The world of TV has changed rather rapidly in the last couple of decades. Once where TV Channels ruled, are now overshadowed by Streaming Services, where anyone with access, can choose what they watch, and when they watch it! And yet, 20 years ago, the only way you could achieve anything like that, was to buy the DVD; which was pretty tricky due to the frequent occurence, where the TV show would air on TV several months before it was released on DVD.
This new approach to TV watching has also affected the TV Show Intro. Two decades ago, you had no choice but to watch the opening theme song, as it was being shown in real-time. These days though, you can just press a button to skip the intro, and dive straight into the plot. It’s almost like there is no place anymore for a quality TV Show Theme. What’s the point in having one, if anyone can just skip past it? You may aswell just not have one!
But if we never had TV Show Theme’s, we may never have seen or heard some of the most memorable, and most iconic TV Show Theme’s ever made. And whilst there is the option to skip it now, there is something for saying that the Theme is actually part of each and every episode, and the episode may not work, without the theme tune.
So, with the TV Show Theme being largely skipped these days, I thought I would highlight some, which in my oppinion, are just too Awesome to Skip! Ones which are part of the entertainment value, or a source of positivity, in the case that the episode is terrible, as at least you still got to see the awesome intro. So, without further ado; here are 10 TV Show Intro’s that are just Too Awesome to press the Skip button; Enjoy!
10. The Sweeney – One of the most catchy theme tunes ever produced, which is saying something given that it features zero lyrics. But the way it is composed, means it’s easy to chant ‘The Sweeney’, perfectly with the rythm. The piece begins immediately with a sense of high action fuelled adrenaline, and just gets more and more serious as it picks up. It’s short, but instead of sweet, it’s intense!
9. Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace – This piece looks and sounds totally mad. It really helps depict the effects and standards of classic TV shows, in which the series is set. The tune sounds unlike anything ever made before, with an electric sounding kazoo sound which rings out constantly. Then there’s a sweet bit, followed by chants of ‘Darkplace’. But whilst the music plays, you are treated to a wide collection of ridiculous moments, which suggest horror, but just look silly. But best of all, is the strange scene of Garth Marenghi himself, running from an exploding ambulance!
8. Damages – We now come on to the first of two shows on this list I have never really watched. My Mam was a fan of this series, and so I did hear the theme tune very frequently; and it’s really good. One that is definetely short and sweet, with a great rock sound. It is easy to mistake the vocals of The VLA for Dire Straits frontman Mark Knopfler, as they both sound very simillar. It starts off nice and quiet, but picks up in intensity very quickly, and just doesn’t quit. The video itself is filled with blink and you’ll miss them scenes, some generic, whilst other potentially more important. But it’s really the music here that stands out most!
7. Westworld – Sometimes opening Intro’s can be longer than most others, so it’s understandable, you may choose to skip them. But skipping the Westworld Intro is a crime against TV. The piece is so relaxing, despite it’s initial dull sound, even though it does choose to pick up the tension later, but only just. But whilst you relax to the sound track, the video shows important details as to what Westworld is as a place and a show. The initial shot depicts what could be a sun rising over the desert, but is instead one of the many machines creating the many attractions. This leads to pleasing images (and some near nauseating ones too), of hosts under construction, and of course, the hands playing on the piano in time with the tune!
6. Blade: The Series – What is possibly a largely forgotten show (except by me, I absolutely loved it) now; Blade: The Series, tried to continue the wave of the success of the Blade films, starring Wesley Snipes. Unfortunately it only ran for one series (so we will never see what happens after the earth shattering twist in the final episode). The opening intro is very quick, it’s also very rocky, with a horror like spin. Plus the red and black combo in the titles, is both simple, and very effective!
5. Neon Genesis Evangelion – This one surprised me when I first heard it. Quite a few of the anime shows I had watched by that point, featured Metal sounding opening theme’s; but this one didn’t. Titled ‘A Cruel Angel’s Thesis‘, this piece is sweeter by comparison. Yes it is action packed in sound and video, but it sounds a lot more pleasant than dramatic. The backing video is also a nice collection of occuring characters, whilst also featuring an assortment of images, often depicting violence; which again doesn’t look like it fits with the tune. But even if it doesn’t look like it would fit, somehow it does, and is always a treat to watch over and over again!
4. Red Dwarf – The Red Dwarf opening cinematic did take time to evolve. The first couple of series, it started out with Lister painting the name Red Dwarf on the side of the ship, before revealing the full vessel. Then things began to change, firstly the ship would be seen very briefly, but then the new faster and more chaotic combination of music, and cutscenes arrived. And then eventually they just removed the ship, and went with the chaotic combination. And then it just stuck with that. The opening theme is incredible, and always enjoyable. I could understand skipping the intro from the first two series, but why on earth would you skip all the following series intros?!
3. The Sopranos – Much like Damages above, I have never seen a single episode of The Sopranos…but I have watched the opening intro many times. Why? It’s just so cool! I first saw it referenced in an episode of The Simpsons. The tune is really cool by itself, as it features a cool whispering voice, no yelling or shouting, just speaking easy, although occassionally backed by a great chorus section. Meanwhile, you get this nice imagery of the local city, and the sights, whilst a far more brooding figure drives through it. It provides a level of mystery, but overall, suggests a character you don’t want to mess with!
2. One Punch Man – When I was at college, I frequently heard almost everyone else, over-use the word Epic, in reference to absolutely everything. Well, whilst those things weren’t truly Epic, the opening intro to the first series of One Punch Man actually is. The tune starts in an explosive fashion, and just keeps up the energy, with lyrics spoken with passion. Whilst that is playing, you are treated to a collection of scenes, monsters, characters, and moments that highlight what kind of show this is. And then as it approaches it’s conclusion, there’s a sudden burst of expression higher than what came before. Basically, this theme is necessary to watch, as it acts like a warm-up act. It provides the energy needed, to enjoy the show to the max!
1. Buffy the Vampire Slayer – Why on earth would you ever skip this intro? Seriously, why? Why? It is Awesome. It’s Short, and Mega Sweet. You have a a fast and adrenaline induced hard rock sound from Nerf Herder, and whilst that plays on, you have a sequence of cool clips, introducing and highlighting the core cast, as well as produce things that provide moments to latch onto, as you explore the show. Plus the tune is rather surprising, given the more slow and spooky intro, to the intro. This is a fun, and iconic opening sequence; and skipping it, is just a ridiculous idea!
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