Remember a time when television shows used to have opening credits and theme songs? Your favorite show would come on and the opening credits would start to roll with the stars’ names popping up on the screen. In later years shows would open with a scene or a cold open right before the opening credits would start to roll. For special episodes, the show’s title would pop up and then the stars name would show up at the bottom of the screen while the episode is airing. This is typically how it is now.
Personally, I loved the opening credits and theme songs. I used to get excited for the new season of a show partly to see what they did to change the credits. Smallville used to make subtle changes to its opening credits. The song that was used was Save Me by Remy Zero. They even appeared in an episode of Smallville where they performed the song. During Seasons 1-4, the opening credits would add different scenes here and there in the credits. Of course, one change in most shows would be when new characters join the show or leave. Smallville drastically changed the design of its opening credits from Season 5 all the way until the end of its run. The song stayed the same. The only time Smallville did not have the opening credits was the Pilot.
Back in the day, most shows had theme songs, and many have become iconic. I Love Lucy and Bewitched had instrumental openings with animated sequences. The Andy Griffith Show had the famous whistling and a shot of Andy Griffith and Ron Howard heading to the lake with fishing poles. These shows were the 50s and 60s. I love Lucy was black and white while Bewitched and The Andy Griffith Show started off black and white and then converted to color. The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Rhoda had their respective theme songs at the beginning of the episodes and had end credits that had everyone else’s names. Both shows had their opening credits solely focused on Mary Tyler Moore and Valerie Harper who played Rhoda. They were walking around their respective cities. The Mary Tyler Moore Show used the song Love is All Around penned by Sonny Curtis while Rhoda used an instrumental score.
Tons of hit shows had popular theme songs that would get stuck in people’s head. The Golden Girls had everyone saying, “Thank you for being a friend” while Cheers was the bar where you could go and “everyone would know your name.” The Fresh Prince sets up the premise for the show in the opening credits. Same for The Nanny as well. Friends had the song I’ll Be There For You by The Rembrandts. That song was a huge hit. Charmed used the song How Soon is Now? By Love Spit Love which was a cover song of The Smiths’ song. The song used in Charmed became a hit. One Tree Hill used Gavin DeGraw’s song I Don’t Wanna Be which became one of Gavin DeGraw’s biggest hits.
Besides the music itself, opening credits provided cool designs for their respective shows. Cheers used photos and paintings of old-school bar revelry with the actors’ names showing up on screen. The Golden Girls showed scenes from the series with the actors’ name showing up over the shots of them. This is usually used the most with TV shows. Dallas did a three-way split screen for each actor. Desperate Housewives used paintings in its early seasons.
As time has gone on, credits have become a dying breed. One Tree Hill had opening credits during Seasons 1-4. During special episodes, it would have a title card and then the episode would continue with the credits on the bottom of the screen. Once Season 5 hit, One Tree Hill cut out the opening credits entirely. It remained this way until Season 8, where after fan complaints, the opening credits returned for the season. Its 9th and final season went back to the title card. ER did something similar. ER cut out its opening credits at the start of Season 13. When it ended in Season 15, the opening credits came back for the series finale which made fans happy. Desperate Housewives cut out its opening credits after Season 3. Unlike ER and One Tree Hill, the credits were never restored. Grey’s Anatomy used to have opening credits as well. It stopped midway through Season 2.
The reason given for why shows do not have opening credits is due to time constraints. With TV shows that air on broadcast as well as cable have time limits. Half hour sitcoms are really 21-22 minutes long while 1-hour dramas are usually 42-43 minutes long. There is some fluctuation. Some episodes of The Big Bang Theory have clocked in around 18-19 minutes while some dramas clock in around 39-40 minutes. The CW’s 90210 had some episodes that clocked in around 39-40 minutes. Opening Credits usually clocked in around 40-45 seconds depending on the show. One Tree Hill and Charmed usually clocked in around that amount. Back in the day Dallas and Knots Landing had longer credit sequences but even those started to get trimmed down as they continued. When One Tree Hill restored its opening credits for Season 8, it was stated that it was done since the fans wanted it, but it also meant that it would be less content. In truth, it really meant it was 40-45 seconds less of content. I always felt there were ways for shows to do credits without cutting out things from their episodes. I know networks look at advertising and it would mean less commercials.
We are now in an age of streaming. Since Streaming does not have restrictions to how long episodes should be there really is not a reason why shows should not have theme songs or opening credits. It should all be creative choices, but time constraints should not be a factor for streaming. I have noticed newer shows don’t have opening credits. I am currently watching the Netflix show Wednesday. The first episode had opening credits. It was cool, it was inventive, and it fit the tone of the show. I am currently halfway through the season. I have just completed episode 4. I have not seen the opening credits since the first episode. Shadow and Bone is another show that does not have opening credits. All Star Wars and Marvel shows do not have opening credits either on Disney Plus. One could argue that the end credits are considered the opening credits. The Mandalorian technically does have a theme song. Its just at the end as opposed to the beginning. What If? is the only Marvel show that has opening credits. It also is an animated show. Animation typically has opening credits whether its cartoons for kids or cartoons for adults like Family Guy and The Simpsons.
The only shows I have seen with opening credits for Disney Plus is National Treasure: Edge of History. It is not a long sequence and to be honest I was pleasantly surprised that it even had opening credits. Most shows I have watched on Disney Plus typically don’t. The only shows I watch that have opening credits at this point on broadcast or cable networks are Grownish and The Conners. Both sequences are not very long. They are average length. The credits for Grownish I think are a little shorter currently since it has a smaller list of names to go through. There are currently five actors in the credits whereas the previous seasons had up to eight.
One thing I found refreshing and exciting when I first got Netflix was that their original shows seemed to have opening credits. The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina has opening credits and they are long. It clocks in around 1 minute and thirty seconds give or take. I remember when I first started watching the show, I was surprised that there were credits. I was used to the fact that most shows don’t have opening credits. I watched The Politician, from Ryan Murphy creator of Glee, and that show also has opening credits. Every show is different. I was pleasantly surprised when the CW’s reboot of Dynasty had opening credits. Some of the CBS shows have them too. After watching The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and The Politician it showed me that streaming services really could do opening credits and be as creative and inventive as they want. Both sequences for those particular shows are fairly long compared to the average on network or cable TV.
I believe opening credit sequences are a dying breed and it makes me sad. Yes, in the grand scheme of things its not that big of a deal. It does not take away from the shows themselves which is true. Tons of my favorite shows do not have theme songs or credit sequences. It is something I miss seeing. I am currently watching older shows Dawson’s Creek, Gilmore Girls, and The O.C. which all have opening credits. I can always rewatch my favorite shows that have opening credits whenever I want. Even back in the day there were shows that did not have opening credits either. Frasier and Everybody Loves Raymond never had them when they aired in the 90s. Boy Meets World, another 90s show had opening credits in Season 1. By Season 2 through the rest of its run, it did not. It had opening sequences, but the actors’ names did not pop up until once the episode was airing. The Hulu Show Only Murders in the Building does have an opening credits sequence as well. There are exceptions to the rule no matter which way you look at it. I also am aware that this based off shows I have watched. When it comes to Streaming specifically, unless I comb through every original series on Netflix and other streaming services, I will not fully know how many of those series have opening credits. I think opening credits are like icing on a cake. You don’t necessarily need it, but it is nice to have especially when done right.
There are many shows that fans feel should have continued. A lot were unfairly cancelled and ended on cliffhangers while others could have gone on a little longer even if they had proper endings.
Batwoman Cancelled after Season 3
Credit CW
This was one of many shockers for the CW in 2022. The CW axed a lot of shows mostly due to the impending sale at the time with NEXTSTAR. If it weren’t for that, chances are a lot of the shows that were axed would have been renewed for this current season. The CW was becoming known for keeping everything for the most part and giving shows proper endings. Batwoman already had a lot of bumps in its short run. Ruby Rose starred on the show when it launched and then left before Season 2. Javicia Leslie joined the cast as Ryan Wilder who donned the cape and cowl. The show found its footing and Season 3 was just getting good. They started using a lot of the iconic characters from the Rogue Gallery including their own version of the Joker with its own cool twist to it. Season 3 also gave us the OG Poison Ivy and a new Poison Ivy. Season 3 ended on a cliffhanger which currently will not get resolved since the Arrowverse will soon be coming to an end. The Flash is the lone show left which is entering its final season in February. It has been confirmed that Javicia Leslie will be showing up on The Flash so its possible some closure could be provided. Batwoman should have lasted a lot longer than it did.
DC’s Legends of Tomorrow Cancelled after Season 7
Credit CW
This one hurt and has upset fans a lot. This was a beloved show with a passionate fanbase. Like Batwoman, season 7 for Legends ended on a cliffhanger. This one was more shocking than Batwoman’s cancellation and I would say it is because of the age of Legends of Tomorrow. By this point it was in Season 7 when it got the ax. It already celebrated 100 episodes. It had enough for syndication which I don’t know if that matters anymore with streaming a big deal now. Minimally, given the age of Legends of Tomorrow it should have been granted a proper final season like the other Arrowverse shows. Arrow and Supergirl along with The Flash have gotten final seasons with The Flash starting its final chapter within the next few days (Season 9 premiere is Wednesday 2/8/23). This is one fans are still clamoring for a resurrection.
Legacies Ended After Season 4
Credit CW
Legacies was another casualty of the sale with the CW. Legacies did get a proper ending, but it was stated that there were plans for more story. This was another shocker since Legacies was part of the popular Vampire Diaries franchise. The Vampire Diaries lasted 8 seasons and The Originals, a spin-off of The Vampire Diaries, lasted 5 seasons. Legacies was the third spinoff in The Vampire Diaries franchise having connections to both prior shows. Even several characters from the other shows appeared. It is disappointing that Legacies did not have the same lifespan as its predecessors. It seemed like Legacies had enough to last another few years.
Dynasty Ended After Season 5
Credit CW
Dynasty was never that big of a success for the CW. Honestly, it was a bit of a miracle that Dynasty went as far as it did, given it was never a ratings powerhouse compared to some of the other shows on this list. I would think Dynasty’s streaming numbers helped keep it alive. A handful of shows for the CW got boosts once they hit Netflix. Dynasty also was able to have a proper ending. Like Legacies, it was stated that there were plans for a Season 6. The showrunners were not intending to end Dynasty with Season 5. Given it was a reboot of the popular 80s show, it would have been nice to see this have a lifespan closer to the original. The original Dynasty lasted 9 seasons. The fact this Dynasty lasted 5 seasons as well as celebrating 100 episodes is still an achievement in itself. This one stings a bit. I enjoyed the show and loved the cast. I am disappointed I won’t get to see what happens next with the characters.
The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Ended After Part 4
Credit Netflix
This was a shocker because I thought it was very popular on Netflix. This did get a proper final season, but it was admitted that there were plans for further installments which makes me wonder if the ending would have been different if the show was going to continue. One thing that will never be is that Part 5 was planned to have a crossover with Riverdale. I don’t really know how that would have worked out, but it is something that was intriguing. Something that will sadly never been seen. We did get a mini crossover since Sabrina Spellman made two guest appearances in Riverdale Season 6. That will have to do unless she ends up showing up in Season 7 which is the final season for Riverdale. This was a really good show. I was a fan of the original Sabrina the Teenage Witch that aired in the 90s and starred Melissa Joan Hart. I enjoyed the darker tone of The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, and I liked the cast a lot. It is a bummer that we will not get anymore adventures.
Grand Hotel Cancelled after Season 1
Credit ABC
This was a fun show and honestly, I would have been surprised if it got renewed. Even when it premiered it just seemed like it would be one of those shows you know the network will cancel. Nevertheless, it still would have been nice if Grand Hotel kept going. It could have been a summer show. Like Batwoman and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, this ended on a cliffhanger. On the plus side a lot of the cast is doing other things.
Ugly Betty Ended After Season 4
Credit ABC
Ugly Betty was one of my favorite shows and I felt it was getting better and better every season. Whereas a lot of shows end up losing its quality over time, Ugly Betty was the opposite. It also maintained the whole cast by the end. Today’s standards that is a bit tough even for shows that don’t go on for many seasons. I personally think Ugly Betty could have lasted at least another two seasons minimally if not more. It did get a proper ending, but the producers did say there were some storylines they were hoping to do that they could not fit in since they had to change course to start wrapping up storylines. One thing that never happened was a potential musical episode. If Ugly Betty continued, there probably would have been a musical episode either in Season 4 or Season 5. Ugly Betty was also able to get a lot of guest stars and it would have been cool to see who else would have popped up on the show had it continued. One big one I would have liked to see was Lady Gaga.
The Baker and The Beauty Cancelled after Season 1
Credit ABC
Just like Grand Hotel that aired a year before this on ABC, I was not surprised that The Baker and the Beauty did not make it beyond one season. I thought it was a fun feel good romantic show and it was nice to have that in a landscape where a lot of the shows that were airing were dark. This truly was a feel good show. It had drama but it also had a lot of romance in it with once again a likeable cast. A lot of the shows on this list had great casts and I think that it stings the most when shows get cancelled or end. There was hope from fans that this would get a second life after it hit Netflix and performed well. Currently Netflix has not saved the show and I think given how much time has passed, I do not see Netflix saving the show. Never say never but this was a show I would have liked to have seen gone on for a while.
Young and Hungry Ended After Season 5
Credit ABC Family/Freeform
Young and Hungry had a series finale however it ended on a cliffhanger. This one was a bit muddy because the season was filmed way in advanced of it being aired. It was split in two sections. The first batch of episodes aired and then there was a huge gap before the second batch of episodes aired. In between those sections it was announced Young and Hungry would be ending. Given when it returned it was being promoted as the final episodes of the series fans were expecting that the show would have a proper ending. When it ended on a cliffhanger it caught everyone off guard. It was stated that the finale was filmed before Freeform made the decision to end the show. However, there was talk of a wrap up movie. The producers were initially under the impression they were getting a season 6 which did not happen. They were told there would be a wrap up movie which also did not happen. Freeform even announced a movie would be coming. It seems Young and Hungry just could not catch a break. I would have liked to see one more proper final season especially since this did end on a cliffhanger. The cast has gone on to other things. Emily Osment who starred in the show has been on other shows since.
Twisted Cancelled After Season 1
Credit ABC Family
Twisted aired on ABC Family. This was before they changed their name to Freeform. Twisted starred Avan Jogia who was best known as Beck in the Nickelodeon show Victorious. This show followed the hit show Pretty Little Liars so there was high expectations for it to match that success which did not happen and led to its demise. For some reason many shows that followed Pretty Little Liars did not find the same level of success. Regardless of the ratings, Twisted was a good show and deserved to have continued and should have been given a chance to find its footing and grow. Like a lot of the other shows on this list, Twisted ended on a cliffhanger that will never be resolved. Whereas there is hope that some of these shows may see life again in some way, shape or form, this is not one of those given it only lasted one season and this was years ago. Some of the other shows had enough life to justify a reunion special or movie.
Roswell, New Mexico Ended After Season 4
Credit CW
Roswell, New Mexico did get a proper ending, but it was also stated that there were plans for a Season 5. It would have been the same ending. We just would have seen what would happen next with the characters and their stories. I would have liked to see this gone on a little longer even if it had one more final season. Also, Tyler Blackburn who played Alex Manes on the show was absent from a lot of season 4 due to mental health issues. If there was a Season 5, there is the likelihood that he would have been more prominent especially since the series ended with his character marrying the love of his life Michael Guerin played by Michael Vlamis.
Pushing Daisies Cancelled after Season 2
Credit ABC
I wonder if Pushing Daisies had aired now, if it would have found better success. It aired on ABC back in 2006. It premiered well. The writers strike shortened Season 1. When it returned for Season 2, too much time had passed, and it went down substantially in the ratings. This is one that gets talked about a lot when it comes to shows that should have continued. It did have a series finale, but the show was so young and had so much life left in it. I wanted to see where it was going to go next. Because of the cult following Pushing Daisies has there is always still the slim chance it could get a movie. The only thing that would make it slightly hard is Lee Pace who starred in the show has gotten more known since doing the show. He has done movies and currently stars on the Apple TV+ show Foundation. This could go the Firefly route which had the big screen movie Serenity. The question is, if this were to go to Theaters of how well would it do? I also would think a movie would be expensive. This one still stings at times even though it has been more than fifteen years since it ended.
This is just small sample of shows that should have continued. There are so many more out there. I do plan on doing a series of posts that will go more in depth on shows that should have continued including shows from this list as well as others.
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