17 TV Show Intros That Transport You Back Instantly
Some TV show intros are so iconic that hearing just a few notes takes you right back to the moment you first watched them.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
Television openings often set the tone for the entire series. The best ones capture the mood, characters, and era so well that they stay in memory long after the show ends. These intros instantly remind viewers of the stories and emotions tied to them.
1. Friends
Bright/Kauffman/Crane Productions on Wikimedia Commons
The theme song and fountain sequence became one of the most recognizable openings in TV history. The upbeat tone and cast moments captured the series’ spirit of friendship. Viewers still connect the song to the show decades later. It remains one of the strongest examples of a TV intro tied to cultural memory.
2. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
NBC on Wikimedia Commons
This intro told a full story that introduced Will’s character and his move to Bel-Air. The rap was catchy and instantly recognizable. Fans can recall every line even years after the show ended. It defined the series and set the tone for every episode.
3. The X-Files
Fox Broadcasting Company on Wikimedia Commons
The eerie music and visuals made this intro unforgettable. It set up the show’s blend of mystery, science fiction, and suspense. The images of unexplained phenomena created immediate intrigue. Fans still connect the theme with paranormal storytelling.
4. Game of Thrones
Home Box Office, Inc. on Wikimedia Commons
The opening map and music established the vast world of Westeros. Each season updated the map, giving viewers new details before the story unfolded. The theme’s orchestral power became iconic. It quickly became a cultural symbol tied to epic television.
5. The Simpsons
20th Century Studios on Wikimedia Commons
The animated sequence showed the town of Springfield in a way that was fresh every time with small variations. Its theme song is instantly recognizable across generations. The chalkboard and couch gags kept the intro fun and memorable. It has become one of television’s most enduring openings.
6. Stranger Things
Netflix on Wikimedia Commons
The synth-driven theme created instant nostalgia for the 1980s. Its dark and simple visuals matched the show’s suspenseful mood. The intro quickly became linked with the series’ identity. It set a mysterious and immersive tone for every episode.
7. The Office (US)
Jo9100 on Wikimedia Commons
The upbeat theme paired with workplace footage captured the humor and style of the show. Its short, simple intro was easy to remember. Fans instantly connect the song with the awkward but relatable characters. It remains one of the most beloved sitcom openings.
8. Twin Peaks
Pacific Title and Art Studio on Wikimedia Commons
The intro paired haunting music with quiet shots of the town. Its slow pace set the mood for the surreal drama that followed. The theme became a classic piece of TV music. It transported viewers into the show’s eerie atmosphere immediately.
9. Breaking Bad
AMC on Wikimedia Commons
The short but sharp opening, with chemical symbols and desert tones, reflected the show’s themes. Its minimal style made it instantly recognizable. The music carried a sense of tension that matched the story. The intro became a lasting part of the show’s identity.
10. Cheers
Psemper on Wikimedia Commons
The intro song with its classic line invited viewers into the bar where everyone knew each other. The vintage-style images matched the show’s warm tone. Fans associate the song with comfort and familiarity. It remains one of the most iconic sitcom intros.
11. Law & Order
NBC / Universal Television / Wolf Productions on Wikimedia Commons
The opening notes became one of television’s most recognizable sounds. The intro’s style gave a sense of order and seriousness. It perfectly matched the procedural format of the show. Audiences could identify the series immediately from its first seconds.
12. Full House
Miller-Boyett production on Wikimedia Commons
The warm and lighthearted intro reflected family life in San Francisco. Its theme song became closely tied to the show’s identity. The sequence introduced each character in a simple but memorable way. Fans recall it as a classic ’90s opening.
13. Mad Men
Jimmy on Wikimedia Commons
The falling silhouette paired with sleek visuals became one of the most stylish openings in television. Its artistic style fit the show’s themes of advertising and identity. The music added a sense of mystery and sophistication. It remains one of the most visually striking intros.
14. Doctor Who
Jules71100 on Wikimedia Commons
The sci-fi theme and swirling visuals defined the series across generations. Each version of the intro brought a new style while keeping the same signature sound. Fans link the opening notes to adventure and time travel. It stands as one of the longest-running intros in TV history.
15. Narcos
Netflix on Wikimedia Commons
The opening combined music, imagery, and real footage to set the tone of the series. Its theme reflected the show’s cultural and historical backdrop. The visuals gave context before each episode began. It became an essential part of the storytelling experience.
16. The Sopranos
HBO, Chase Films on Wikimedia Commons
Tony Soprano’s drive through New Jersey paired with the distinct theme song captured the show’s identity. The intro reflected both ordinary life and organized crime. It introduced the viewer to the world of the character immediately. Fans still associate the opening song with the series.
17. BoJack Horseman
ajax404 on Wikimedia Commons
The jazzy, surreal opening sequence reflected the main character’s chaotic lifestyle. Its shifting visuals matched the themes of fame and self-destruction. The intro evolved with the show, adding new details over time. It became an essential part of the series’ tone and storytelling.