In this fifth column, we’ll look at five more series that have a really cool intro.
Shameless (US)
The opening credits of Shameless (US) is one of the most recognizable and creative openings of a modern series. Instead of a traditional montage or epic theme song, the entire intro takes place in the bathroom of the chaotic Gallagher house. We see Frank Gallagher sitting unconscious or drunk on the toilet, while every family member, and sometimes even friends and loved ones, rush through the bathroom. They use the mirror, grab things, bicker, have brief moments of intimacy or conflict, and then disappear again. This constant flow of characters creates a beautiful and comical picture of the messy yet lively household. The music—the energetic "The Luck You Got" by The High Strung—immediately sets the tone: raw, rebellious, and joyfully chaotic.
A series that I've only recently come across. I think this is the type of series that suffers from what many long-running series suffer from: it starts off so well, and as it gets longer and longer, it simply doesn't reach the quality of the first few seasons. That doesn't mean it's boring or not a good series, but simply a decline in quality. Overall, it's still a fantastic series that certainly doesn't mince its words.
Foundation
The opening credits of Foundation are visually stunning and perfectly reflect the series' epic scale. The sequence depicts golden grains of sand forming patterns and figures, before slowly disintegrating. It is both abstract and poetic: the sand symbolizes the fragility and transience of civilizations, and the cycles of construction and decay central to the story. The color palette of gold, black, and deep blue gives the intro a majestic, almost sacred feel. Bear McCreary's brooding orchestral score reinforces this feeling, transforming the intro into an almost meditative experience.
In my opinion, AppleTV+ remains relatively underrated when it comes to the series they keep churning out. Despite being a massive company, the streaming service remains relatively underrated. The quality certainly isn't the problem; with series like Ted Lasso, Severance, Shrinking, and Foundation (and many more), it's clear there's plenty to watch. Foundation is a sci-fi epic that I honestly never thought I'd see on the small screen on that scale. I have no idea what the exact budget per episode is, but it's high. Add a good cast and a reasonably interesting story, and you have a very cool sci-fi series.
Pokémon
Few series intros have become as iconic as those of the original Pokémon series. From the very first notes of the theme song ("I wanna be the very best..."), every viewer knows what's coming. The intro combines fast, energetic shots of Ash and Pikachu with a parade of various Pokémon in action. We see battles, landscapes, and moments of friendship, while the camera constantly introduces new creatures. The editing is colorful, dynamic, and feels like an invitation to adventure. It's not only an introduction to the series but also became a cultural phenomenon that continues to resonate with an entire generation.
I'm definitely part of that generation. I grew up with Pokemon, and the first few seasons all have amazing intros. I can still sing along to every one of them, especially if there's a few drinks involved. I still feel like I want to watch the entire series, but I usually don't get past 50 episodes a year. It's sometimes a bit too childish these days, but at the same time, it's incredibly nostalgic. Who knows, maybe one day I'll get around to it.
The Wire
The Wire's intro is unique in that it varies from season to season, while the concept remains the same. The song "Way Down in the Hole" is used each time, but in a different rendition, depending on that season's theme. The footage is fragmented and documentary in nature: close-ups of telephone wires, harbor activity, political graffiti, classrooms, or newsrooms. They are observations of a city in flux, without explicit commentary, but always with an ominous undertone. This approach emphasizes the series' social reach and shows that every layer of society has its own story. The result is an intro that feels spare, raw, and intensely realistic.
I haven't quite finished it yet (at the moment), but what a wonderful series this is. Every season is absolutely fantastic, and I almost regret that I only discovered it this year. Oh well, better late than never. As far as I'm concerned, this is a prime example of how (the vast majority of) HBO series are incredibly high quality. Regarding the intro, I have to say that the first two seasons were the "best" for me; I simply loved both musical styles. The rest aren't bad, but they're just a little bit less good for me.
Evil
The opening credits of Evil are short (longer from season 3 onwards), but remarkably effective in establishing the atmosphere. They feature a series of grim, almost surreal images with religious and occult symbolism: crosses, faces, and shadowy figures flashing by in relief-like shapes. The images are often black and white or distorted, creating an alienating effect. The soundtrack is ominous, with low-pitched tones and tension-building sounds that are more reminiscent of a horror film than a classic drama series. The opening credits immediately evoke a sense of unease and curiosity: precisely the balance the series itself strives to achieve between the supernatural and the psychological.
This was a series I actually didn't expect to enjoy so much. It started as a search for something simple to watch on a plane, and I ended up completely hooked. A fairly simple storyline, but with excellent acting from some familiar names, makes for a very watchable series. It feels like it's been a while since I've enjoyed a series with supernatural themes. I still have a few more seasons to watch, so who knows, maybe my opinion will change.
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!
