In this third column I pay tribute to - in my opinion - five unforgettable series intros. They are memorable, recognizable and worth repeating. Do you share my opinion?
Marco Polo
The intro of Marco Polo feels like a moving parchment scroll full of ancient secrets. Sand-colored ink flows gracefully across a papyrus-like surface, forming lines that transform into maps, faces, dragons, and cities. The style is minimalistic but rich in atmosphere, like opening an ancient travelogue. The music is a combination of menacing percussion and oriental sounds that perfectly suits the 13th-century Mongol empire. It is not a bombastic intro, but a calm, almost meditative prelude to the political intrigue and far-flung travels that follow.
I still find it extremely unfortunate that this series was cancelled so quickly. It's been a while now, but I would still be digging back into the story if a third season would suddenly come out. There was much more potential, but yeah... it was all a bit too expensive.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
This intro is pure symbolism. Instead of a traditional character or landscape sequence, The Rings of Power features an abstract pattern of vibrating sand particles — inspired by Chladni figures: shapes created by sound waves. Gold and black grains dance in geometric patterns that slowly take on the shape of rings and other symbols from Tolkien’s mythology. The music is grand and solemn, with clear echoes of Howard Shore’s epic style, but with a tone of its own. The result is a mystical, almost sacred intro that feels more like a ritual than a television opening.
Opinions differ, very much. For me at least it is clear that this is not a completely accurate adaptation of Tolkien’s books, and as for how important this is… well, that also differs from person to person. Overall I find it an entertaining series with beautiful imagery, but at the same time it obviously does not come close to The Lord of the Rings films. Nevertheless, I will definitely keep watching.
The Young Pope
What begins as a serene procession quickly morphs into visual satire. The Young Pope features Pope Pius XIII (Jude Law) striding in slow motion past a row of religious paintings, his gaze nonchalant, his hands in his pockets. In the background, “All Along the Watchtower” plays in a slow, hypnotic rendition. The row of paintings culminates with a meteor emanating from one of the artworks, crushing a crucifix at its end — a bizarre and symbolic climax. The intro is rebellious, artistic and layered, much like the series itself.
I am not religious at all, but I have always been fascinated by it. Even though this is not an accurate representation of how things are in the Vatican (I hope), it is still very enjoyable to watch. It will certainly not be a series that everyone will like, but I was very happy when The New Pope came out a few years ago. Hopefully there will be another one…
The Walking Dead
Each season of The Walking Dead has a slightly different opening, but the mood is always dark and post-apocalyptic. Think faded photographs, weathered landscapes, abandoned houses, and rotting objects. The visuals are accompanied by a chilling soundtrack by Bear McCreary: a minimal, ominous composition with scratchy strings and throbbing percussion. The opening exudes decay and menace — you immediately sense that the world you are entering is no longer meant for humans. The style changes subtly from season to season, reflecting the evolution of the story.
Oh, the Walking Dead – despite the lesser quality seasons I somehow still am and will continue to watch. The ever increasing spin-offs are also still on my watch list and I will probably watch them from start to finish. At a certain point it does become a bit the same old thing in a slightly different guise and in that respect all the different intros were also very fitting.
The White Lotus
This intro is a work of art in itself: baroque tapestries come to life as exotic animals, beautiful scenes and absurd details visualize themselves in a way that is both stylish and uncomfortable. The music — by composer Cristobal Tapia de Veer — is a hypnotic mix of tribal drums, hysterical laughter, vocal screams and electronic pulses. It almost seems like a twisted paradise, perfectly fitting the theme of the series: rich people slowly unmasking themselves in a luxurious hell. The intro is both a warning and a seduction.
I'll be honest, for me the most memorable intro is really the one from the first season. As far as I'm concerned that was also the best season in terms of quality. It's a very nice series overall but I'm curious at what stage it will become repetitive and whether we will experience that too.
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!
