By Jenna Dreisenstock
They say first impressions are everything, and although in television and film we get a taste of what to expect through a trailer – nothing beats the feel of an opening title sequence or official theme song, which can make or break our initial perceptions as we watch something for the very first time. Aside from the artistry of cinematography, the music that goes hand in hand with introducing us to a new piece of media can truly become iconic. With a striking composition, the title sequence in itself can make a tv show unforgettable.
With that being said, we thought we’d share some of our favourite electronic and/or experimental opening themes (and main theme songs) from series that have not only stuck with us since first listen, but with the majority of viewers across the world since they first aired (and for a few, this spans across decades).
Breaking Bad (2008 – 2013)
Composer: Dave Porter
Doctor Who (1963 – Original Opening Theme)
Composer: Ron Grainer, realised by Delia Derbyshire
Utopia (2013 – 2014: Theme Song)
Composer: Cristobal Tapia De Veer
Stranger Things (2016 – Present)
Composer: Michael Stein & Kyle Dixon
Marvel’s Daredevil (2015 – 2018)
Composer: John Paesano & Braden Kimball
The X-Files (1993 – 2002 | 2016 – 2018)
Composer: Mark Snow
American Horror Story: Asylum (2012 – 2013)
Composer: Cesar Davila Irizarry & Charlie Clouser
Skins (UK Series: 2007 – 2013)
Composer: Fat Segal
House M.D (2004 – 2012)
Composer: Massive Attack
Orphan Black (2013 – 2017)
Composer: Trevor Yuile
Humans | HUM∀NS (2015 – Present)
Composer: Cristobal Tapia De Veer
Portlandia (2011 – 2018)
Composer: Washed Out
The Twilight Zone (1958 – 1964)
Composer: Marius Constant
Dark (2017 – Present: Main Theme)
Composer: Apparat ft. Soap&Skin
American Gods (2017 – Present)
Composer: Brian Reitzell
Opening sequences and theme songs are in themselves pop-culture icons – what are your favourite title sequences? Do you have any favourite television theme songs? Let us know!
