A series’ title sequence is its chance to grab viewers’ attention, represent the show’s content and key elements/themes, generate viewer interest, and maybe offer hints or a preview of what will happen in the current episode or the series as a whole. Some shows favor brief title sequences, while others are more expansive and turn their title sequences into a work of art as fascinating as the series itself. What makes a great title sequence, specifically a great sci-fi sequence? Can a poor title sequence harm the series, or does the effort put into the sequence matter much, as long as the series itself is good? Is there a correlation between the quality of the series and that of its title sequence?
I recently found a video on YouTube in which the makers tried to identify the top 10 TV title sequences (regardless of genre) using their own set of criteria. I’m limiting today’s post to sci-fi/fantasy shows, of course, as well as using a different set of terminology that I’ve put together myself. I won’t go into excruciating detail on how each selected series meets these criteria, but just keep in mind that the five criteria listed below were my evaluative tools for including specific series in today’s post. I’ve also grouped title sequences into three categories of sequence common among sci-fi shows.
Criteria
1. Content: the subject matter included in the sequence
2. Visual design: the “look” of the sequence, its artistic visual aspects
3. Representation: how well the sequence represents the series in mood, content/themes, style, etc.
4. Music: does the sequence include a soundtrack that helps set an appropriate tone for the series?
5. Viewer interest: overall, does the sequence make the viewer want to watch the show?
Types of sequence
1. Iconic: uses a few key symbols or images to represent the show’s subject matter; tends to be about 10 seconds long or less
2. Narrative: uses clips of characters, events, locations, or other narrative/plot matter to offer a preview of the series; may also include symbolic content; tends to be longer than iconic sequences, about 30 seconds to 1 minute long
3. Evolving: may be either iconic or narrative, but changes by season or even by episode (in content, design, or both) to represent the evolution of the series’ plot and characters
None of these three categories is necessarily better than the others, and many of the sequences highlighted below belong to more than one category. (A few even utilize aspects of all three categories.) I’ll also be identifying things each sequence does well rather than spend lots of time and space criticizing it for what it doesn’t do – something I try to do in general on this blog. Be positive! No sequence can do everything at once, and the creators of any show obviously must make decisions to craft their final sequence in one way and not another. Maybe we would have done something different, but that doesn’t mean the sequence as is doesn’t do something useful for its series.
This is going to be a highly “interactive” post, since it’s going to be much easier for everyone if we can all actually see the sequences I’m discussing. I did my best to track down good video clips for each title sequence; the links will appear on the show’s title or in the explanatory notes, if I’ve included multiple clips for the same series. So turn up the volume and click away!
I have tried to order the series in a loose ranking, with the best sequences at the top of each category (so, in descending order). It was very difficult to decide the rankings, as nearly every show here has a really great title sequence. I also recognize that there are some shows that should be included here but aren’t, either due to space or because I couldn’t find a good-quality video for them.
Iconic sequences – these sequences are brief and highly symbolic
Supernatural
This video contains the sequences for seasons 1-9.
In my opinion, this is the best use of a purely iconic sequence, which also evolves by season. Even though it’s brief, the title “Supernatural” says everything you need to know as a first-time viewer; it’s self-explanatory. The visual designs for each season are perfect, representing succinctly yet eloquently the major plot arc of the respective season. (The magical clouds and symbols of season 3 and the burning angel wings of season 9 are my personal favorites.) The soundtrack evolves by season, too, from the lightning-strike sounds of the early seasons, to the demonic growling and shrieks of the Apocalypse seasons (4 and 5), to the whining pitch of angels’ voices in season 9.
Heroes
Whoever made this video replaced the series creator’s name with his own; just for the record, Heroes was created by Tim Kring.
Another brief sequence that nevertheless manages to be self-explanatory and to set the right tone for the show in just a few seconds. Helped by an awesome, slightly eerie soundtrack, as well as prologue narration following the spinning globe at the start of each episode, this sequence manages to effectively grab the viewer’s attention in a very short span of time.
(Witches of East End should go here – sadly, no video.)
Arrow
This video isn’t exactly right visuals-wise, but the theme music gives a good idea of the sequence’s strength.
Again, very brief, but the powerful music gives the sequence the strength it needs to support this high-powered superhero show. Also, with the arrowhead sometimes flying in seemingly from behind the viewer’s head, the iconic symbol is appropriately intimidating on behalf of the vigilante Green Arrow.
Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
As with Arrow, this video doesn’t show exactly how the sequence works, but it’s close enough and it includes the theme music.
I’ve gone back and forth a bit with myself about whether this sequence is good enough for AOS. (I know, I know, I said I wouldn’t criticize.) As is, the sequence does give the impression of a top-secret vault being opened to let the viewer inside S.H.I.E.L.D.’s high-profile missions – definitely one of the show’s creative premises. Yet, the strong music that plays in this video is actually used for the end credits during the show. The title sequence itself has only a rather quiet sound effect reminiscent of a heavy vault door being opened, something whooshing past one’s ear. It’s fine as is – but not great; and, as we’ve seen already, an iconic sequence can be made to do so much more for a show than label it “top secret.” Especially with the initiation of season one’s “Uprising” story arc, I’m really hoping that the season 2 title sequence undergoes some alteration.
Narrative sequences – sequences that offer a more direct, storybook-like preview of the series
Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009)
This video is taken from an early episode in season 1.
Oh, if only every title sequence was as gorgeous as this show’s, how happy Natalie would be! Not only does BSG stand out for its sequence’s narrative detail, it also is a complex evolving sequence, with the portion during the drum roll (second half of the sequence) featuring a preview of what’s to come in the current episode. Later on in the series, when the search for planet Earth begins, the sequence also adds a population count of the surviving humans, changing whenever people are born or die. This is the same number that will often appear on a whiteboard during scenes in President Roslin’s office as a reminder of her duty to safeguard the future of humanity.
Each episode of BSG also begins with an opening (pre-title) sequence that reminds viewers of the series’ backstory: the war between Cylons and their human creators. This video is a collection of the opening sequences for all 4 seasons.
Sleepy Hollow
You’ll have to scroll down slightly to the video at #14 – this is the only good-quality video I could find for SH.
This sequence is my personal favorite from the 2013-14 network TV season. One week, SH tried out a new sequence to this writer’s absolute horror! However, they quickly figured themselves out and returned to the original sequence the following week. (White Collar did the same for a while, with the same reaction of “NOOO!” on my part, before returning to their original sequence.) SH’s title sequence has everything: the content is wisely chosen; the visual design, full of mist and shadows, matches the show’s tone expertly; the music is WOW!; all in all, this sequence represents exactly everything SH is.
Grimm
Sorry for the rather gruesome action clip attached to the beginning of the season 1 sequence, below.
This one’s interesting, since its original season 1 title sequence (which falls into the iconic category) was not so good. It was too quiet, too still, overall unable to match the developing humor and charisma of the show. It was just a little too grim! (Yes, apparently there is such a thing as too grim for Grimm.) BUT THEN came season 2 and its amazing new sequence, full of energy, color, and excitement to match the intense yet quirky, magical yet down-to-earth atmosphere of this unique and thrilling show. The new title sequence stuck and has held on to the show ever since. (Much rejoicing!)
Sherlock
Although this sequence is more symbolic than narrative, it’s not exactly iconic – for one thing, it’s much longer than most iconic sequences. Additionally, there is a story being told (albeit abstractly) through the symbols. The sequence also evolves as new episodes and mysteries come into play. Besides possessing a beautiful visual design and well-chosen symbolic content, this title sequence remains one of the most intriguing because it seems to hide as much as it reveals about the show. Sherlock Holmes: check. Contemporary London: check. Crimes: check. Solving said crimes with science and deduction: check. But, beyond that, who knows what each new episode might unleash? (Aside from Sherlock himself, of course!)
Firefly belongs here, but I couldn’t find a video! So:
Merlin
This is from a season 4 episode and also includes the opening narration given at the beginning of each episode.
A well-balanced combination of symbolic and narrative content, the visual design is stunning, and the music is a perfect fit for this well-researched retelling of the Arthurian saga. Also an evolving sequence by season, occasionally by episode.
Almost Human
Not the most elegant method nowadays of doing a narrative title sequence, at least among the shows with which I’m familiar. Sometimes a show with a narrative sequence will include a voice-over for its early, foundational episodes but discontinue the voice-over as the season progresses. AH kept its voice-over for the entire season – granted, it has a very complex premise, which makes the voice-over a good call – but as the show was cancelled, we’ll never know whether the sequence might have been polished up further eventually. (And, shows like The Tomorrow People, Arrow, and Star-Crossed also have featured recurring voice-over openings, although in these cases the narration is separate from the title sequence. Merlin, too, kept its voice-over for every episode of 5 seasons – also separate from the title sequence itself – so it’s not like voice-over title narration is a no-no.) Still, there’s nothing wrong with this sequence, though it’s not as flashy as the others featured here. It tells you what you need to know, offers some hints about the characters and action, and properly represents the atmosphere of the show.
Evolving sequences – these sequences change by season or episode to reflect the show’s evolution
Battlestar Galactica
See above.
Fringe
This video includes all of the sequences used during season 3, in the following order: “Over there”/alternate reality (red); “Over here”/our reality (blue); episodes set in both realities (blue and red); flashback or “retro” episodes (1985-style!); and the future (gray). Additional sequences appear in later seasons.
Another case of “if only every title sequence were this amazing”! Fringe certainly stands out for its deft use of the title sequence to clue viewers in on where and when each episode is set. This is especially useful because the alternate reality (red sequence) contains alternate versions of all the main characters, of course played by the same actors as the regular versions of the characters. (So if you skipped a week while watching the show live, beware!) And the alternate reality also has zeppelins…
It’s actually not too difficult to keep the complex story straight, in large part because you have 30 seconds to remind yourself of where (and/or when) you are with each episode. The sequence also evolves in content by season, with new fringe science topics included in the wording – which may also change with the color, as different realities and time periods are investigating different areas of fringe science. The music, dramatic and inquisitive – exactly like the series itself – remains constant, undergoing only slight modification for the retro (1985) sequence in order to both sound and look like an 80s sci-fi show.
Game of Thrones
This video is from a season 1 episode.
I’ve already written at length about this sequence, so I won’t go into too much detail here, except to note again how gorgeous and creative this sequence is. (It fully deserves that 2011 Emmy it received.) The locations on the map change according to those featured in each episode, so that by the 4th season sequence we have an entirely different view of the map-world of Westeros.
Supernatural
See above.
Once Upon a Time
This video doesn’t have the same music that plays during the title sequence, but it’s a great illustration of how this sequence changes episode by episode.
A great example of an iconic sequence that evolves by episode. The Enchanted Forest is always present, but every week there’s a new character or plot element passing through the trees. Though brief, if you’re watching carefully, you’ll get a clear indication of what’s in store with each new episode.
Doctor Who
This video is a compilation of sequences from 1963 to the 11th Doctor’s 2011 sequence. Enjoy!
With evolving visual designs for the Time Vortex, an evolving color scheme as the years passed (unlike every other show here today, Doctor Who is old enough that it originally aired in black and white!), updated logos and TARDIS, new incarnations of the Doctor, and the names of an ever-evolving cast, Doctor Who is the embodiment of what it means to have an evolving title sequence.
The most recent sequence (video from the first usage, in “The Snowmen”) is the most colorful and exquisite yet, full of nebulas and stars bursting with color, a vibrant-hued Time Vortex, and the face of the 11th Doctor hidden amongst the stars.
One thing I’ve occasionally wished for this sequence is that it would be more consistent with its changes. Since the revived series began in 2005, the sequence has changed sometimes with a new incarnation of the Doctor, sometimes with the departure/arrival of Companions, or even by episode (as happened briefly during Companions Amy Pond and Rory Williams’s final episodes in 2013). But you know what? Doctor Who is the oldest sci-fi show on the air today – 2013 saw its 50th Anniversary, 11 Doctors and (insert very large number) episodes later. When (if) all the other shows on this list reach 50 years, then they too can do whatever they darn well want with their title sequences! (Put a Dalek made of cotton candy in there, I don’t care!)
So, any special insights from exploring all these sequences? Does a better title sequence indicate a higher-quality show? I kind of think so, since a lot of the shows I love the most also have really awesome title sequences. Likewise, shows that haven’t been so great haven’t had as highly developed sequences. Coincidence? Perhaps. But if the creative team is willing to put in that extra effort for something less than a minute long, they’re probably equally determined to make the series itself as absolutely wonderful as they possibly can.
On Monday: The New Camelot: Populist Politics & Arthurian Chivalry in BBC’s Merlin (2008-2012). The Round Table has for centuries stood for ideals of equality, justice, and honor, but Merlin takes these themes to a different level by setting Arthur’s populist politics against the conservative, elitist traditions of his father, Uther Pendragon. Merlin himself favors equality and supports Arthur’s agenda for reforming Camelot to break down the traditional class barriers between royalty and nobility and the common people. How exactly this modernized political scheme runs through the show’s structure, and what makes the show’s new Arthurian politics possible, will be Monday’s subject of discussion.
Time Lords, Superheroes, and Brave New Worlds 