10 Bad TV Shows With Great Opening Title Sequences

Maybe the "produced by Michael Bay" credit should have tipped us off ahead of time, but it was still a genuine disappointment when Black Sails turned out to be a rather mediocre showing for a cable show about pirates. While it did capture much of the fun that could be had with the premise - brutal swordfights and ship battles were exhilarating to watch - the cast was never nearly as strong as they needed to be to carry us through the actual narrative.

And one of the biggest contributors to our disappointment is this absolutely mind-blowing opening sequence. Stark and haunting visual design immediately piques our interest in this sensual and macabre opening. On top of that, the use of closeups and dramatic angles heightens the feeling of anticipation for the show to come, while it is expertly edited to the beat of off-kilter music.

And said off-kilter music, courtesy of Bear McCreary, is delightful in its own rights. They used genuine period instruments to create a unique and timely sea-shanty sound, which makes one want to get up and jig while watching sailors swing cutlasses at each other. How many shows can boast they use a hurdy-gurdy in their opening theme?