12 TV Intros That Were Better Than the Actual Show
These TV theme songs and opening sequences got us hyped, only for the show to drop the ball.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Sometimes a killer theme song or jaw-dropping intro is the best part of a TV series. These shows nailed the opening vibe but couldn’t deliver on story, characters, or entertainment. Despite forgettable plots, their intros are still legendary — and totally worth a rewatch.
1. Automan
Kapco on Wikimedia Commons
With futuristic graphics and a glowing hero, the intro looked like Tron had come to TV. The synth soundtrack was pure ’80s bliss. Sadly, the show’s writing didn’t match its slick visuals.
2. The Fall Guy
John Irving on Flickr
The opening song about a Hollywood stuntman living a double life was catchy and oddly heartfelt. Lee Majors himself sang it, adding a charming touch. However, the actual episodes rarely lived up to the promise.
3. Street Hawk
Mike Baehr on Flickr
Slick motorcycle stunts, neon lights, and an electronic score gave this opening a cinematic punch. The intro felt like a movie trailer. Unfortunately, the plots were formulaic, and the action got repetitive.
4. Manimal
World of Oddy on Flickr
This show was about a mysterious professor turning into an animal. The intro was dramatic, dark, and full of promise. However, the cheesy effects and weak stories let it down hard.
5. Viper
Theo Wargo on Wikimedia Commons
The car transformation scene in the intro looked cutting-edge. It had that high-tech, secret-agent energy that promised thrills. However, once the episode started, the budget and writing couldn’t keep up.
6. The Powers of Matthew Star
Srattha Nualsate on Pexels
The intro teased a hidden alien prince trying to fit into Earth life while battling danger. It had mystery, action, and a sense of grandeur.
7. Airwolf
HrAtsuo on Wikimedia Commons
That helicopter flying over mountains with pulsing synths felt epic. The visuals were pure adrenaline. Too bad the scripts were often slow and uneven.
8. Space: 1999
Paul Carsola on Flickr
The intro featured dramatic music, stunning explosions, and quick flashes of alien encounters. It promised intense space drama and high stakes. Unfortunately, it rarely delivered on that energy.
9. Swamp Thing (1990s version)
William Tung on Wikimedia Commons
The eerie, swampy visuals and spooky narration created a dark, moody vibe. It felt like a horror thriller, but the show was often clunky and slow, missing the punch of its setup.
10. Sheena (2000–2002)
Gage Skidmore on Wikimedia Commons
The opening scenes of Sheena sprinting through the jungle with animal powers were eye-catching. It sold action, mystery, and beauty. However, once dialogue began, things fell apart.
11. Time Trax
Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels
This intro had everything: time travel, fugitive-chasing drama, and slick special effects. It screamed excitement and tension. However, the show’s pacing was off, and it never matched the excitement of its start.
12. Out of This World
Dcc1231 on Wikimedia Commons
The intro, with a teen girl freezing time and chatting with her alien dad via a glowing cube, was pure magic. It was weird, funny, and uniquely ’80s. The actual show, though, often felt flat and silly.