Creating an intro to a TV or streaming series that both captivates the audience and encapsulates the entire show in as short of a time as thirty seconds to a minute is a much more difficult task than most think. This is not specifically about listing cast and crew, as some shows typically save that part for the actual post-credits instead of the intro. Rather, what defines an effective TV intro is how well it can introduce the viewer to what they are about to watch and show them why they want to see it. Very few shows convey the tone, style, plot, and general conflict that the series is built around. These five shows not only check all the boxes just mentioned, but they also make their case to the audience why they should watch the story that follows.
‘The Sopranos’
HBO’s critically acclaimed drama from the 2000s has one of the most widely recognized intros in TV history. The intro to ‘The Sopranos’ immerses the viewer into the mafioso world as it follows the late great James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano driving across the New York/New Jersey area while smoking a giant cigar. Perhaps what sets the tone for the show to follow and ultimately cements this intro’s place on this list is the classic A3 song, ‘Woke Up This Morning.’ This intro accomplishes its task by alluding to the viewer to what the show is about, setting up the overall feel and tone of the story, and grabbing the audience’s interest in wanting to watch the episode that follows. It does its job while establishing the emotional connection between the viewer and the show that is necessary for them to want to tune in every week.
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‘Daredevil’
Marvel’s ‘Daredevil’ debuted on Netflix in the spring of 2015. In 2018, after its run of three seasons, Netflix abruptly canceled the show. With all three seasons currently adjusting to their new home on Disney+, fans remain hopeful for a series revival on the streaming service. But aside from being a fantastic comic book show, arguably the best one to date, the series is also accompanied by one of the best opening intros of any show on streaming or broadcast tv. This intro isn’t a standard opening credits sequence; it utilizes gorgeous visual effects and a brilliant music piece to set the stage for the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen. The vivid images of blood covering a blind Lady Justice and other New York City monuments, as well as Daredevil, present this show in the brooding and ominous way it should be. John Paesano’s glowering piece of music, which became widely recognized as the show’s main theme, perfectly embodies Matt Murdock’s character and what drives him. Few other opening themes have encapsulated the main protagonist and their primary conflict as effectively as this one. Combining brilliant imagery with enthralling opening music, ‘Daredevil’s’ intro is one of the most easily memorable ones in recent years.
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‘Game of Thrones’
The popular drama series from HBO, which aired throughout the 2010s, began each episode with the perfect intro that every fantasy show should have. Accompanied by Ramin Djawadi’s iconic theme that immediately brings us into a world of feuding kings, the viewer is taken to the different cities and locations across Westeros and Essos, showcasing the wonder and power of each. Instantly, the audience becomes aware of the political aspect of the show while also garnering a feeling of excitement to explore this entirely fictional world that appears to be very real yet so wondrous at the same time. What was particularly special about this show’s intro was that it updated locations based on wherever the story took us across Westeros and Essos. Similarly, next to each actor’s name would be the sigil of the house to which their respective character belongs. The intro to ‘Game of Thrones’ captured the spirit of George R.R. Martin’s beloved book series and the interest of audiences worldwide.
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‘Raised By Wolves’
From the mind of one of modern sci-fi’s founding fathers, Ridley Scott, HBO Max’s ‘Raised by Wolves’ peaks the viewers’ interest as early as five seconds into the opening credits. Scott’s signature is all over the show, as the audience can see elements of ‘Blade Runner’ and ‘Alien’; this is also true for the opening sequence. A common thread throughout all the intros listed is that they are all accompanied by a powerful song or piece of music; this remains true for ‘Raised By Wolves.’ The haunting song in the opening titles from Ben Frost and Mariam Wallentin is a stamp of recognition of this show as a dystopian, sci-fi, horror epic. Visually, we see images of a ravaged and desolate Earth, presumably what took place during the war between the followers of Sol, who takes the place of God in the show, and the atheists. This provides context for what has gone on in this universe and ultimately sets up the plot in a way that does not blatantly hit audiences over the head with long info dumps. The eerie nature of this intro provides an accurate vibe and depiction of the show’s primary conflict.
‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’
A show that would have definitely received the accolades it deserved had it not been animated or aired on Nickelodeon, ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ tells an amazing story of a war between nations that has lasted a century and how it has affected various people and groups across these four nations. The intro sequence to the show summarizes this premise in just a few powerful seconds. While this intro also features an effective music piece like the others on this list, it takes a back seat to the narration from one of the show’s main characters, Katara. Very few shows or films feature expository narration in the opening sequence, and even fewer make it work; this is one of those shows. Katara explains how the war started and how the Avatar is the only one who can end it. She also introduces us to the primary protagonist, Aang, who we see skating around on an airball until he crashes into a statue, which establishes the show’s lighter and more humorous side. Hopefully, Netflix’s upcoming live-action adaptation will capture the same spirit.
By Nader Chamas
Click here to read The Hollywood Insider’s CEO Pritan Ambroase’s love letter to Cinema, TV and Media. An excerpt from the love letter: The Hollywood Insider’s CEO/editor-in-chief Pritan Ambroase affirms, “We have the space and time for all your stories, no matter who/what/where you are. Media/Cinema/TV have a responsibility to better the world and The Hollywood Insider will continue to do so. Talent, diversity and authenticity matter in Cinema/TV, media and storytelling. In fact, I reckon that we should announce “talent-diversity-authenticity-storytelling-Cinema-Oscars-Academy-Awards” as synonyms of each other. We show respect to talent and stories regardless of their skin color, race, gender, sexuality, religion, nationality, etc., thus allowing authenticity into this system just by something as simple as accepting and showing respect to the human species’ factual diversity. We become greater just by respecting and appreciating talent in all its shapes, sizes, and forms. Award winners, which includes nominees, must be chosen on the greatness of their talent ALONE.
I am sure I am speaking for a multitude of Cinema lovers all over the world when I speak of the following sentiments that this medium of art has blessed me with. Cinema taught me about our world, at times in English and at times through the beautiful one-inch bar of subtitles. I learned from the stories in the global movies that we are all alike across all borders. Remember that one of the best symbols of many great civilizations and their prosperity has been the art they have left behind. This art can be in the form of paintings, sculptures, architecture, writings, inventions, etc. For our modern society, Cinema happens to be one of them. Cinema is more than just a form of entertainment, it is an integral part of society. I love the world uniting, be it for Cinema, TV, media, art, fashion, sport, etc. Please keep this going full speed.”
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Nader Chamas is an aspiring television writer who seeks to fuse thought provoking progressive ideals into the films, shows, and stories that he loves. Having graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a degree in Screenwriting, Nader seeks to use his writing to advance causes that do not get enough attention or input across mainstream media. Like most, Nader has his own share of his favorite franchises and stories across pop culture. However, he seeks to contribute timely and relevant topics into these stories as well as in his own original material. This is why Nader’s analysis of popular films and tv shows matches The Hollywood Insider’s practice of discussing entertainment from a socially cognizant and critical perspective.
Nader Chamas is an aspiring television writer who seeks to fuse thought provoking progressive ideals into the films, shows, and stories that he loves. Having graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a degree in Screenwriting, Nader seeks to use his writing to advance causes that do not get enough attention or input across mainstream media. Like most, Nader has his own share of his favorite franchises and stories across pop culture. However, he seeks to contribute timely and relevant topics into these stories as well as in his own original material. This is why Nader’s analysis of popular films and tv shows matches The Hollywood Insider’s practice of discussing entertainment from a socially cognizant and critical perspective.
