Is anyone else a fan of the opening credits to Arrested Development?

Best opening credits: the various Cosby one. Except for the ones with Raven-Symone.

Oh, yeah. Love 'em to death. I've even gone so far as to slow the playback speed to study the different shots. It's a classic. Good theme song too; I like the ukelele, or what ever that plinky little thing is.

Are you thinking of the cartoon - then I agree! And the live-action credits are just as good - in a different way. Thanks to the miracle of DVDs, that show has grown on me in a major way. "Stop it! You're making the brain-baby kick!"

I also like Reno 911's montage of the tawdry and the inept. And City Confidential sets its mayhem up nicely with a minimal, spooky tone.

Allow me to double that word. I love the ER Benton punch and Angel door-kick in particular. I guess I'm just a sucker for violent credits, or maybe it's just cool when they edit them to match the music, like they used to do with the "clapping" on Friends.

American Dreams opening credits...I LOVE that song and the cute little family clips they show!

Buffy and Angel: I love scenes they used for Buffy up until Season 5, I believe, before they took out the rocket launcher carrying scene. With the fast theme song it was perfect

Angel's theme song is just chilling and beautiful with the chellos (right?) used to great effect. (need to go in the them song thread). Again, fits the them of the show - the dark hero. Again, loved the credits until they took out my Busting Down the Door scene. *sniff, sniff*

Word to Benton-ER credits, but I have to say that the whole time I've been reading this thread I can't stop this from running through my head:
duDUMduhDUM, da dum dadda dum, dum dum dum dum dudda dum...

(that would be Dallas, I know my interpretation of the instrumental isn't very good.)

Thought of another one: Drew Carey! I love both versions. The song and dance makes me happy. And it's nice to see the cast perform for the viewer in a non-sitcom way.

I love the way the Alias credits have the title come up one. letter. at. a. time. Pretty much everyone in the Alias thread has admitted that they dance while it happens. The music's so...snazzy. Plus, there's a one frame flash of the Rambaldi symbol over the title. Cool.

Another opening that I loved back in the day was Scarecrow and Mrs. King. It had all of those cool shots of the sites of D.C. and the music changing as they changed between the shots of Lee and the shots of Amanda. (although I admit that it has driven me crazy for 20 years that the last shot--where Amanda slides down in the street as Lee pulls up dressed as a cab driver never happened in an episode.)

And also old school--Remington Steele, where the fingerprint turned into their pictures.

Even though the theme song sounds like it belongs to a series from the `70s or something, I've always found the opening to American Gothic both haunting and beautiful. Can't remember many of the images used though.

I don't think Jeremiah has received a mention yet. I liked both the mournful Season 1 tune and the hopeful "I believe" song for Season 2. Both perfectly fitting the tone of their respective seasons. The closing theme remains unchanged (it's mostly just Season 1's with words), but it feels "smokey" and gives me chills sometimes.

Need some more mentions of North American cartoons (whether it's more of a nostalgia thing and/or you still believe it's a good opening/closing)...



Yeah, definite contender for one of the best cartoon theme songs ever. I can't remember if any other opening for an animated series got me more pumped than that.

Gargoyles was good and ominous. Good fit for the series. The original one, not after they fiddled with it and added Goliath's voice and even further messed with it when Season 3 rolled around.

Aeon Flux was strange and pretty much the epitome of mysterious. Denise Poirier's velvety low voice facing off with the guy who played Trevor...good stuff.

Dark Water (or, The Pirates Of Dark Water) had a beautiful opening, though I'm not a fan of the version that has Ioz expositioning.

ReBoot was great 'cause of how, in later seasons, they'd play around with which character narrated depending on what was going on in the series. Really effective exposition 'cause up until somewhere in the second season when things began to get especially arc-centric, the opening credits gave you everything you needed to know going into an episode if you were a new viewer. The various openings also had some really great clips.

For mostly the nostalgic feel--Thundercats, He-Man, She-Ra, and Transformers (though I'm more into the music from the Transformers movie as the series' opening was a little bit paint-by-numbers dull compared to that of the other cartoons I've mentioned).

My ex and I used to do Bill Conti's "Dynasty" theme, with the ex doing a truly excellent version of the trumpet solo through his nose.

And he didn't even watch "Dynasty"

Dum da dum. Dum DUM da dum. Dum DA DA dum dum da da da dum da-da-dum...

Weren't there three versions? The original was very simple, just an crudle-animated caricature of Carey singing "Moon Over Parma." The second was an edited version of the "Five O'Clock World" production number that kicked off the second season. The third featured a montage (set to the Presidents of the United States of America's cover of "Cleveland Rocks") of the cast doing things at various locations around Cleveland.

You are correct.

Yes! Dunna nunna nunna NUN, dunna nunna nunna NUN, DA DUM! Even though the animation does not hold up under scrutiny years later.

JHeaton you are so right. I forgot about the Moon Over Parma. I like that one the least thought it still was cute.

They spoofed it once in the closing credits -- there was a schtick they used in an episode where Drew had cybersex, and they panned to "the moon" during it -- but they'd did a bit where they painted up a guy's face like "the man in the moon," so they could see the moon's "reaction" to it (first beaming, then disgust).

At the end, the closing credits featured the moon guy singing, "ME Over Parma."

As The World Turns's credits from the '80s were the coolest, with that alien dissolving sound, then the world spinning ominously through the air, landing in the "o" of "As The World Turns." And the three rays of light deflecting from it. Gotta love those three rays. Out of all the mixes they did of that song coupled with the visuals, though, I liked the second remix (1984-1988). The one that goes "Doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo" and doesn't end abruptly like the early '90s version.

An example. Fast-forward to about 4:10 and you can see what I'm talking about.

My favorite end credit involves Paul, Jamie, Rhea Perlman and some barrel chairs :)

Heh, delurking due to nostalgia.

I love love -loved- Gargoyles (I want it on DVD in the future) and the openings for the first two seasons were indeed the best. I always liked the exposition, and the climactic bits near the end where the crashing music was in time with gargoyle claws crunching into a wall to climb up it.

Reboot was an awesome show, and I watched the final season religiously, loving all the in-jokes, but especially the cool openings. My favorite was the last one where Dot is doing it "My format? Command.com of a system that was once Mainframe..."

Two other shows that are much older came to mind reading this thread. The first was a really odd but incredibly quirky and great show (at least as I recall) call Puttnam's Prairie Emporium. It was a Canadian show about this family that lived over the titular store, which sold absolutely everything, including mosquito kneedpads (odd the things I recall). I used to sing along to the credits, which I believe were pretty much expository, but for the life of me I can't remember the words or the tune anymore. It was jaunty and sort of old-time westerny, I think.
The second show was called Shining Time Station, had Ringo Star as a character called Mr Conductor for part of it, and had stories from Thomas the Tank Engine. I loved the end credits, and I was always furious when the announcement for the next show would come up over them. Can't remember the lyrics well either, they were kind of ballad-y and played over a long shot of a train running through the country side. Hmm... "So much to see, so much to wonder, so much to learn to know..." I think that's part of 'em. I guess I found it kind of inspirational.

I remember seeing Gundam Wing on air for the first time, and they'd retained the Japanese opening, which is fabulous, full of cool shots of all the gundams, just plain good music.

I love all the Farscape openings, my fave being the one where John goes "look up and share... the wonders I've seen." /swoon

Well, that's my piece. <relurk>

Though I love Snuffy Walden, whenever I hear the WW theme I have to laugh( and not for the reason you think.) For the first couple months of watching the show, GoldfishMom would always think I had put on Jurassic Park, and thus even after she got used to it, she would call it the "brontosaureses tromping over the plain music."

I think "The Apprentice" has the best opening ever. Between the extremely cool cinematography and the Ojay's "For The Love Of Money", what's not to like?

I agree - it's one of the best uses of a pop song I've heard in a while.

Another Mark Burnett show with great credits is Survivor - I love the cheesy tribal music and the dramatic montages. Also, let's not forget TAR - those credits blow by faster than any others on the air, and they match the frantic pace of the show's editing.

Oh man... there are SO many.

- If for nothing else but the music, I've got to put a shout out to the fine folks that produced Bonanza. Love the great drawings, love the map bursting in to flames, and it's one of the all-time greatest theme songs (even better - get your hands on a copy of Johnny Cash singing the lyrics...)

- I don't know if it's my insane crush on Michael T. Weiss talking, but I always dug the opening credits for The Prenteder, although I wasn't to happy when they changed the music....

- The LOOOOOOOOOOVE Boat, soon will be making another run... I know, I know, cheesy but it's great.

- I would be remiss if I didn't bring up the opening to Pee-Wee's Play House. The stop-action animation going to live action, that insane theme song, the manic pace of the edits. I will never forget the first time I watched PW's PH; I had taped it so I could watch it when I got up that morning despite the fact that I had a hangover that could have killed an elephant... I swear to got the opening credits nearly made me hurl, but I was so enthralled by it, I had to keep rewinding it and re-watching it!

- and, of course, TWoP has completely changed my viewing of the WW opening credits. "A shooooow, about the prez...."

Here's one I hadn't thought about for a while. And I'm darned if I know what made me think about it today for that matter. Run For Your Life with it's views of the Bonneville Salt Flats through the window (canopy?) of one of those high-powered cars used in attempts to break the world land speed record. The theme tune was kicky too, if a bit repetitive.

Another good exposition opening was on Hart to Hart.

bumpity

As I recently discovered Scrubs (yeah, slow, I know) I gotta chime in with some love for the opening credits - they seriously kick ass. It's just so pretty. But the shorter version is much better than the longer one (despite the apperance by the Janitor), in the longer one the song just seems to stretch on and on, and the blips are less cool.

Not just you - Regurgitator released a dance mix of it - pretty cool.

Of this year's new shows, my favourite credits were Karen Sisco, Las Vegas and The Apprentice (all fast and loud); Carnivale; and though Kingdom Hospital's credit sequence was a shameless HBO rip-off, the song was just right - eerie and cheesy, just like the show.

I always end up watching the first 5/10 minutes of Miami Vice repeats just to get the credits - I love every little bit, particularly the apartment building with the hole in the middle.

Sandbaggers hooked me with the opening theme music. Of the variations of the Dr. Who theme, I think I like both the early Pertwee and early Tom Baker versions best.

The "Backwards" episode of Seinfeld was pure genius, right down to showing the actors' names in reverse order at the end of the show, then putting the title of the show up right before the show ended with the first scene.

The Dr. Who theme scared me when I was little.

A couple of ones from my childhood!

"Captain Planet" was kewl- i'm sure i was in early high school when this was all the rage, but damn, those kids from different continents with different planet-saving powers were kewl... But why was there no-one from Australia?!!! Annoyed me always.

"Inspector Gadget"- at the end, when the guy (doctor claw??) always said "I'll get you next time, Gadget" *dances* i looooooooved it.

And, from when i was little and staying home sick and watching 60's TV repeats (i was facinated... why was there only black and white? very confusing for a seven-year-old) "Mr Ed"
A horse is a horse, of course, of course,
and no one can talk to a horse, of course,
unless, of course,
the horse, of course,
is the famous Mister Ed!

I like "Arrested Development's" credits. And they're exposition credits, too!

You've reminded me of something.

My little brother (not so little, this was when we were both in Jr. High) insisted to me once that the theme to INSPECTOR GADGET was "exactly" like some hip-hop song. I was skeptical, so he said, "no, listen, it's on now."

So I sat and listened with him. Except every few bars, he'd say, "wait, that part isn't like it. ....Or that part. ...Or that. ...Or that. ....Or that." By the end he withdrew his comment altogether and I teased him unmercifully throughout the whole show.

INSPECTOR GADGET's credits: bringing siblings together since 1985.

Hee. That's precious; it reminds me of similar exchanges I've had with my "little" brother. BTW, what song did he think it was?

Maybe this one?

I never found out. Although, apparently it sounded very little like the INSPECTOR GADGET theme.

I love the Touching Evil opening credits. From the theme music to the colors and with the clouds swirling over the Golden Gate Bridge at the end...it brings a smile to my face.

Animaniacs was another fave cause you never knew what they would insert in the rolling credits at the end.

The ending from the anime show Naruto, The song they use, "Wind" by Akeboshi, is just awesome. Gets me every time.

You may love it (like me), you may hate it. But you must admit, Tom Jones & the Flaming Lips' Duck Dodgers theme leaves an impression.

I especially like the James-Bondesq ending. Which makes sense because basically the song's a slightly re-arranged 'Thunderball' (which was also performed by the great Tom Jones)...

Duck Dooodgers
He's fighting
tyrannyyyy...
In the 24th
And one-half
CEN-TUR-RRYYYYYYYY

this song? Kicks. ASS. Not only because of the Flaming Lips, but because it's Tom FREAKIN' Jones!


Another song that I totally heart? I love the end credits music for The Powerpuff Girls by Bis, it's one damned catchy tune. Then again, all of the music in that show is pretty damn catchy.

I knew there was a reason I married you. ; )

While we're on cartoons (and please forgive if this has been beaten into the ground): Teen Titans. While I'm not thrilled they were turned into pre-teen anime characters, I do love that catchy opening theme. Sometimes it's in English. Sometimes it's in Japanese. But each time it has that killer guitar lick in the middle.

You've reminded me of something.

"Masters of the Universe" and "Remington Steele" do have the same theme. It's freaky.

I can't believe this hasn't been mentioned! The Incredible Hulk closing credits with that sad piano and Banner hitchhiking. *sniff* My friend says he always cried because no-one would pick up poor hulk.

Star Trek:TNG for Patrick Stewart's extrahh-ordinary voice.

My family and I sing along to Malcolm in the Middle's theme. I've downloaded the X-Men cartoon theme, soo COOL! I wish someone would make a full length remix of it so I can dance to it. Sing along to Red Dwarf everytime I watch. Know the words to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Kim Possible. Recess, I love how the kids are conspiring to get around Finster. Always loved the whispery "Sliders" at the end of the opening credits.

Farscape, Farscape, Farscape... is there nothing they don't rock at?

Word on the Benton kata, it totally rocked along the music.

And of course, this is the part in Alias where we dance (Regina)

Carnivale-gorgeous and haunting.

Northern Exposure-nice tour of Cicely. And the moose!

Six Feet Under and Freaks and Geeks-fun.

My favorite-The X-Files.

Six Feet Under has one of the coolest opening sequences I have ever seen on a TV show.

Despite the suckage that constantly clouded the few good-points of "Century City," that show had some very slick credits of its own.

The new Justice League has a pretty good opening in my opinion. I like the animation, tone, and music. It just sets every thing up, for me anyway.

Sideshow Jed, I had to go out and listen to the Remington Steele theme after you said that. And you're right! How weird!

I always liked how they had a different Motown song for the Murphy Brown opening credits each week.

Ok before I got a satellite hooked up all I had was PBS in the mornings - very catchy theme songs...

Arthur - Who doesn't start singing (ahem... or dancing) when it comes on?
You've got to listen to your heart, listen to the beat, listen to the rhythm, The rhythm of the street .......... It's a simple message and it comes from the heart - believe in yourself, that's the place to start and I say Hey.

Dragon Tales - Hubby just shakes his head wondering what is wrong with me...

Sesame Street - Just used to stick around for the theme song then quickly change it before Elmo comes on...

Other include: Animaniacs, The Simpsons, Degrassi Jr. High - High - TNG,

Why I'm 28 years old and no I don't have any kids, why do you ask?

Word. You guys have already mentioned a bunch of my faves.

I absoloutely love the opening credits to The West Wing - I get all tingly inside, but watching the DVDs or reruns on Bravo, the closing credits freak me out. The music is far too..."happy" for a lot of the episodes. I find it jarring.

Also, I can't believe no one has mentioned M*A*S*H. That damn theme song gets me every time. I carry around the lyrics to Suicide is Painless in my wallet. Yeah, I'm weird.