The 10 Best TV Title Sequences Of The 21st Century
Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.

The 10 Best TV Title Sequences Of The 21st Century

If the 20th century belonged to the movies, then television could be the medium of choice in the 21st century. It is not that quality television did not exist before the year 2000 or that films have become more subpar over the last 15 years. It's just that just as breaking away from the Production Code in the late 1960s ushered in a new wave of exciting filmmakers whose influence on cinema will remain permanent – Martin Scorsese and Robert Altman, for instance – the rise of original cable programming in the early 21st century has turned television into the true writers’ medium. Television had started to step away from the shadow of film.
This article is over 10 years old and may contain outdated information

1928631.png

Recommended Videos

If the 20th century belonged to the movies, then television could be the medium of choice in the 21st century. It is not that quality television did not exist before the year 2000 or that films have become more subpar over the last 15 years. It’s just that just as breaking away from the Production Code in the late 1960s ushered in a new wave of exciting filmmakers whose influence on cinema will remain permanent – Martin Scorsese and Robert Altman, for instance – the rise of original cable programming in the early 21st century has turned television into the true writers’ medium. Television had started to step away from the shadow of film.

The fascinating anti-heroes, the political allegory and the explicit content that many modern classics thrive on have allowed TV showrunners the chance to create enriching stories with sometimes-experimental structures. However, some could argue that the television is as much of an “idiot box” as it always has been. The onslaught of brainless reality shows and dull weekly procedurals remain popular, while niche programs like the ones on HBO, the BBC or AMC only cater to small audiences.

As this century of television began, one of the main signatures of television programming – the theme song – started to fade away. Viewers nostalgically reminisce about the first minutes of The Flintstones or The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, as their colorful openings welcomed viewers into these shows’ worlds. Meanwhile, with more time devoted to character development and plot, there was little room leftover for minute-long themes every week. Some shows eschewed them entirely, while many others devoted iconic theme music over the actors’ names. A few even used beloved rock staples, such as the three iterations of CSI digging into The Who’s discography.

On premium cable, though, where many series had close to a full hour or half-hour each week, a formidable title sequence was essential to bring audiences into the tone and themes of the program. To encounter drama that was weightier or more emotionally raw than anything else on television, these openers had to resonate with viewers and prepare them for the intense episode ahead.

In the 21st century, there has been no shortage of outstanding TV title sequences – some even have their own theme songs, too. Join us as we take a look at 10 of the very best television title sequences of this modern era.


We Got This Covered is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Jordan Adler
Jordan Adler
Jordan Adler is a film buff who consumes so much popcorn, he expects that a coroner's report will one day confirm that butter runs through his veins. A recent graduate of Carleton's School of Journalism, where he also majored in film studies, Jordan's writing has been featured in Tribute Magazine, the Canadian Jewish News, Marketing Magazine, Toronto Film Scene, ANDPOP and SamaritanMag.com. He is also working on a feature-length screenplay.