1. The Green Hornet
In the mid-1960s, The Green Hornet hit television screens with a bang, but it was the show’s intro that really captured the imagination. The sleek, black car, the Black Beauty, was one of the coolest vehicles ever to appear on TV, and its high-tech gadgets made it an instant hit. The opening sequence was cinematic, with dramatic music and a sense of urgency that hooked viewers in an instant. The theme song, performed by the legendary Bruce Lee (who also starred as Kato), added an extra layer of excitement.
While the show struggled to find a lasting audience, the intro remained unforgettable. It was a mix of action, style, and suspense that far outshone the somewhat underwhelming plots of the show. The Green Hornet intro truly set a bar for coolness that many other shows would try to reach but rarely achieve.
2. The Time Tunnel
The Time Tunnel introduced us to the exciting world of time travel, but its intro had all the right ingredients for adventure long before the show even began. The swirling tunnel, complete with neon lights and futuristic visuals, was a visual feast. The intro music, dramatic and intense, set the stage for a series that promised action and intrigue in every episode. But it wasn’t just the visuals that grabbed your attention—it was the way the tunnel symbolized endless possibilities, creating anticipation for what was to come.
In hindsight, the show itself didn’t quite live up to the promise of the intro. Although the concept of time travel was exciting, the execution felt rushed and occasionally clumsy. However, the intro will always be remembered as one of the most exciting openings of the era, with its promise of exploration, danger, and the unknown.
3. The Man From U.N.C.L.E.
When The Man From U.N.C.L.E. debuted in the 1960s, it gave us one of the most stylish intros of the decade. The show’s intro, complete with quick cuts, glamorous shots, and a catchy, swinging theme, captured the essence of 007 and brought the world of international espionage to TV. What made it even more memorable was the animated opening sequence that depicted the secret agents as they went about their mysterious missions. It had all the glamor and excitement you could ask for, from slick suits to explosive action shots.
Unfortunately, the series didn’t live up to the expectations set by its own introduction. While the show had moments of intrigue, it couldn’t maintain the pulse-pounding intensity of the intro. Still, the style and sophistication of the intro left a lasting impression, offering a tantalizing glimpse into a world of high-stakes espionage.
4. The Wild Wild West
The Wild Wild West was a unique blend of Western action and science fiction, and its intro was just as inventive as the show itself. The opening credits featured James West and Artemus Gordon, the duo at the heart of the series, as they embarked on action-packed adventures. The theme song was jaunty and fun, and the visuals of gunfights, explosions, and daring escapes were enough to make anyone sit up and pay attention. What set the intro apart was its mix of high-tech gadgets, steampunk-style inventions, and old-fashioned Western drama.
Although the show had its moments, the blend of genres didn’t always sit well with audiences, leaving The Wild Wild West a bit of a cult classic. But the intro, with its upbeat, high-energy pace, is something that still stands out as a testament to 1960s creativity. It’s hard to watch it without wishing the rest of the series had lived up to the same level of excitement.
5. The Munsters
The Munsters introduced us to one of TV’s most beloved families, but it was the opening credits that really drew viewers in. The catchy theme song, with its playful lyrics and bouncy rhythm, set the stage for the quirky, yet lovable Munster family. The intro was packed with goofy gags—such as Herman Munster’s hilarious attempt to squeeze into the family car—and gave a sneak peek into the wacky antics viewers could expect. The visuals were spooky and fun, but they never took themselves too seriously, much like the show itself.
Though the series quickly became a fan favorite, the intro always had a bit more charm and energy than the plots that followed. The show, while funny and heartwarming, sometimes struggled to keep the momentum going, but the introduction never failed to deliver. It was a perfect setup for the wild, zany, and endearing characters that would become so iconic in TV history.
6. I Spy
The intro to I Spy perfectly encapsulated the excitement and sophistication of the spy genre in the 1960s. With dramatic music, quick action sequences, and shots of globe-trotting espionage, the intro made it clear that this was a show about sleek agents and high-stakes missions. The dynamic between stars Robert Culp and Bill Cosby was highlighted, showing them as a well-oiled machine on a mission to save the world. The rapid pacing and stylish visuals drew viewers into the world of espionage long before the first words of the show were spoken.
Though I Spy became a groundbreaking series, its intro—full of suspense, action, and intrigue—was the true highlight. It was an exciting snapshot of the kind of world viewers wanted to see, one filled with danger, adventure, and two charming, quick-thinking spies. Sadly, the show’s pace could be slower than its energetic intro, but that’s a common fate for shows with such memorable openings.
