In this fourth column, we’ll look at five more series that have a really cool intro—and I’m not done yet.
Peacemaker (2022)
The opening of Peacemaker (2022-present) is perhaps the most unexpected cult hit of series openings. Set to a glam rock hit by Wig Wam (“Do Ya Wanna Taste It”), we see the entire cast—including supporting characters and villains—perform a tightly choreographed dance routine in a hyper-stylized theater-like setting. Everything about this intro drips with irony: the serious faces, the over-the-top moves, the tacky lighting. And yet it works perfectly. The intro is a perfect encapsulation of what Peacemaker is: absurd, self-aware, violent, and surprisingly emotional. It’s also an opening scene you never want to skip—exactly what creator James Gunn intended.
Technically, this is now the first production that is part of James Gunn’s new DC Universe, I honestly didn’t expect to find it such a cool series. Technically, the first season is part of the DC Extended Universe, and the second season will be a bit of a reboot to fit in more with the other DC Universe material. Overall, very entertaining – a comparison to The Boys is easy to make, given the brutal violence – but Peacemaker is otherwise more of a comedy than a drama.
American Horror Story
Each season of American Horror Story (2011–present) has its own introduction, with a recognizable style: creepy visuals, distorted sounds, and the ominous score by Cesar Davila-Irizarry and Charlie Clouser. The introductions are constructed like a collage, with flashing images, text fragments, and close-ups of grotesque objects or figures. Everything is meant to set the tone: unsettling, mysterious, and thematically aligned with the specific season (such as the freak show, the haunted house, or the witches' coven). The introductions not only set the mood, but are often also rich in foreshadowing and symbolism – a creepy work of art in themselves.
This is the show that made me think that it's a good thing that Ryan Murphy can express his ideas on TV instead of applying them in real life. This show is not for the faint of heart, which is why I have become desensitized to the most gruesome scenes in other shows. There are several times per season that you really wonder what the hell you are watching. I consider this a guilty pleasure, but I also have to admit that the last few seasons are no longer on the same level as the first five seasons... it seems like the wtf content is starting to become more important than the quality of the storyline. By the way, there is now also a spin-off, American Horror Stories. Let's be honest, that one is even worse in terms of quality - but the creativity in making a unique intro for each episode could result in a future spot on this list.
BoJack Horseman
The opening credits of BoJack Horseman (2014–2020) are a melancholic trip through the life of depressed, down-and-out sitcom star BoJack. Patrick Carney and Grouplove’s jazzy, dreamy score accompanies a series of scenes in which BoJack literally and figuratively drifts aimlessly through his world – from party to set to grocery store – with no interaction with his surroundings. As the seasons progress, the opening credits subtly change as the events unfold in BoJack’s life. Both stylish and tragicomic, the credits aptly capture the tone of the series: humorous and absurd, but with a dark, existential undercurrent.
Considering myself someone who watches just about everything, it was almost a certainty that at some point (and certainly not the last time) an animated series would appear on this list. This series is a tragicomedy and has a number of absurdly good episodes (Free Churro!). I used to watch plenty of animated series, of course, but I think this was the series that made sure that I still find it quite interesting at a later age.
Battlestar Galactica (2004)
The opening credits of Battlestar Galactica (2004–2009) change from episode to episode, with a two-part structure. First, a serene, religious-sounding chant (in Sanskrit) plays, while symbolic images and credits slide across the screen – creating a mythical, almost spiritual atmosphere. This is followed by a short montage of what to expect in the upcoming episode: explosions, confrontations, drama – a curious choice that builds tension but also takes risks in terms of spoilers. The combination of mysticism and military urgency is typical of the series, which balances philosophy and action in a unique way. An intriguing intro that immediately draws you into the universe.
A bit typical by now, each of these columns has at least one insanely good sci-fi series. Most will agree that this is a very good remake. Admittedly, I have never seen the original, so I can't really compare it - but the quality of this version seems hard to argue with. When I bought Netflix somewhere in 2012, this was pretty much one of the first series I finished in a few weeks.
Yellowstone (2018)
The intro of Yellowstone (2018–2024) is stately, atmospheric and visually subdued. The images show vast landscapes of Montana, interwoven with the brand symbol of the Dutton ranch. Everything is shrouded in a sepia-like hue reminiscent of old photographs or westerns. Brian Tyler’s music builds slowly, with a dark, menacing undertone – fitting with the theme of family legacy, territorial conflict and moral gray areas. In later seasons, the intro is sometimes shortened or adapted, but the essence remains the same: this world is hard, beautiful and unforgiving. An intro that doesn’t scream, but growls.
Oh, what a great series. For me this was the first introduction to Taylor Sheridan and since then I have enjoyed almost everything that can be seen in the Yellowstone "franchise" - and also the few great series outside of it. The acting is top notch, the storyline is very strong and it looks beautiful. Now I have to say that the last season is a bit less, but that has its reasons. Bring on more Yellowstone sequels.
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!
Nice intros again :-)