Working Titles

Game of Thrones changed the standard for TV intros. A combination of vivid imagery and stunning sound combined to help simplify a dense book series into a TV Series that could captivate audiences worldwide. The inaugural episode — produced and narrated by Polyphonic — takes a look at how Elastic and Ramin Djawadi accomplished this task.

Most animated superhero show openings follow a simple formula. Batman: The Animated Series breaks the mold. This video — produced and narrated by Just Write — takes a look at what makes the opening of Batman so unique.

Cheers is one of the most beloved sitcoms of the 20th century. In this video, Captain Midnight shows how its theme song perfectly illustrates why.

How does the title sequence to the animated series X-Men explain to the audience a complex mythology, a huge cast of characters, and the show’s primary conflicts, all without a single word? This video by Patrick (H) Willems breaks it down shot-by-shot to show how.

Downton Abbey’s title sequence is known worldwide and has been parodied by some of the biggest names in television. Trace talks to the man who came up with the concept about how it got made, and the business of title sequences

Everything from the music to the visuals of the title sequence of the critically acclaimed Netflix original series BoJack Horseman perfectly captures what makes the show so revolutionary. In this video essay, Alex Nickel from Technicality dissects the four elements that make BoJack’s title sequence so amazing.

People are obsessed with the title sequence for Stranger Things. But it does so little on the surface, what pulls everyone in? In this video, Lee from CinemaWins spends some time talking about why.

There are more medical shows on TV than there are germs on a doctor's white coat, but House rose above the others and became the most viewed TV show in the world. Find out how its Emmy-winning opening sequence immediately set it apart from its rivals as Rohin from Medlife Crisis breaks down the opening to House.

The Prisoner was one of the most ambitious projects in the history of television. A spy thriller that redefined what spy thrillers could be, it challenged viewers to consider the world they lived in and their role in it, and it brought you into its world with one of the most elaborate intro sequences ever made. This video by 12tone breaks down how.

Battlestar Galactica was a science fiction epic that both perfected and innovated elements of classic science fiction and it demonstrated this a simple but deep title sequence. This video by Mia Mulder breaks down how.

How did The Simpsons title sequence become as iconic and recognizable as the show itself? This video by Now You See It looks into the innovative aspects of the opening that have stood the test of time (or have they?)

Neon Genesis Evangelion is one of the most iconic anime shows of all time. Volksgeist explains how anime titles song are their own business and why Neon Genesis Evangelion's are still memorable 25 years later.

How do you begin each episode of an anime about a character suffering from existential depression? Well, in the case of One Punch Man, you create a montage of that character killing monsters all over the world set to the most epic rock song of the last ten years. In this video, Matt from Nando v Movies explains how that juxtaposition helps define the character of Saitama and sets some purposefully unrealistic expectations for the series to explore.

If you're making a show about secrets and mysteries, you're probably going to hide a few in the intro sequence. In this episode of Working Titles, Thomas Frank reveals some of the secrets lurking beneath the slick animation and cheery music of the intro for Gravity Falls. Contains spoilers for the entirety of Gravity Falls.

Parks and Recreation combines an upbeat melody and some small-town stock footage to embody the “Yes we can” spirit of Leslie Knope, the series’ main character. This video by City Beautiful breaks down the intro sequence and its relevance to public service and city planning.

Westworld's iconic title sequence does more than set the exposition and tone of the show - it begins to ask viewers the fundamental question that the series poses: what does it mean to be human? This video by Real Science breaks down the visually simple, but thematically complex intro to show how.

A break down of the opening title sequence of one of the most popular sitcoms of all time – Friends. Heavily focused on the 6 main characters, the intro of the show is one of the most iconic of all time. With its montage clips, fountain scenes, and insanely catchy theme song, Friends simply wouldn't be Friends without this intro. This video by WonderWhy takes an in-depth look at this legendary opening title sequence.

Every Broad City viewer quickly falls in love with each of its colorful, energetic, and fun title sequences. In this video essay, Alex Nickel from Technicality explains the fascinating backstory behind these title sequences and delves into the world of visual artist Mike Perry.

South Park is known for it's crass humor and controversial episodes but don't think that doesn't include its opening intro. Knowing Better breaks down how the creators of this beloved comedy use their intro to prepare the audience for another adventure with Cartman and friends.

In this episode of Working Titles, Nando v Movies analyzes the opening titles of HBO's Watchmen to see what we can learn about the show, the graphic novel, and media generally from one familiar word.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer, right from the title sequence, turn decades of Hollywood cliches on their heads, and then spike them through the floor and straight back into the Hellmouth from whence they came? This video by Rene Ritchie guides you through it, theme-by-theme, and blow-by-blow.

Volksgeist breaks down how the original Doctor Who theme song from 1963 was recorded and produced, explaining how it innovated in the world of electronic music during a time before mass produced synthesizers.

Dexter is an unorthodox show with an unorthodox title sequence. Everything has a double meaning and is still one of the best title sequence of all time! This week Lee from CinemaWins celebrates Dexter and will encourage you to never floss again.

Rick and Morty pushes the limits on the dark and serious topics that cartoons have come to explore but you wouldn't know that from the titles. Captain Midnight explains why the show's creators use classic title tropes for a show that is rarely like its predecessors.

The title sequence for the first season of Pokémon is a hype building extravaganza that’s brought joy to people across the world. In between moments of intense lip syncing to the theme song, Soph’s Notes explains why it’s nothing short of a work of art, and why future seasons never quite lived up to it.

The Great British Bake-Off is a phenomenon. What is it about the simple act of baking that intrigues the mind and tugs at the heartstrings? Is it the tightly shot title sequence to the show? Is it in the science of baking? Trace Dominguez tackles a bit of both in this episode, featuring Andrew Smyth, an aerospace engineer and finalist from Season 7!

In a world where intros are so easily skippable, what makes one worth watching more than once? Hbomberguy explores what makes True Detective Season One's opening credits so meaningful.

How does the title sequence for Steven Universe and the one season spinoff Steven Universe Future clearly illustrate the shows central themes and premise over its various evolutions? LadyKnightTheBrave breaks it down shot-by-shot and line-by-line to show us how.

Dark’s title sequences fit the show’s theme perfectly, but they almost didn’t. In this episode of Working Titles, People Make Games talks with their creator and takes an exclusive look at some of his earlier designs.

Nando v Movies takes a look at why the World's Strangest Heroes have the world's strangest titles.

Community’s bittersweet theme song seemed to grow more relevant with each troubled season. Jacob Geller investigates, while getting emotional over the cult classic’s rocky history.

Imagine trying to adapt a sweeping comedic satire, brimming over with unique characters and ingenious plot twists, told by two of the most beloved voices of our time, Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. Somehow, the Good Omens adaptation managed to do it, and in just 90 seconds the title sequence proves that. Join Tale Foundry in this episode as they investigate how.

The Good Place is known for its novel premise, and also for it's many twists and turns. In this episode of Working Titles, T1J explains how the pleasant, but eerie opening theme gave viewers an early hint to one of the series biggest surprises.

Polyphonic explores the dark histories and hidden meanings in The Man in the High Castle's opening credits. From propaganda posters to Broadway musicals, find out the story behind one of the most chilling title sequences of the modern era.

In 90 seconds, Cowboy Bebop’s opening credits prime you for the world ahead through fast jazz, western cinematic language, and sci-fi iconography. Matt from Extra Credits explains how the credits effectively set the tone, using jazz not just as background but as doctrine. He also goes on a personal tangent about a Suncoast Video memory and gets emotional over a spy satellite's planetary carvings. Despite the detours, it all ties into how the opening pumps you up and assures you that the Bebop journey will be rewarding. While it may not be the *best* media setup ever, Matt certainly makes a strong case.

In this video we examine the explosive opening of Mass Effect 2: Legendary Edition with Lead Writer Mac Walters and Character & Environment Director Kevin Meek.

Few games have evolved quite like the Saints Row franchise. In this episode of Working Titles, Nando from Nando v Movies looks at the openings of both games to see what changed and why those changes led to the biggest glow-up in gaming history.

You might now know The Witcher as one of the most popular RPG franchises of all time, but this wasn’t always the case. Join Chris from People Make Games as he takes you back to 2007 to share his appreciation for an opening cinematic that paved the way for CD Projekt Red to take on the world.

The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask had an impossible task: provide a sequel to what many still consider the best game ever made. The games uses these expectations to set up players for an incredibly ambitious emotional journey, and nowhere is this better represented than in the first few hours of the game

The Last of Us Part II begins in an arrestingly simple way. In this episode of Working Titles, Barney from Listening In, considers why the game’s opening sequence is so important, how it relates to the first game, and what it means for the punishing and beautiful story of Part II.

The opening moments of 2007’s Bioshock are some of the most iconic in gaming history. But why exactly does it still stick in players brains so many years later. Well, would you kindly join Matt from Extra Credits as he discusses how the perfect synergy between Mechanics Explanation, Art Direction and Narrative Design fosters an experience that keeps players coming back under the sea again and again.

Half-Life is a technical and atmospheric wonder of a series that has time and time again set the bar for games higher and ever. From immersive storytelling, engaging characters to innovation in level design, lighting, graphics and most of all physics. The opening of Half-Life 2 is a perfect demonstration of how to improve over an already great predecessor and still stand apart entirely. Many of the revolutionary improvements made by Half-life 2 are now standard in the video game industry, and for good reason. In this video Mia Mulder walks you through the openings of both Half-Life 1 and 2 and tells you as the opening progresses how the world of Half-Life invites you in to explore and discover.

Final Fantasy VII is unarguably one of the most iconic RPGs of all time. Besides being a technical wonder, Final Fantasy VII changed the history of the videogame industry by completely revamping the status quo regarding character development, world building and game design. Its opening sequence, despite its simplicity, is a masterpiece full of foreshadowing and incredible details, having been recreated more than 4 times over the last 25 years. In this episode, Mariana tries to walk you through the cues and details provided by the game’s opening sequence without revealing too many spoilers.

Metal Gear Solid will go down as one of the greatest games of all time and it all starts with the first level introduction and title sequence. Sneak along with Lee from CinemaWins as he actions some tactical espionage in Alaska.

Released in 1996, Quake was a gore-filled first person shooter and successor to Doom, legendary for it’s no-nonsense alien killing spree gameplay. Join Dom Burgess as he looks back at one of his favourite game series and its (slightly crappy) intro sequences.

Night of the Coconut by Patrick H Willems is pure cinema. And as cinema, it contains a title sequence. And because it contains a title sequence, Nando v Movies dug a little bit deeper to see what the opening song choice says about the story and its connection to early 90’s comic book adaptations.

In this exclusive Working Titles episode, F.D Signifier examines the legacy of the black animated sitcom "The Boondocks" and breaks down the numerous layers of meaning that can be found in it's opening sequence.

The smash hit Shark Tank, now entering its 14th season, has hopeful entrepreneurs bow at the feet of our almighty investors to beg for a piece of the American pie. But how did the show establish this power dynamic? And are the Sharks really the business geniuses they're made out to be? Leo Vader walks through each season's title sequence to put the story together.

What makes the Charmed theme song work so well? Is it the cover by Love Spit Love? The lyrics by The Smiths? Or is it the bad ass synergy of both with the deeper themes of the show? Princess Weekes will examine that in this Working Titles episode on Charmed.