A Look at Memorable TV Production Logos

A long long time ago in a galaxy far, far away I did an article on production companies. I was always fascinated by the companies that gave us the wonderful shows we grew up with. I also talked about the end credits were a bigger deal in my day, we’d actually watch them and for many shows it wasn’t complete until we saw that production logo at the end. For example, Miller/Boyett Productions which gave us those wonderful TGIF shows everyone still talks about. 

or how about the bright/kaufman/crane title card at the end of every episode of Friends?

Most of the time it was nothing fancy, a title card you hardly notice let alone care about.  But occasionally a company would give us something special. They’d do a quick second clip of something so creative or memorable that it would become iconic all on its own. 

For example, if anyone saw a Stephen J Cannell production no way you don’t remember this:

Or if you watched those classic Rankin/Bass  Christmas specials they weren’t complete without this: 

One of the most iconic was Mary Tyler Moore productions who had the famous Kitty. A play on the MGM lion this kitty achieved fame 

Yes as you can see the logo was messed with by other shows sometimes it was Bob Newhart doing the meow or Les Nessman rather than the meow or just Mary saying goodbye. I have nothing to say about Hot in Cleveland but I give them all the applause I can for ending there huge MTM reunion with the kitty. 

The other one I never forgot was Taxi. This show had one of the most perfect theme songs in history and it was capped by the logo for Charles Walters Productions. It was just a weary man leaving the office while his assistant says good night, but who doesn’t know it???

In the 80s it was Family Ties which won the award for memorable production card with the shot of a dog and the words over it. I think you know them?

Then there was Growing Pains and Just the Ten of Us where Guntzelmam Sullivan Marshall gave us this….odd title card

My brother and I were constantly baffled by this choice. We think it came from a Growing Pains episode. 

I was never the biggest fan of The Simpsons but I always loved the logo for the Gracie productions that we got at the end. I don’t know it’s just great. 

Seinfeld was a huge hit but it wouldn’t have been on at all if not for Rob Reiner’s Castle Rock Productions. Yeah it may be better known for movies but it’ll always remind me Seinfeld.

Since I know people will hate me if I don’t mention it, I already mentioned the miller/boyett logo but what about Michael Jacobs which gave us Boy Meets World among others?

And yes cartoons had memorable ones also. There isn’t a former kid alive who hasn’t seen this gem: 

and for those who may not be as old as me....

And while I am no fan of British TV I sure never forget this ITC logo attached to The Muppet Show 

Disney did these too and here is the one I like the most....

As the 90s became the 2000s this seemed to happen less and less. One exception was Everybody Loves Raymond which managed a quick but memorable title card not only for David Letterman’s production company Worldwide Pants but Phil Rosenthalls “where’s lunch” productions (with a different meal every episode!). 

Sadly as things evolve so does this wonderful little trend. In today’s world where the credits need to be rushed so we can get to the next show as soon as possible, we don’t get these anymore or at the very least they don’t make nearly the impact they used to. One exception is Chuck Lorre who found a unique way to keep those title cards memorable. On every show from Two and a Half Men to Big Bang and beyond he uses them like a diary, writing observations about....anything really. 

And finally, because I can’t go five seconds without mentioning Star Trek, how could I possibly not include this one: 

It's amazing how something as simple as a five second title card can bring the same nostalgic feels as a whole show or movie. It's a reminder of a different time in our lives when the world was simpler and we could just enjoy our favorite shows. 

Did I miss your favorite? Comment and let me know.