Of all the reference resources that provide readers with information on television programs, Television Introductions: Narrated TV Program Openings Since 1949 manages to stand out as a somewhat unique title. The book deals specifically with shows that opened with spoken introductions. As author Vincent Terrace states in the introduction, this “is not only the first (and only) book to detail the spoken openings of U.S. television series, but it is also the first to present the most extensive listing of theme song credits for American TV series from 1949 to 2013” (viii).

This single volume work is divided into several chapters, each of which covers a different genre or format: comedies, drama and adventure, westerns, science fiction, children’s programs, soap operas, talk and variety shows, game shows, and court programs. News shows and reality programs are not covered. The entries within each chapter are arranged alphabetically and contain the name of the show, the network on which the show was broadcast, dates during which the show was originally broadcast, a brief overview of the premise for the show, the cast, theme title and credits, and a transcript of the narrated opening.

As would be expected from a volume such as this, readers will find entries on well-known classic shows such as The Andy Griffith Show, Father Knows Best, and the Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. Readers will, however, also find entries on much more obscure, older programs such as the Adventures of Hiram Holliday and Big Foot and Wildboy as well as more recent programs such as Everybody Loves Raymond and Arrested Development. Appendix A contains theme song credits for shows not covered elsewhere in the book (due to the show’s lack of a spoken opening). Appendix B contains an alphabetical listing of the DVD and VHS releases of all the shows covered within the book.

It should be noted that much of the information contained within Television Introductions: Narrated TV Program Openings Since 1949 can also be found in the 2nd edition of Encyclopedia of Television Shows, 1925 through 2010 (McFarland & Co., 2011), also by Vincent Terrace. The encyclopedia covers all television shows, rather than only those with narrated openings, but does not provide theme titles or credits for those shows. Libraries should therefore consider purchasing both titles.

Television Introductions: Narrated TV Program Openings Since 1949 is recommended primarily for public libraries.