It’s often emphasized that making a strong first impression is crucial, a lesson that applies not just in personal interactions but also in the world of television. The initial impression created by a pilot episode can significantly influence the future of a show and the audience’s perception as it unfolds. This principle is especially true when it comes to the opening scene of a series, which serves as the critical hook that captivates viewers. If a show hits it out of the park with an iconic opening scene, it’s likely to enjoy a successful and sustained run.

In this article, we will rank the most memorable opening scenes from some of the most celebrated television shows that have graced our screens. Future showrunners and creators should certainly take note of this list—remember, a stellar first impression truly is the best impression.

10

A Mock Funeral Coach Ad Opens ‘Six Feet Under’

“Pilot” (2001)

When creating a television series centered around a funeral home, capturing the audience’s attention from the very first moment is essential. HBO’s acclaimed comedy-drama Six Feet Under brilliantly achieved this by opening with a mock advertisement for a luxurious funeral coach. This clever opening scene effectively parodied typical car commercials, featuring a woman who smoothly glides her hand over the polished surface of the coach before striking a pose in front of it. The brilliance lies in the absurdity of selling a funeral coach—who would actually want to buy one? Six Feet Under established itself as a series known for its quirky, mock advertisements, and this initial scene set a high standard for the creative storytelling that would follow throughout the series. It has truly become a classic moment in television history.

9

Rick’s Bomb Rant in ‘Rick and Morty’

“Pilot” (2013)

Most people are familiar with the classic Adult Swim animated series Rick and Morty, which follows the chaotic adventures of an eccentric but brilliant scientist and his grandson. From the very first scene, the show makes a bold statement about the kind of humor and absurdity viewers can expect. The opening depicts a very inebriated Rick, voiced by Justin Roiland, as he drags Morty, also voiced by Roiland, out of bed to take him on one of their outrageous interdimensional escapades. As Rick drunkenly rants about needing to “make a bomb,” Morty is visibly horrified. This opening moment perfectly showcases the outrageous and often hilarious dynamic between Rick and Morty, setting the tone for the entire series. It’s a wild ride right from the get-go, leaving audiences both shocked and entertained.

8

Tony’s First Therapy Session in ‘The Sopranos’

“Pilot” (1999)

The Sopranos is an iconic television show that has left an indelible mark on the genre of crime dramas, and its reputation is well-deserved. However, it’s fascinating to consider how different the reception of the show might have been if its pilot had opened in any other way. The landmark scene that features Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) attending his first therapy session with Dr. Jennifer Melfi (Lorraine Bracco) comes right after Tony experiences a panic attack, which is triggered by the pressures of his dual life as a crime boss and a family man. In this pivotal moment, Dr. Melfi navigates a tense exchange, ultimately coaxing Tony to reveal his vulnerabilities. This crucial opening establishes Tony as a fully realized character, breaking the mold of the typical mob boss and setting a profound tone for the series that follows.

7

Rick Kills a Walker Girl in ‘The Walking Dead’

“Days Gone Bye” (2010)

Regardless of personal opinions about the series, The Walking Dead has undeniably earned its place as a highly acclaimed zombie apocalypse drama. While the latter seasons may not have lived up to expectations, the early episodes of the AMC series were truly exceptional, primarily due to their unforgettable opening scene.

In this gripping introduction, we are thrust into the world ravaged by the zombie apocalypse. Sheriff Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) embarks on a quest for gasoline and unexpectedly encounters a little girl who has tragically succumbed to what we learn is the Wildfire Virus, an infection that turns the deceased into the walking dead. This moment is pivotal as we witness Grimes grapple with the heart-wrenching decision to shoot the girl, a “walker,” reflecting his struggle to adapt to this horrifying new reality after waking from a coma during the initial outbreak. This gut-wrenching and tense scene effectively captures the essence of the series, establishing it as a defining horror drama characterized by emotional depth and moral complexity.

6

Laura Palmer’s Body Is Found in ‘Twin Peaks’

“Pilot” (1990)

Though audiences initially may not have fully appreciated the significance of Twin Peaks, it has since rightfully gained recognition as a cult classic, often hailed as a landmark series in television history. The iconic narrative began with a seemingly ordinary scene that could have easily influenced viewers’ perceptions of the show in a different way. In this impactful opening, a fisherman discovers a plastic bag on the shore of a lake, which ultimately reveals the body of Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee). The investigation into her murder drives the entire series forward. This simple yet powerful moment establishes a compelling “whodunit” narrative and sets the stage for the intricate twists and turns that will unfold throughout the series.

5

Jack Wakes Up After a Plane Crash in ‘Lost’

“Pilot” (2004)

Regarded as one of the most polarizing yet captivating series in television history, ABC’s Lost follows the enthralling mystery surrounding a group of survivors from a plane crash. The overall narrative is complex, and the series became infamous for its controversial ending. Nevertheless, it’s the opening scene that effectively draws viewers into this intoxicating mystery.

In this unforgettable introduction, we see Jack Shephard (Matthew Fox) awaken in a dense jungle. As he regains consciousness, he races to the beach, where the terrifying aftermath of Flight 815 is revealed—its fiery wreckage scattered across a deserted island. The scene immerses viewers in the thrilling mystery and piques curiosity about the fate of the survivors, establishing a gripping foundation for the intense plot that unfolds throughout the series.

4

Walter Crashes the RV in ‘Breaking Bad’

“Pilot” (2008)

The opening scene of AMC’s Breaking Bad is a masterclass in storytelling, introducing us to one of television’s most iconic characters. The series follows Walter White, played by Bryan Cranston, a high school teacher who turns to a life of crime after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. In the pilot episode, we see Walter driving erratically through the New Mexico desert, clad only in his underwear and a gas mask, as he crashes his RV into a shrub. Following this chaotic moment, Walter checks on his unconscious partner, Aaron Paul, and then steps out to confront the reality of his situation, raising a gun to the camera. This outrageous and surreal opening scene sets the tone for the wild, unpredictable journey that lies ahead in the series, captivating viewers from the very first seconds.

3

Snot Boogie’s Death in ‘The Wire’

“The Target” (2002)

The opening scene of The Wire introduces us to a grim reality that pervades Baltimore, focusing on the death of Omar “Snot Boogie” Betts, a character who exemplifies the harsh conditions of urban life. The interaction between detective Jimmy McNulty (Dominic West) and a witness sets the tone for the series, showcasing the gritty, raw nature of the city’s struggles with violence and drugs. Through this exchange, we gain insight into how the show addresses real societal issues without sugarcoating the challenges faced by its characters. The realism depicted in this moment encapsulates the overarching themes of The Wire, which continues to be regarded as one of the finest crime dramas in television history.

2

Will’s America Monologue in ‘The Newsroom’

“We Just Decided To” (2012)

Upon viewing this particular scene for the first time, I couldn’t help but think: “This is bound to stir controversy.” This was, after all, the very essence of The Newsroom, a show created by Aaron Sorkin and featuring Jeff Daniels as the lead anchor, exposing the inner workings of a 24-hour cable news channel. The pivotal moment in question is a powerful monologue delivered by news anchor Will McAvoy (Daniels) to a group of astonished college students, in which he argues that America is no longer the greatest country in the world.

In this impactful monologue, Will articulates that the innovation and greatness that once defined the nation have been overshadowed by other countries, and he asserts that America has lost its status as the envy of the world. This raw and powerful moment undoubtedly left many viewers speechless and served as a bold narrative choice that drew audiences into the complex discussions explored throughout the series.

1

A Man Wakes Up Alone in an Empty Town in ‘The Twilight Zone’

“Where Is Everybody?” (1959)

Recognized as one of the most compelling episodes of the legendary anthology series, The Twilight Zone, the episode titled “Where Is Everybody?” opens with a gripping scene that captures the viewer’s attention immediately. The story follows a man who wanders along a deserted road, devoid of any memory of how he arrived there. Upon entering a diner, he encounters a jukebox blaring music, fresh pies, and steaming coffee, yet the unsettling truth is that he is utterly alone. This eerie atmosphere builds a sense of dread as he explores the empty town, discovering signs of a once-thriving community but no people. This haunting opening scene evokes a chilling sense of isolation and compels viewers to ponder how they would react in such a situation, effectively setting the stage for the mind-bending narratives that define The Twilight Zone.

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