TV+ smash hit sci-fi dystopian thriller Severance focuses on Mark (Adam Scott), an employee of Lumon Industries who agrees to a “severance” program in which his non-work memories are separated from his work memories. The innovative series premiered to universal acclaim from critics, who praised its knockout performances, thought-provoking narrative, musical score, and overall production. Severance is establishing itself as a must-see TV spectacle, captivating audiences with its cutting-edge content.

What Makes It Great

The program’s uncanny title sequence wonderfully showcases the unique elements of the thriller, taking viewers on a surreal journey through Mark’s workday, while illustrating the mounting tensions in both his personal and professional life. The CGI animated versions of the character are both engrossing and bizarre; the title credits were sharply crafted by Berlin artist Oliver Latta, who expressed, “I enjoy playing with common situations and presenting them in an ambiguous and uncomfortable way.”

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1 Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

Raved about by critics and fans alike as one of the best television series of all time, HBO’s sensational fantasy drama Game of Thrones is based on the George R. R. Martin novels. It centers on the battle between nine noble families who fight for control over the land of Westeros while combating a once-dormant ancient enemy. The pop culture hit attracted a record viewership for the premium network, developing a broad, passionate, and international fanbase since its 2011 debut; the series has continuously been praised by critics and historians for its medieval realism.

What Makes It Great

Known as a modern TV wonder, Game of Thrones features an equally impressive opening sequence, depicting a three-dimensional map of the show’s fictional world. As the camera moves along the map, locations of the episode’s events are highlighted, as clockwork mechanisms intertwine and structures and buildings emerge. Entertainment Weekly commended the dazzling introduction, calling it an “all-inclusive cruise of Westeros.”

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