Memorable Spoken Word Intros to TV Shows

by yrnej | created - 09 Oct 2016 | updated - 11 Dec 2016 | Public

Which of these TV intros is most memorable for you?

Discuss the list here

*the voice-over needs to be the same in each episode to qualify

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1. Adventures of Superman (1952–1958)

TV-G | 30 min | Action, Adventure, Crime

The Man of Steel fights crime with help from his friends at the "Daily Planet."

Stars: George Reeves, Noel Neill, Jack Larson, John Hamilton

Votes: 4,455

Faster than a speeding bullet! More powerful than a locomotive! Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound! Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Superman! Yes, it's Superman, strange visitor from another planet who came to earth with powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men! Superman! Who can change the course of might rivers, bend steel with his bare hands; And who, disguised as Clark Kent, mild-mannered reporter for a great Metropolitan newspaper, fights a never-ending battle for truth, justice and the American way!

2. Alias Smith and Jones (1971–1973)

TV-PG | 60 min | Western

Hannibal Heyes and Kid Curry, two of the most wanted outlaws in the history of the West, are popular "with everyone except the railroads and the banks".

Stars: Ben Murphy, Roger Davis, Pete Duel, Walt Davis

Votes: 2,384

Hannibal Heyes and Kid Curry, the two most successful outlaws in the history of the west. And in all the trains and banks they robbed, they never shot anyone. This made our two latter day Robin Hoods very popular with everyone but the railroads and the banks.

3. Arrested Development (2003–2019)

TV-14 | 22 min | Comedy

Level-headed son Michael Bluth takes over family affairs after his father is imprisoned. But the rest of his spoiled, dysfunctional family are making his job unbearable.

Stars: Jason Bateman, Michael Cera, Portia de Rossi, Will Arnett

Votes: 324,027

Now the story of a wealthy family who lost everything, and the one son who had no choice but to keep them all together. It’s Arrested Development.

4. The A-Team (1983–1987)

TV-PG | 60 min | Action, Adventure, Crime

Four Vietnam vets, framed for a crime they didn't commit, help the innocent while on the run from the military.

Stars: George Peppard, Mr. T, Dwight Schultz, Dirk Benedict

Votes: 41,768

In 1972, a crack commando unit was sent to prison by a military court for a crime they didn't commit. These men promptly escaped from a maximum security stockade into the Los Angeles underground. Today, still wanted by the government, they survive as soldiers of fortune. If you have a problem, if nobody else can help, and if you can find them, then maybe you can hire...The A-Team.

5. The Avengers (1961–1969)

TV-14 | 50 min | Action, Comedy, Crime

A quirky spy show of the adventures of eccentrically suave British Agent John Steed and his predominantly female partners.

Stars: Patrick Macnee, Diana Rigg, Honor Blackman, Linda Thorson

Votes: 8,885

Extraordinary crimes against the people and the state have to be avenged by agents extraordinary. Two such people are John Steed, top professional, and his partner Emma Peel, talented amateur - otherwise known as... The Avengers.

6. Castle (2009–2016)

TV-14 | 43 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama

When a psychopath commits murders based on novelist Castle's books, Detective Beckett seeks his help to solve the case. He decides to work with her and uses his experiences as research for his novels.

Stars: Nathan Fillion, Stana Katic, Susan Sullivan, Jon Huertas

Votes: 174,282

There are two kinds of folk who sit around and think about how to kill people - psychopaths and mystery writers. I'm the kind that pays better

7. Charlie's Angels (1976–1981)

TV-PG | 60 min | Action, Adventure, Crime

A wealthy mystery man named Charlie runs a detective agency via a speakerphone and his personal assistant, John Bosley. His detectives are three beautiful women, who end up in a variety of difficult situations.

Stars: Kate Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, Jaclyn Smith, David Doyle

Votes: 14,368

Once upon a time there were three little girls who went to the police academy. And they were each assigned very hazardous duties. But I took them away from all that. And now they work for me. My name is Charlie.

8. Dragnet (1951–1959)

TV-14 | 30 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery

Sgt. Joe Friday and his partners methodically investigate crimes in Los Angeles.

Stars: Jack Webb, Ben Alexander, Olan Soule, Vic Perrin

Votes: 2,363

Ladies and gentlemen, the story you are about to see is true. Names have been changed to protect the innocent.

9. La Femme Nikita (1997–2001)

TV-14 | 60 min | Action, Crime, Drama

A clandestine anti-terrorist organization fakes the death of a convicted murderer and trains her in the fighting skills necessary to succeed in her new job.

Stars: Peta Wilson, Don Francks, Eugene Robert Glazer, Roy Dupuis

Votes: 10,810

I was falsely accused of a hideous crime and sentenced to life in prison. One night I was taken from my cell to a place called Section One, the most covert anti-terrorist group on the planet. Their ends are just, but their means are ruthless. If I don't play by their rules, I die.

10. Hart to Hart (1979–1984)

TV-PG | 60 min | Action, Adventure, Crime

The globe-trotting adventures of amateur detectives Jonathan and Jennifer Hart.

Stars: Robert Wagner, Stefanie Powers, Lionel Stander, Lee Wilkof

Votes: 8,784

This is my boss, Jonathan Hart - a self-made millionaire. He's quite a guy. This is Mrs. H. She's gorgeous. She's one lady who knows how to take care of herself. By the way, my name is Max. I take care of both of them, which ain't easy; 'cause when they met...it was murder!

11. Hercules: The Legendary Journeys (1995–1999)

TV-G | 44 min | Action, Adventure, Drama

Hercules is half-man, half-god and a hero of fantastic strength. After his malevolent stepmother, Hera, kills his wife and children, he wanders about Earth with mortal best friend Iolaus, fighting evil and trying to overcome his loss.

Stars: Kevin Sorbo, Michael Hurst, Kevin Smith, Robert Trebor

Votes: 31,798

This is the story of a time long ago, a time of myth and legend. When the ancient gods were petty and cruel, and they plagued mankind with suffering. Only one man dared to challenge their power: Hercules.

12. Highlander (1992–1998)

TV-14 | 60 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Duncan MacLeod is Immortal, and must live in modern society, concealing his true nature while fighting other Immortals.

Stars: Adrian Paul, Stan Kirsch, Jim Byrnes, Peter Wingfield

Votes: 17,796

He is immortal, born in the Highlands of Scotland, 400 years ago. He is not alone. There are others like him. Some good, some evil. For centuries, he has battled the forces of darkness, with holy ground his only refuge. He cannot die, unless you take his head and his power. In the end, there can be only one. He is Duncan MacLeod, the Highlander.

13. Knight Rider (1982–1986)

TV-PG | 46 min | Action, Crime, Drama

A lone crimefighter battles the forces of evil with the help of a virtually indestructible and artificially intelligent supercar.

Stars: David Hasselhoff, Edward Mulhare, Richard Basehart, Patricia McPherson

Votes: 37,556

Knight Rider, a shadowy flight into the dangerous world of a man who does not exist. Michael Knight, a young loner on a crusade to champion the cause of the innocent, the helpless, the powerless, in a world of criminals who operate above the law.

14. Kung Fu (1972–1975)

TV-PG | 60 min | Adventure, Drama, Western

The adventures of Shaolin Monk Kwai Chang Caine as he wanders the American West armed only with his skill in Kung Fu.

Stars: David Carradine, Radames Pera, Keye Luke, Philip Ahn

Votes: 7,231

Your tread must be light and sure, as though your path were upon rice paper. It is said, a Shaolin priest can walk through walls. Looked for...he can not be seen. Listened for...he can not be heard. Touched...can not be felt. This rice paper is the test. Fragile as the wings of the dragon fly, clinging as the cocoon of the silk worm. When you can walk its length and leave no trace. You will have learned.

15. Law & Order (1990– )

TV-14 | 45 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery

New York's finest police detectives and prosecutors fight to make the city a safer place. With integrity as the guiding force from investigation to verdict, the teams weigh every perspective in their commitment to finding justice.

Stars: Jerry Orbach, Jesse L. Martin, Dennis Farina, Sam Waterston

Votes: 44,509

In the criminal justice system, the people are represented by two separate yet equally important groups: the police, who investigate crime; and the district attorneys, who prosecute the offenders. These are their stories.

16. Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2001–2011)

TV-14 | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery

This series focuses on the NYPD's Major Case Squad, a force of detectives who investigate high-profile cases, while also showing parts of the crime from the perpetrator's point of view.

Stars: Kathryn Erbe, Vincent D'Onofrio, Jamey Sheridan, Courtney B. Vance

Votes: 27,858

In New York City's war on crime, the worst criminal offenders are pursued by the detectives of the Major Case Squad. These are their stories.

17. Law & Order: LA (2010–2011)

TV-14 | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery

Los Angeles police detectives investigate crimes and district attorneys prosecute the offenders.

Stars: Corey Stoll, Rachel Ticotin, Alfred Molina, Terrence Howard

Votes: 2,828

In the City of Los Angeles, the people are represented by two separate yet equally important groups: the police who investigate crime and the district attorneys who prosecute the offenders. These are their stories.

18. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999– )

TV-14 | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery

This series follows the Special Victims Unit, a specially trained squad of detectives in the New York City Police Department that investigate sexually related crimes.

Stars: Mariska Hargitay, Christopher Meloni, Ice-T, Dann Florek

Votes: 124,684

In the criminal justice system, sexually based offenses are considered especially heinous. In New York City, the dedicated detectives who investigate these vicious felonies are members of an elite squad known as the Special Victims Unit. These are their stories.

19. Law & Order: Trial by Jury (2005–2006)

TV-14 | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery

The series showed the workings of the judicial system, beginning with the arraignment, and continuing through the lawyers process of building a case, investigating leads, and preparing witnesses and defendants for trial.

Stars: Bebe Neuwirth, Amy Carlson, Kirk Acevedo, Fred Thompson

Votes: 1,503

In the criminal justice system, all defendants are innocent until proven guilty, either by confession, plea bargain or trial by jury. This is one of those trials.

20. Law & Order: UK (2009–2014)

TV-14 | 46 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery

UK version of the long-running U.S. TV drama that tells the stories of two separate yet equally important groups: the police, who investigate crime; and the attorneys, who prosecute the offenders.

Stars: Bradley Walsh, Robert Glenister, Harriet Walter, Freema Agyeman

Votes: 4,847

In the criminal justice system, the people are represented by two separate yet equally important groups. The police who investigate crime, and the Crown Prosecutors who prosecute the offenders. These are their stories.

21. Leverage (2008–2012)

TV-PG | 42 min | Crime, Mystery, Thriller

A crew of high-tech crooks attempt to steal from wealthy criminals and corrupt businessmen.

Stars: Timothy Hutton, Gina Bellman, Christian Kane, Beth Riesgraf

Votes: 54,193

"The rich and powerful take what they want; we steal it back for you. We provide... Leverage.

22. My Name Is Earl (2005–2009)

TV-14 | 22 min | Comedy

A ne'er do well wins $100,000 in the lottery and decides to right all the wrongs from his past with his newfound realization!

Stars: Jason Lee, Ethan Suplee, Jaime Pressly, Nadine Velazquez

Votes: 109,549

You know the kind of guy who does nothing but bad things and then wonders why his life sucks? Well, that was me. Every time something good happened to me, something bad was always waiting around the corner. Karma. That's when I realized I had to change. So, I made a list of everything bad I've ever done and one by one, I'm going to make up for all my mistakes. I'm just trying to be a better person. My name is Earl.

23. The Odd Couple (1970–1975)

TV-G | 30 min | Comedy

Two men, a neat freak and a slob separated from their wives, have to live together despite their differences.

Stars: Tony Randall, Jack Klugman, Al Molinaro, Penny Marshall

Votes: 7,176

On November 13, Felix Unger was asked to remove himself from his place of residence; that request came from his wife. Deep down, he knew she was right, but he also knew that some day he would return to her. With nowhere else to go, he appeared at the home of his friend, Oscar Madison. Several years earlier, Madison's wife had thrown HIM out, requesting that HE never return. Can two divorced men share an apartment without driving each other crazy?

24. Once Upon a Time (2011–2018)

TV-PG | 60 min | Adventure, Fantasy, Romance

A young woman with a troubled past is drawn to a small town in Maine where fairy tales are to be believed.

Stars: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jennifer Morrison, Lana Parrilla, Robert Carlyle

Votes: 236,938

There is a town in Maine. Where every story book character you’ve ever known is trapped between two worlds. Victims of a powerful curse. Only one knows the truth and only one can break her spell.

25. The Outer Limits (1963–1965)

TV-PG | 51 min | Fantasy, Horror, Sci-Fi

An anthology series of insightful science fiction tales.

Stars: Bob Johnson, Ben Wright, William Douglas, Robert Culp

Votes: 9,299

There is nothing wrong with your television set. Do not attempt to adjust the picture... You are about to participate in a great adventure. You are about to experience the awe and mystery which reaches from the inner mind to—The Outer Limits.

26. Person of Interest (2011–2016)

TV-14 | 43 min | Action, Crime, Drama

An ex-CIA agent and a wealthy programmer save lives via a surveillance AI that sends them the identities of civilians involved in impending crimes. However, the details of the crimes, including the civilians' roles, are left a mystery.

Stars: Jim Caviezel, Taraji P. Henson, Kevin Chapman, Michael Emerson

Votes: 188,868

You are being watched. The government has a secret system, a machine that spies on you every hour of every day. I know because I built it. I designed the machine to detect acts of terror but it sees everything. Violent crimes involving ordinary people, people like you. Crimes the government considered "irrelevant." They wouldn't act, so I decided I would. But I needed a partner, someone with the skills to intervene. Hunted by the authorities, we work in secret. You'll never find us, but victim or perpetrator, if your number's up... we'll find you.

27. The Pretender (1996–2000)

TV-14 | 60 min | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi

A specially gifted man, with the ability to instantly master any skill, escapes from a secret testing facility and travels the country taking on different jobs and helping strangers while hiding from his kidnappers.

Stars: Michael T. Weiss, Andrea Parker, Patrick Bauchau, Jon Gries

Votes: 17,080

There are Pretenders among us. Geniuses with the ability to become anyone they want to be. In the 1960s, a corporation know as the Center isolated a young Pretender named Jarod and exploited his genius for their research. Then one day, their Pretender ran away...

28. Private Benjamin (1981–1983)

30 min | Comedy

The misadventures of a spoiled young woman who joins the army and her friends.

Stars: Lorna Patterson, Hal Williams, Eileen Brennan, Lisa Raggio

Votes: 371

Hi, I'm Judy Benjamin. My parents gave me everything: clothes, cars, money, everything that is except a purpose in life. Daddy thought I was fine the way I was. Mother thought I just needed a husband. I decided I needed a change.

29. Quantum Leap (1989–1993)

TV-PG | 60 min | Action, Adventure, Drama

During an experiment into time travel, a scientist finds himself trapped in the past, "leaping" into the lives of different people, sorting out their problems and changing history in hopes of getting back to his own life in the present.

Stars: Scott Bakula, Dean Stockwell, Deborah Pratt, Dennis Wolfberg

Votes: 36,444

Theorizing that one could time travel within his own lifetime, Dr. Sam Beckett stepped into the Quantum Leap accelerator and vanished... He woke to find himself trapped in the past, facing mirror images that were not his own and driven by an unknown force to change history for the better. His only guide on this journey is Al, an observer from his own time, who appears in the form of a hologram that only Sam can see and hear. And so Dr. Beckett finds himself leaping from life to life, striving to put right what once went wrong and hoping each time that his next leap will be the leap home.

30. Star Trek (1966–1969)

TV-PG | 50 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

In the 23rd Century, Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise explore the galaxy and defend the United Federation of Planets.

Stars: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, Nichelle Nichols

Votes: 92,835

and Star Trek: The Next Generation Space: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its five-year/continuing mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before.

31. Tales from the Darkside (1983–1988)

TV-14 | 30 min | Comedy, Drama, Fantasy

"Tales from the Darkside" was a horror anthology series where the viewer is taken through ghost stories, science fiction adventures, and creepy, unexplained events.

Stars: Paul Sparer, Catherine Battistone, John Marzilli, Karen Shallo

Votes: 6,945

Man lives in the sunlit world of what he believes to be reality. But...there is, unseen by most, an underworld, a place that is just as real, but not as brightly lit...a Darkside.

32. Unforgettable (2011–2016)

TV-14 | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery

Carrie Wells, a former police detective, has a rare ability to remember virtually everything she experiences including detailed visual recall. She returns to police work and uses her ability to solve crimes.

Stars: Poppy Montgomery, Dylan Walsh, James Hiroyuki Liao, Jane Curtin

Votes: 20,940

My name is Carrie Wells. Only a few people in the world have the ability to remember everything. I'm one of them.

33. Xena: Warrior Princess (1995–2001)

TV-PG | 45 min | Action, Adventure, Drama

Xena, a mighty Warrior Princess with a dark past, sets out to redeem herself. She is joined by small town bard, Gabrielle. Together they journey the ancient world and fight for the greater good against ruthless Warlords and Gods.

Stars: Lucy Lawless, Renée O'Connor, Ted Raimi, Kevin Smith

Votes: 48,637

In the time of ancient gods, warlords, and kings a land in toil cried out for a hero. She was Xena – a mighty princess...forged in the heat of battle. The power, the passion, the danger. Her courage will change the world.

34. The Six Million Dollar Man (1974–1978)

TV-14 | 60 min | Action, Crime, Drama

After a severely injured test pilot is rebuilt with nuclear-powered bionic limbs and implants, he serves as an intelligence agent.

Stars: Lee Majors, Richard Anderson, Martin E. Brooks, Lindsay Wagner

Votes: 12,922

We can rebuild him. We have the technology. We can make him better than he was. Better...stronger...faster.



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