Best Opening Credits to TV Shows: A Look at Iconic Title Sequences

Creating the perfect title sequence is a true art form in TV. While not essential to a show’s success, a well-executed opening can become a beloved feature in its own right. Back in the day, we’d either watch the opening credits or use them for a quick break, but some were so iconic we’d drop everything just to hear that theme song. The best sequences combined memorable music with visuals that captured the show’s vibe.

Here’s a look at some of the most iconic TV opening sequences that you probably won’t want to “skip intro” on:

Malcolm in the Middle‍
With its high-energy rock theme, Malcolm in the Middle captures the chaos and rebellious attitude of the boys it features. The intro’s quick cuts of typical "boy" interests—like wrestling and cartoons—interwoven with footage from the show, give viewers a sense of the rowdy, unpredictable atmosphere in the household. It’s entertaining and adds to our sympathy for poor Lois, who constantly battles to keep her wild family in check. The lyrics perfectly match the teenage mindset with the line, “life is unfair.”

Dexter
While Dexter's sequence may not reveal the show's plot right away, it’s a masterclass in setting an eerie, unsettling tone. Dexter’s morning routine is filmed with a sinister twist, giving viewers a sense of his character’s duality: lighthearted on the surface yet undeniably creepy. It may even make you crave breakfast – with a side of foreboding.

‍Scrubs
Scrubs keeps it short and catchy, with a tune that nails the “we’re all in this together” vibe of the show. The lyrics reflect the collaborative spirit, while the sequence itself showcases the main characters moving through their daily hospital routines in a smooth, coordinated flow. Though it looks simple, this intro took days to perfect. In season two, they attempted a new version that added the Janitor—who’d been left out originally—but fans were so unhappy with the change that it only lasted three episodes before the classic sequence returned and stayed for the rest of the season.

Westworld
With eerie music and mesmerising visuals, Westworld’s intro is a work of art. From the blend of organic and artificial elements to the use of light and shadow, every part of this sequence hints at the show’s themes of identity and artificiality, setting the viewer up for the show’s intricate, mind-bending journey.

Mad Men
This sequence, with its striking silhouettes and catchy tune, embodies the show’s central themes: a man who’s unravelling on the inside while maintaining a calm exterior. As Don Draper free-falls in a world of advertising, we see him coolly lighting a cigarette on a couch, setting the tone for this richly symbolic series.

Weeds
The quirky, darkly humorous opening of Weeds features “Little Boxes,” a song with lyrics that capture the uniformity and suburban malaise central to the show. Each episode originally featured a different cover version, introducing audiences to a variety of artists while keeping the opener fresh and engaging.

Game of Thrones
With its epic score and intricate map animations, Game of Thrones pulled viewers in immediately. Fans would scour each season’s updated map to get clues about the show’s shifting landscapes and alliances. The visuals and music created a sense of scale and grandeur that reflected the show’s complex and expansive world.

BoJack Horseman
With its jazz-inspired tune and striking visuals, BoJack Horseman’s intro mirrors BoJack’s disorienting, detached perspective as he drifts through life. Subtle changes each season reveal emotional shifts and hint at plot developments, immersing viewers in the show’s surreal yet introspective world.

‍ER
The intense music in ER perfectly matches the urgency of the emergency room setting, with strong guitar riffs adding an almost heroic feel to the characters. The cold, blue tones capture both the sterile hospital environment and the chilly Chicago backdrop, reminding viewers of the often lonely life of medical professionals. Sadly, this iconic intro was replaced by a forgettable one in season 13.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Hands up if you don’t know this song! Exactly. Rapped by Will Smith himself, this opener serves as a mini backstory for the character’s journey from West Philly to Bel-Air. It’s fun, memorable, and has a catchy beat that’s forever associated with the show’s lighthearted but culturally resonant themes.

Honorable Mentions: MASH, White Lotus, The X-Files, Futurama*

These TV shows prove that a well-crafted title sequence can become a show’s calling card. Each intro on this list combines visuals, music, and thematic elements to create a unique entry point into the worlds of some of television's most beloved series.