Title/Opening Sequences: Describing an Entire Television Show in Under 30 Seconds

By E. M. Foster

Despite the growing amount of television programming in this modern age of 2000 channels, there has been a recent decline in proper title sequences. This is a sad fact- as a good, well produced title sequence can describe the overall story and theme of a show in 15-30 seconds. Modern title sequences, specifically those on premium programming, are often as visually stunning as the show they are opening. To further explain their importance, and their brilliance, below are some of current televisions best opening:

True Blood

Ah, True Blood… The creepy, campy HBO smash hit about vampires and werepeople, centered on the love life of Louisiana waitress, Sookie Stackhouse. The opening is sinful, seductive, and compelling. Each shot describes the atmosphere and general feel of the show, while at the same time drawing parallels to real societal issues (example: the similarity between “Vampire Rights” and LGBT Rights). Let’s not forget the song, either. “I want to do bad things to you...” could be True Blood’s tagline.

Dexter

Breakfast has never been more violent. Using extreme close-ups, canted angles, jump cuts and bright colors against contrasting backgrounds, simple behaviors like shaving, tying a shoe, and eating breakfast becomes uneasy to watch. The meticulous nature in which each act is performed is a clear nod to the serial killer-- Dexter’s morning is just as routine as the way he slaughters a person. There is also a clear feeling of entrapment, even with key lighting being on each of the objects. It is a dark and enclosed view, despite being in the bright light, reflecting Dexter’s split life.

The Walking Dead

This title sequence is a classic bringing-the-viewer-up-to-speed-with-what’s-going-on (i.e. the great Zombie Apocalypse) sequence. It is moody, grimy, and gives an overall sense of fear and hopelessness. The abandoned highway of cars, the broken pictures, and the muted color scheme create dark confusion within a viewer’s mind. The anxious music only adds to the hurried feeling of needing to run from danger (aka cannibalistic zombies). The way the sequence is shot and edited in a surrealistic method pays a stunning homage to the series graphic novel beginning.

American Horror Story

If this doesn’t evoke the heebie-jeebies in a viewer, well, I just don’t know what will. In what is arguably the most terrifying opener on cable, the sequence is a series of shots describing events that have taken place in the Harmon family’s home. Blood, dead/aborted children in pieces lining shelves, a floating christening gown- all are puzzle pieces that only come together after watching the season. The use of shadows and single-source lighting gives the tingling sensation of feeling as though one is constantly being watched and preyed upon. It is a violent, offsetting tribute to the classic horror genre.
Note: The producer of American Horror Story has released information about the second season, stating it will be an entirely new story, involving an entirely new theme and family, which creates exciting possibilities for a new opening sequence!

The Big Bang Theory

The sitcom. With its under 30 minute airing, the time allotted for an opening sequence is cut in half (if not, removed entirely, and replaced with a quick picture of the title).Luckily, shows like The Big Bang Theory are able to make meaningful, fun opening sequences to match the light nature of a situation comedy. In a quick, catchy tune, a montage of Earth’s history is summed up. It ends with a shot of the main characters chowing down on some Chinese food, which is most likely a hysterical commentary on modern society, leaving the viewer wondering, “How far have we really come?”

The Office

A mocumentary about an office and its employees, this show’s title sequence is both informative on the characters and describes the setting. From season to season, small adjustments and changes have been made, mostly in a way to keep viewers up-to-date with who is still in the show, and who may have been “fired” or “promoted”. The shots of Scranton help to create a community feeling that adds to the idea that the office workers are their own odd family. What is most memorable, though, is the tune. It continues to stay consistent with the show, and is what first comes to mind when people think of The Office.