The Art of the Intro - #1

The impact of a good intro is often underestimated. It can be one of the most memorable aspects of a series. These five masterful intros set the tone, engage the senses, and remain eternally recognizable. A series intro is more than a beginning; it’s an experience. A good intro instantly transports you into the world of the show, lets you feel the tone, and evokes emotions that linger long afterward. Some intros are so iconic that they’re the first thing you think of.

In this first column I pay tribute to - in my opinion - five unforgettable series intros. They are memorable, recognizable and worth repeating. Do you share my opinion?

Stargate SG-1

An epic intro that perfectly matches the journey of discovery through the universe. The music by composer Joel Goldsmith is grand and sweeping, and the editing takes you along the stars and symbols that fans will immediately recognize. The intro is a powerful tribute to the science fiction genre and makes you immediately ready to travel through the stars.

For me, this is a very important series, mainly because I grew up with science fiction and largely with Stargate SG-1. Just imagine, young children elsewhere still watched Sesame Street (which I refused) and I was looking forward to Stargate. So I can just dream the intro. Oh, how I still hope for a successful reboot of Stargate SG-1. Or a sequel. Something! Ideally in the same universe and therefore with existing characters, because the actors and actresses were really perfectly cast.

Dexter

Macabre, mundane and brilliant: the intro of Dexter is a masterpiece in telling a story in one minute. From the ritual of a shave to the cutting of a blood orange, the intro interweaves Dexter's daily life with his dark side. The music of Rolfe Kent completes the whole with an ironic cheerfulness.

A series that I have watched in its entirety more recently. I had always heard of Dexter, but the genre and the plot did not seem very interesting to me. How wrong I was. A great series with another intro that I have never skipped. In the meantime, it seems that Dexter is building a fairly successful franchise with several sequels that seem to maintain the same level of quality - even the ending was qualitatively just as good...

The Sopranos

With 'Woke Up This Morning' by Alabama 3, The Sopranos sets a rock-solid tone. Tony Soprano drives through New Jersey, cigar in hand, while the images of the city contrast with the dark life he leads. The intro is a visual and musical introduction that perfectly reflects the raw authenticity of the series.

Technically, this series is illegally present in this list, because I have never seen it. The mafia genre has never really convinced me and I have also always skipped films like The Godfather - which I often still have to hear about. Nevertheless, this intro already gives you a good idea of ​​what the series is about without giving too much away. Maybe it is time for me to add this series to my watchlist.

That 70's Show

Energy, fun and nostalgia burst from the screen in this iconic intro. As the cast sings along to Cheap Trick's 'In the Street', you're immediately in the relaxed atmosphere of the seventies. The intro takes you back to an era full of simplicity and rebellion - a perfect opening for a series that revolves around friendship and youthful excesses.

Another series that always makes me a little nostalgic. Even though I wasn't around in the 70s myself, I still feel like I got a taste of it thanks to That 70s Show. I don't think I ever watched this series in the correct chronological order when I was younger, and yet I could never get enough of it. That's why I think it's a shame that That '90s Show wasn't exactly a success. Hello Wisconsin!

Rome

With a combination of intriguing visuals and epic music, Rome’s intro immediately draws you into history. The animation style combines classical symbolism with a modern edge, and Jeff Beal’s soundtrack builds suspense as the past comes to life. A majestic opening that reflects the grandeur and intrigue of ancient Rome.

Like many, I have a keen interest in the ancient Roman Empire. And I think this series may have been the instigator of that. As far as I’m concerned, there is still no series with the same subject matter that has surpassed Rome. Considering the series was released in 2005-2007, that certainly says something.

What makes these five intros so strong? For me, it's the balance between music, imagery, and emotion. They not only set the tone for the episode, but also leave an indelible impression. Which series intro do you think belongs on this list? Let us know in the comments below and who knows, it might be featured next time!