In this second column I pay tribute to - in my opinion - five unforgettable series intros. They are memorable, recognizable and worth repeating. Do you share my opinion?
Game of Thrones
The Game of Thrones intro is an ever-changing cartographic wonder that unfolds before the viewer like a living history book. A three-dimensional, mechanical map builds itself in real-time, as gears and wheels turn and cities slowly but surely emerge. The camera pans across Westeros and beyond, revealing key locations that may change from episode to episode. Composed by Ramin Djawadi, the soundtrack is absolutely perfect for this intro. Every detail, from the coats of arms that mark each kingdom to the steampunk-esque mechanisms that power the map, sets the tone for the epic story that follows.
This is the intro that I most associate with HBO. No matter what HBO series I’m watching, when I see the letters appear on the screen followed by the static sound, I automatically think of Game of Thrones. An intro that we’ll likely be hearing a lot more of, or at least some variation of it, given that the Game of Thrones franchise is far from over. And for now, they can certainly continue to do so.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Few intros are as instantly recognizable and effective as The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. A vibrant, graffiti-adorned visual style accompanies Will Smith’s now-legendary clean rap, which lays out the entire premise of the show in just a few verses. The upbeat, playful beat and over-the-top acting give the intro an almost comic-book energy that perfectly captures the essence of a streetwise teenager thrust into upper-class society. The visuals—Will spinning on a throne, taxis driving through the city, and the exaggerated, almost cartoonish fight that sends him on his way—set a lighthearted, upbeat, and unforgettable tone that remains iconic decades later.
For me, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is definitely a childhood favorite. If there was a lighthearted comedy that I devoured without any effort, it was this show. It also made me a fan of Will Smith, and that was only reinforced by Men in Black and Bad Boys. It’s a shame that such a legendary actor, to me, let himself be known in this way. Nevertheless, I will always have a soft spot for this series and I am actually a bit curious to see whether the dramatic remake Bel-Air can reach the same level.
Star Trek: The Next Generation
"Space... the final frontier..." With these immortal words, Star Trek: The Next Generation begins its journey through the stars. The intro opens with breathtaking images of deep space, with nebulas and planets drifting slowly by. The USS Enterprise-D appears and glides across the screen, its sleek design radiating both power and elegance. Jerry Goldsmith's triumphant orchestral score swells, effortlessly combining adventure and optimism. The slow build and powerful climax perfectly capture the spirit of discovery and diplomacy that defines The Next Generation, and promises viewers a journey like no other.
Phew, in my first article there was Stargate: SG-1, here's the other series that I absolutely loved since I was a kid. Thanks to my parents, I was able to enjoy Star Trek: The Next Generation (and Voyager and Deep Space Nine, of course) on TV. Despite the fact that there have been plenty of decent sequels - no, not Discovery - I don't think any Star Trek series will have the same impact as The Next Generation has had. This was the series on which the modern franchise was built.
Vikings
Ethereal and mysterious, the opening of Vikings immerses the viewer in Norse mythology and the perils of the sea. As Fever Ray’s haunting, droning If I Had a Heart plays in the background, we see ghostly slow-motion footage of Viking ships struggling against stormy seas. Figures disappear into the depths, swallowed by the waves, their fate sealed in a world dominated by gods and war. The visuals feel almost like a legend come to life – ravens circle the sky, warriors fall in battle, and a glimpse of Valhalla seems just out of reach. The hypnotic rhythm and dreamlike imagery perfectly encapsulate the themes of fate, conquest, and sacrifice.
So I used to be a bit of a coward. And now I can say I was, because the first season of Vikings is already twelve years old. I tried to avoid shows with abundant blood and organs, so I didn’t come across Vikings until a bit later. An advantage, I had a lot of material to plow through right away. Now I have to say that Vikings quality decreases from a certain point. Those who have seen the series know what I'm talking about.
Band of Brothers
The opening of Band of Brothers cuts deep before the episode even begins. A solemn, sepia-toned montage of real soldiers and actors flows into each other, underscoring the fine line between history and drama. Michael Kamen’s deeply moving soundtrack swells with reverence and sorrow, carrying the weight of sacrifice. Slow-motion shots of paratroopers preparing for battle, exhausted men staring into the distance, and brief moments of camaraderie create an almost documentary-like authenticity. The flickering images, reminiscent of old war footage, make one thing clear – this is not just a story, but a tribute to the real heroes of Easy Company.
There are few intros that can touch the emotions in the way Band of Brothers does. In my opinion, this is, in terms of quality, the best series ever. The intro certainly qualifies for this. I can still remember my father buying this series in a limited edition DVD box, in fact – it is just a few meters away from me. One of the few series where I find it difficult to put into words what I thought of it, simply because there are no words that would suffice. I myself do not have a military background (at least not yet…), but I do have a family that has always been involved. To give an example – my grandfather, together with my grandmother, was someone who organized reunions for veterans and that is why I was also regularly found at the Oranjekazerne in Arnhem. Or the structural involvement in commemorations of the dead, Liberation Days and even the shooting range where many (former) soldiers were always present. Because of that, I've always had a lot of context for series like Band of Brothers – and trust me, that makes it all just that little bit more intense.
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!
Fresh Prince is indeed super recognizable and to the point.
Band of Brothers was a bit too long ago for me to remember the intro, but I just played it and yes, it was very impressive. I have the steelbox here, so I will watch it again soon, based on this column.
I've never seen Vikings. But I watched the intro. Not bad. The music reminds me a lot of The Hu, a Mongolian rock band.
Nice column again, Mike. I am already looking forward to the next one.