Since the beginning of network television, many shows have been preceded by an announcement or theme song that served various purposes. In the 1950s and ’60s, it was common for
announcers to declare that a program had been “brought to you by” a sponsor who paid for the privilege of introducing a show. Other programs, such asThe
Twilight Zone, Star Trek, andThe Odd Couple,provided a
brief encapsulation of the show’s subject matter, a practice that has continued for recent shows likeAlias, Battlestar Galactica,Person of Interest, and the various editions ofLaw & Order.
In Television Introductions: Narrated TV Program Openings since 1949, Vincent Terrace has assembled openings for more than nine hundred
television shows from the past seven decades. The only documented history of narrated television program introductions, this volume is arranged by type of programming, such as comedy, drama,
Western, game show, soap opera, and children’s show. In addition to quoting the opening material, entries provide information about each show’s network history and years of broadcast. Many
entries include descriptions of the show, the names of announcers, and a list of main cast members, as well as a sponsor pitch exactly as spoken. Openings for programs with multiple
introductions likeThe Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet andCharlie’s Angels are also
included.
For programs that featured new guest stars every episode—such as game shows and variety programs—Terrace has selected a representative introduction. In addition to the theme song credits found
in the main text, there are also appendixes of theme songs and their composers and/or singers, as well as a listing of commercial releases (on DVD, VHS, CD, and LP) of shows and their
soundtracks. A comprehensive resource for researchers and pop culture aficionados alike,Television Introductions provides a fascinating
look at this neglected part of TV history.
