Iconic Compositions: Top Title Sequences In Series

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!