13 TV Intros From The ’70s And ’80s That Still Give Us Goosebumps
Ah, the glorious nostalgia of ’70s and ’80s TV intros—those few unforgettable seconds that could send shivers down your spine faster than a chilly breeze through a drafty living room.
These weren’t just openings; they were events. The second that familiar jingle hit, you knew it was time to claim your spot on the couch, maybe wrestle the remote from a sibling, and get lost in a world of action, drama, or laugh-out-loud sitcom gold.
With every sweeping synth, cheesy slow-motion pose, or heartfelt voiceover, these intros didn’t just set the tone—they were the tone. They promised stories, characters, and adventures we still carry in our hearts. So, grab your bowl of popcorn and your coziest blanket, because we’re rewinding time.
Join me on a waltz down memory lane as we relive 13 legendary TV intros that still give us goosebumps and make us whisper, “They just don’t make ‘em like that anymore.”
1. Dallas
When that bold brass theme of Dallas kicked in, you knew you were in for some juicy drama. The sweeping skyline shots and freeze-frame glam moments of the Ewing family made you feel like you were right there in Texas, dealing with oil tycoons and family feuds.
And let’s not forget those cowboy boots—each step resonated with the intensity of a soap opera showdown.
Every time I hear it, I can almost smell the tension in the air, thick as Texas barbecue sauce. The Dallas intro didn’t just introduce a show; it introduced a lifestyle, one where drama and opulence were the order of the day.
2. Cheers
“Where everybody knows your name…” Those words felt like a warm hug from an old friend. The Cheers intro was all about sepia-toned nostalgia, inviting you into a world where the bar was your second home, even if you’d never been to Boston.
There was a melancholy warmth to it, reminding me of rainy days spent with friends, laughter echoing off the walls. The theme had a way of making you feel at home instantly, like slipping into your favorite sweater on a chilly day.
Cheers was more than a TV show; it was a place where you felt you belonged, even from your living room.
3. Knight Rider
Knight Rider’s intro was like a shot of adrenaline. That synth-heavy theme still slaps, setting the tone for a world of sleek, high-tech adventures. KITT’s glowing scanner was the epitome of cool—like, “Yes, I am a car, but I’m also so much more!”
The mysterious voiceover promised tales of intrigue and danger, and a man who didn’t just drive but seemed to glide across the screen. Each episode felt like a turbo-charged ride through a world where justice had four wheels and a voice of its own.
Knight Rider was the embodiment of ‘80s tech dreams wrapped in a glossy paint job.
4. The A-Team
“In 1972, a crack commando unit was sent to prison for a crime they didn’t commit…” The A-Team intro wasn’t just about setting the scene—it was about launching you into a world of excitement. Explosions, military drums, and that unforgettable van made you want to grab your own gear and join in on the action.
It was instantly thrilling, like the TV equivalent of an action-packed roller coaster ride. Each scene in the intro was a promise of adventure, a guarantee that you’d be on the edge of your seat, popcorn in hand, ready for whatever came next.
The A-Team wasn’t just a show; it was an invitation to live out your action hero dreams.
5. Dynasty
Dynasty’s intro was like stepping into a world of glitz and glam. With its slick orchestral theme and slow-motion luxury, it transported you straight into a realm of soap opera royalty.
Each frame was a showcase of opulence, from glittering gowns to extravagant mansions, making you feel like you’d stepped into a Fabergé egg of drama. Watching it, I always wondered if my invitation to the party had simply been lost in the mail.
Dynasty wasn’t just television; it was a lifestyle aspiration wrapped in a glossy, melodramatic bow. It was the ‘80s distilled into pure visual indulgence.
6. The Incredible Hulk
The soft, mournful piano theme of The Incredible Hulk was a melody that tugged at the heartstrings. Watching David Banner hitchhike into the sunset was tragic, haunting, yet somehow beautiful.
It was the perfect encapsulation of a story about a man with a monstrous secret, searching for peace. Each note of the intro was a poignant reminder of the inner turmoil and quiet hope that lay at the heart of the series.
The Hulk’s intro didn’t just prepare you for a show; it prepared you for an emotional journey that was as much about humanity as it was about heroics.
7. Magnum, P.I.
Magnum, P.I.’s intro was upbeat and tropical, like a vacation in theme song form. The combination of Ferrari screeches, Hawaiian shirts, and Tom Selleck’s iconic mustache perfectly encapsulated the ‘80s cool factor.
Each note was a reminder that this wasn’t just another detective show; it was an adventure in paradise. Watching it, I could almost feel the Hawaiian breeze and the sand between my toes, even from my couch.
Magnum, P.I. was a sun-soaked escape from reality—pure, unadulterated fun wrapped in a minute of pure, musical joy. It was a call to adventure, beckoning you to join a life of intrigue and island escapades.
8. Hill Street Blues
The jazzy piano theme of Hill Street Blues was like a siren song for TV drama enthusiasts. Its realistic, gritty tone was a game-changer, and you felt it from the very first note. The roll call scene was a slice of life—so genuine, you could almost smell the coffee and feel the tension in the precinct air.
Watching it was like peeking through a window into a world where every day was a new challenge, where the stakes were high, and the streets were tougher than a two-dollar steak.
Hill Street Blues didn’t just change TV dramas; it redefined them, setting the standard for what it meant to be authentic and compelling.
9. The Twilight Zone
“You’re traveling through another dimension…” That eerie narration, paired with the swirling music, was enough to make my childhood self hide behind the couch.
The Twilight Zone wasn’t just another show; it was a phenomenon. The slow pan into a world of shadows and weirdness was the ultimate invitation to the bizarre. Even now, hearing that iconic opening is like stepping through a time warp into a land where reality bends and anything can happen.
It’s still haunting. Still iconic. The Twilight Zone’s intro didn’t just set the stage; it set the mood, leaving you feeling deliciously unsettled, like you’d just taken a bite of something unexpectedly spicy.
10. The Six Million Dollar Man
“We can rebuild him…” Those words, paired with the robotic whooshing sound, signaled the dawn of the bionic era. The Six Million Dollar Man’s intro was a spectacle of slow-motion sequences and futuristic technology, capturing the imagination of anyone who dreamed of superhuman capabilities.
It was like watching the birth of a new kind of hero, one who was as much machine as man. Each scene was a testament to the power of innovation, and the promise that technology could transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
The intro wasn’t just the start of a show; it was a promise of adventure, wrapped in the allure of the scientific unknown.
11. Family Ties
“I bet we’ve been together for a million years…” The Family Ties theme was a heartwarming serenade to love and family, with a dash of Alex P. Keaton’s sarcasm. It captured the essence of family life with all its ups, downs, and quirky moments.
Watching it, I was often reminded of my own family gatherings, filled with laughter, eye-rolls, and the occasional heartfelt moment. Family Ties was more than just a show; it was a reflection of every family’s unique tapestry of love, humor, and occasional chaos.
The intro was an invitation to join a family where you were guaranteed not just entertainment, but also a sense of belonging.
12. Unsolved Mysteries
The creepy synth theme of Unsolved Mysteries was enough to make me double-check the locks at night. Robert Stack’s ominous voice narrated tales that were as haunting as the foggy, slow-motion opening visuals.
Each episode promised a journey into the unknown, where every story left you with more questions than answers. Watching it felt like stepping into a shadowy world where the line between fact and fear blurred.
Even today, the intro can send a shiver down my spine, reminding me of nights spent peering into the darkness, wondering if the answer to the mystery was just out of reach. It was a show that captivated not just with stories, but with the lingering chill of the unknown.
13. The Love Boat
“Love… exciting and new…” The Love Boat’s intro was kitschy, yes, but also undeniably legendary. Each frame was like opening a sparkly time capsule filled with smiles, sunsets, and guest star close-ups.
The cruise ship was a floating paradise of romance and adventure, where each episode promised new stories and a touch of humor. Watching it, I felt like I was boarding a ship bound for fun, laughter, and maybe a little bit of drama.
The Love Boat wasn’t just a TV show; it was an invitation to embark on a journey where the destination was always joy and romance on the high seas. It was pure escapism, with a wink and a smile.