We remember TV shows most times for their amazing characters, great plots, moments that made us cry with laughter and others that made us shout with rage and hurt and a well-timed "No!’ at the screen. But sometimes, the moment that really sells us is a great opening theme. I’m pretty sure you’ve all thought of one that struck you right now, and it’s probably from a show that you really, really enjoy as well! Coincidence?
6. Phineas and Ferb
OK, hear me out. If you’re reading this article, you’re probably old enough to remember this cartoon. And if you do, then you remember the amazingly catchy theme song written by Bowling for Soup. Admit it, you know the lyrics. You know all the lyrics.
5. Orphan Black
A short opening theme, as most themes go. With the music written by Two Fingers, the opening theme is an instrumentally chilling song that plays over footage of cells splitting, DNA forming, and other micro-biological processes. The best part of this opening theme is the names of the stars rolling through, and Tatiana Maslany’s name only appearing once (which is ludicrous, considering she is literally ¾ of the cast).
4. Bob’s Burgers
If you haven’t yet watched this TV show, then clearly you haven’t been convinced enough. "Bob’s Burgers’ is well on the way to being the new "The Simpsons’, and the opening theme is similarly memorable. Back-dropped by a catchy theme, the opening sequence introduces us to the main characters and the restaurant that’s the whole premise of the show. In each opening sequence, the store on the left to the restaurant has a different name, and the van that pulls up in front of it also has a different name every time. The writers never fail to keep it interesting and pun-fuelled!
3. Buffy the Vampire Slayer
You know how some music makes you feel like you could go out and fight anyone who came in your way? The music to this infamous theme song definitely makes you feel like that. Listing off the main cast with amazing snapshots of them and their abilities, as well as timing bits and pieces from the current season into the visuals, by the final drum clash and bell chime, you’d better be holding a stake in your hand, because you’re about to go on a journey that involves a lot of vampires. And you are so ready for that!
2. Game of Thrones
Yes, I know. It’s long. It is…so long. But the detail in it is extravagant. Each cast member has the symbol of what house his or her character belongs to. The world is mapped out in such detail that it makes it easier to understand distance in the show. Each sequence changes every season to show the changes to the scenery and setting of the land — when Winterfell burned down, it actually burned down in the opening credits too. Say what you want about how long it is, but it definitely deserves a mention.
1. F.R.I.E.N.D.S
Who better deserves Number One than the F.R.I.E.N.D.S. opening theme? The couch, the fountain, the lamp, the characters being goofy, it’s all so great! All of us who have watched the show (and, I mean, that’s all of us) know the lyrics, know when to clap in the show, and have probably sung the theme song at the top of our lungs to our best friends. We can probably sing it without prompting, just turn around and belt out an "I’ll be there for you!’ at someone and they’ll very quickly respond with "When the rain starts to fall!’ Go on. Try!
Honourable Mentions: Black Sails
A show about death and sex (much like Game of Thrones, really, but based in the Caribbean), the opening theme to Black Sails is mostly done in black and white CGI marble. It shows pirates doing their thing — pillaging, drinking, grabbing women — except, some pirates are complete black skeletons, and when you see them, you know there’s something here being said. Ultimately, with the closing shot of two pirates — one alive and one dead — climbing the mast to get to the flag, you realize that it’s all about a struggle. But damn, if it doesn’t look beautiful while showing it to you!