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Do modern television shows have introductions and theme songs? (1 Viewer)

LeoA

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I was talking to a friend the other day and I mentioned how it was unfortunate that these have largely gone extinct. For instance of one of the last attempts that I can recall, the title card for Frasier (which debuted in September 1993) with the Seattle skyline and the few notes of music that plays lasts for about 5 seconds as network tv continued the trend of upping commercial space.

All I got in return was a look that suggested that I was an idiot. He says that they're alive and well and if I wasn't stuck in 1974 with how I watch tv (I wouldn't say still being a cable subscriber at least for now while also watching optical discs and even several streaming services supports me being "backwards" with my entertainment mediums), I'd know this.

I suggested that all these made for streaming shows, many of which have became huge hits, perhaps has swung the equilibrium around (since they're not bound to a schedule that revolves around 30 and 60 minute time slots). Then I said that I just don't know 1st hand since I hadn't made an effort to view any of them. All that did was confirm in his mind that I'm residing under a rock.

That brings us to my question. I suspect the answer is somewhere in-between these two extremes, but I'd be curious what those of you have to say about my question that not only enjoy classic tv like I do, but also regularly view the latest shows.
 

jcroy

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The Magnum PI reboot from 2018-2024 had almost the same theme music as the original.

The Macgyver reboot from 2016-2021 only kept the first few notes of original Mcgyver theme music.
 

B-ROLL

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I believe most of the Chuck Lorre sitcoms have theme song and the Netflix upboot of That 70s Show - That 90s Show use the same theme song used for most of the That 70s Show run.
 

Malcolm R

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Game of Thrones had a very elaborate title sequence and theme. I believe this also changed for each episode based on the locations used in the storylines in the episode. I think it won awards.

As Kevin noted, shows on premium nets and streaming seem to have longer title sequences.

Reba McEntire's new sitcom, Happy's Place, has an original theme song co-written by Carole King. I think the new Night Court has an opening similar to the original.
 
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DaveF

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Sure. Depends on the show. Ranging from short to long. And some do forgo it completely.





 

John Dirk

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I know this one does. It's a great show too.

 

JohnRice

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I’m not sure what you’re remembering. As others have said, there are multitudes since Frasier, which had far more than a few seconds. It was a fairly full song, sung by Kelsey Grammer. As was mentioned, Game of Thrones had a particularly awesome and elaborate title song.
 

Malcolm R

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As others have said, there are multitudes since Frasier, which had far more than a few seconds. It was a fairly full song, sung by Kelsey Grammer.
Grammer sang the theme that closed episodes. The opening was just a title card with the Seattle skyline and short music theme.
 

Wiseguy

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The Magnum PI reboot from 2018-2024 had almost the same theme music as the original.

The Macgyver reboot from 2016-2021 only kept the first few notes of original Mcgyver theme music.
Like the Magnum reboot, the Hawaii Five-0 reboot (2010-20) also had the same theme as the original, just newly recorded at 30 seconds.

Coincidentally both the Magnum and MacGyver reboots had crossovers with the Hawaii Five-0 reboot.

The series Elementary had openings of four different lengths. The pilot had the title only (3 seconds) and the next episode had the full length 30-second opening.

Two shorter openings were introduced later in the first season: a 20-second version and a rare 15-second opening. The three and 15-second openings did not include actor credits; they were shown at the beginning of act 1. All were seen throughout the series although the 15-second opening was only seen 6 times in the first five seasons.
 

Kevin Hewell

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The original "Hawaii Five-O" theme which is almost one minute long.



The reboot, which only lasts thirty-one seconds.

 

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