TV Show Opening Titles

[PX54]

I was just wondering what people's favourite and least favourite opening titles were.

Recently a lot of the TV show series I watch have come to an end, so I’ve been trying to find new ones to get into. I've been noticing the various different ways of opening titles being used.
1. Simple ones that basically say the name of the show with a little tune.
2. Full titles with music, cast list and either scenes from the show or images of the actors as well as the name of the show.
3. An explanation of what the show is about – basically describing the whole first episode in 20 seconds – maybe with some background music

I'll give some examples;
1. Simple titles;
Lost, Harry’s Law, Supernatural
2. Full titles;
The Walking Dead, Friends, Blue Bloods
3. Description;
Numb3rs, Ringer, Person of Interest

Personally I don’t like the #3 type titles, if you watch the show each week then you will know what it’s all about, and if you don’t then you should really start watching from Series 1 Episode 1. The #2 type can be hit and miss depending on how they’re done, and the #1 type are usually done well, but even if they’re not then they’re only on for a few seconds and you’re not bothered.
Sometimes shows will have the #3 type for a while and then switch it. Both Castle and Numb3rs eventually did this.

Some of my favourite titles from shows I watch/used to watch;
Red Dwarf (both versions)
Community
Castle (short version)
Boardwalk Empire
Monk
House M.D.
Human Target
Chuck

And one’s I think could have been done better;
Numb3rs
Person of Interest
Ringer
Breakout Kings
Warehouse 13
My Name is Earl

I think about this each time I watch one of the shows with what I consider to be poor titles and I was wondering what other people think make good and bad opening titles.
Would poor opening titles put you off watching a show you enjoy?

[Bigfeet]

I'm a HUGE Red Dwarf fan, have the theme as my ringtone!

I loved the fact that the opening titles for the first two seasons was completely different the ending titles and yes I know all the words to it as well!

[PX54]

do you know the words to the verses not included on the TV show? I think there was another 2.

[Bigfeet]

But of course!

Its cold outside,
There's no kind of atmosphere,
I'm all alone,
More or less.
Let me fly,
Far away from here,
Fun, fun, fun,
In the sun, sun, sun.

I want to lie,
Shipwrecked and comatose,
Drinking fresh,
Mango juice.
Goldfish shoals,
Nibbling at my toes,
Fun, fun, fun,
In the sun, sun, sun,
Fun, fun, fun,
In the sun, sun, sun.

I'll pack my bags,
And head into hyperspace,
Where I'll succeed,
At time warp speed.
Spend my days,
In ultraviolet rays,
Fun, fun, fun,
In the sun, sun, sun.

We'll lock on course,
Straight through the universe,
You and me,
And the galaxy.
Reach the stage,
Where hyper-drives engage,
Fun, fun, fun,
In the sun, sun, sun,
Fun, fun, fun,
In the sun, sun, sun.

[PlymTom]

The Big Bang Theory is one of my favourite programmes and has an awesome opening title sequence.

[billy smith]

will it also include ones like the sweeney / the professionals / roger ramjet / dangermouse / trumpton / chorlton and the wheelies / airwolf / only fools and horses / the fall guy / dukes of hazard / god i watched too much saturday tv back in the day lol

[metalmorgan]

South Park's theme by Primus is cool. I liked that alternative intro they did for a while with explosions n stuff.

[billy smith]

ere ows bout the transformers theme autobots rollout lol. dug this on youtube they should av done a ds3 ad like it lol>>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4ckJFNkra8

and yes i do like the transformers films as well and have got a weekend planned to watch all 3 lol

[swarrin]

Dexter is where it's at for opening titles; subtle music, simple imagery, and it all feels like it's from a different show.

But at the same time, it's deep enough to draw you in and get you ready for what's to come, perfectly summing up who Dexter is.

Or perhaps that's just me...

[HarroDS3]

South Park's theme by Primus is cool. I liked that alternative intro they did for a while with explosions n stuff.

Its bad, real bad, mmkay

Nah only joking lol, I like southpark, and Red Dwarf. Shame they dont make more, although I did hear they are making a new series of Red Dwarf....

[PX54]

yeah Red Dwarf due back on TV next year, can't remember if they said they're making them in December for January air date or if they just said they're being made Dec/Jan and said they'd air sometime in 2012.