Whether you were sprawled on shag carpeting or perched on the family couch with TV dinner in hand, these opening sequences were once as familiar as your own reflection.
Prepare for a nostalgic journey as we revisit 15 underappreciated TV intros that will transport you straight back to the golden age of big hair, neon colors, and unabashed television enthusiasm!
See them here
1. Automan
The neon-blue computer-generated hero materializing with spectacular light effects perfectly captured the show’s blend of tech fantasy and crime-fighting adventure.
2. Blue Thunder
The sleek, high-tech police helicopter swooping through city skyscrapers with its thunderous roar showcased the perfect marriage of aerial action and urban crime drama.
3. Buck Rogers in the 25th Century
The disco-infused space adventure opening with its futuristic cityscapes and starship battles epitomized the campy yet captivating sci-fi aesthetic of the early 80s.
4. Charles in Charge
The upbeat theme song explaining how a college student became the caretaker for a suburban family created an instantly memorable premise for this sitcom.
5. CHiPs
The California Highway Patrol officers speeding down freeways on motorcycles with that infectious theme song defined cool law enforcement for a generation.
6. The Colbys (Dynasty II)
The sweeping orchestral grandeur and parade of glamorous characters established this Dynasty spin-off as equally committed to wealth, power, and shoulder pads.
7. The Cosby Show
The joyful scene of the Huxtable family dancing together to a jazz tune perfectly captured the show’s warm, sophisticated family dynamics.
8. Dick Turpin
The galloping horses and period costumes set to dramatic music established the adventurous tone of this series about the legendary English highwayman.
9. Diff’rent Strokes
The catchy theme explaining how two orphaned boys from Harlem found themselves living with a wealthy Park Avenue businessman efficiently set up the show’s fish-out-of-water premise.
10. A Different World
The vibrant, energetic sequence showcasing diverse college students and campus life was perfectly matched to Aretha Franklin’s soulful theme song.
11. The Facts of Life
The playful theme song about “taking the good and taking the bad” introduced viewers to a group of girls navigating adolescence at an exclusive boarding school.
12. Family Ties
The heartwarming montage of family photos and the “Sha-la-la-la” theme music established the perfect tone for this show about liberal parents raising conservative children.
13. Flamingo Road
The sultry saxophone score paired with images of Southern opulence and intrigue perfectly set the stage for this steamy primetime soap opera.
14. Growing Pains
The family photo album coming to life with its “show me that smile again” theme song created an instant sense of nostalgia and familial warmth.
15. Hardcastle and McCormick
The odd-couple pairing of a retired judge and a former race car driver fighting crime, complete with car chases and that distinctive theme music, perfectly showcased the show’s action-comedy balance.