TV Series Opening Credits Ravaged by Updates

When it comes to beloved TV series, the opening credits often serve as a visual and auditory signature that fans cannot help but remember. However, not all updates to these iconic openings have been well-received. In this article, we explore notable TV series whose opening credits were negatively affected by updates, and the fan reactions that followed.

Breaking Bad: Season 8

One of the more notable examples is the opening credits for Breaking Bad Season 8. The season introduced new visuals and a revamped theme, aiming to modernize the series. However, many fans felt that these changes did not capture the essence of what made the original credits iconic. The new design, with its pacing and complexity, was criticized as less engaging compared to earlier seasons. This update, while seeking to modernize, alienated fans who preferred the original version.

Bonanza

Bonanza once stood as a shining example of timeless T.V. with its memorable theme. However, in its final two seasons, the show's theme was replaced with a decidedly unmemorable piece of generic 1970s muzak. Even the "revised" version of the original theme, brought back for the shortened 14th and final season, failed to evoke the same charm as the original.

Starsky Hutch

The opening theme of the classic series Starsky Hutch is an integral part of the show's legacy. The first season featured a gritty, urban, and tough theme song that was very much in line with the show's tough and streetwise spirit. However, a revised version of the theme was introduced and used for seasons 2 and 3. This new theme, while still streetwise, had a discoish quality and seemed to slow down the momentum leading into the episodes, diminishing some of the show's original charm.

Married... With Children: DVD Controversy

The DVD release of the third season of Married... With Children faced a similar fate. The beloved show's original opening theme, "Love and Marriage" by Frank Sinatra, was replaced with a generic placeholder theme. The new theme retained a similar melody but was widely criticized for being subpar. This decision was reportedly due to a contract issue, where Fox and Sinatra's estate had different viewpoints on the terms. Regardless of the situation, all fans agreed that the new theme truly sucked, detracting significantly from the show's original charm.

These updates, while sometimes aiming to keep a show relevant, can often alienate long-time viewers who prefer the original versions. If you're a fan of any of these series, their dramatic changes to the opening credits might bring back an old debate: to update or not to update?