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September 21, 11:12 PM

The New Opening Music

There are a lot of challenges to programming and we felt that the opening titles were a little long and we wanted to take that time and use it for story, which is why this year's theme music is shorter than previous seasons.

COMMENTS

Yes, my wife used to laugh at me because I always wanted to watch the opening credits. I don't know why, but it was great. I think it was a mistake to remove that.

Last week I tried to watch ER the first time after some years. But after 2 minutes I just swiched it off : No open credits - no ER feeling !

Rufus Wainwright sings Hallelujah

PLEASE help me find the closing theme song on ER
tonight (May 17th).. the theme is "Hallelujah" I
have heard it so often onmany shows and cannot nail
down who sings it!

PLEASE help me find the closing theme song on ER
tonight (May 17th).. the theme is "Hallelujah" I
have heard it so often onmany shows and cannot nail
down who sings it!

Simon from the UK here. Every week, my wife and I say that the new music is no good. We've tried to give it a go, but it doesn't have the same build up and suspense. Please bring back the old music...

The new opening is very poor and does nothing for ER. The old one had a cool tune to it and allowed orginal fans of the show to have a nostalgic tie to all the past shows since the pilot.

The only reason I started watching ER was because of the opening credits. Now, the show seems boring (even though I still enjoy it.) Please put them back net season, especially if it is (as I've heard) going to be the last season. Maybe an idea is to put the full credits into the DVD release

I know it seems like bandwagon jumping, but I've disliked the new so-called "theme" since the first episode this season. There are at least two other shows who've done the same thing (NUM3ERS as well as the already cited Grey's Anatomy), and the first few minutes of the show are even more incredibly distracting with the need to put the star's name on during the show, in addition to all the other credits that already go there since the time alloted to a a show's closing credits have become fair game for network promos.

It also shows a callous disregard for the role of music in a drama. I remember a number of seasons back where the entire staff was swamped but working steadily. There was no dialog; just a slowed down, more dramatic version of the theme. It was an incredibly effective piece of television, one that will be impossible without an identifiable theme.

And, although I haven't taken a stopwatch to an episode from this season to compare it to an episode from last season, I'm highly skeptical that the opening credits were cut to make time for additional story time, when I think of all the money that could be made from an extra 30 to 60 minutes of billable ad time. :(

I know I'm a little late, didn't know this blog was around but I too agree with the new opening. I have all 6 released DVDs so far and the original theme makes the show even more exciting. Please bring back the original theme, if not, can you at least add it to the DVD release.

Follow-up thought - could you PLEASE add the opening blast of music and then full opening credits and music for the eventual DVD release? If not, I will stop buying the DVDs at season 12, regardless of the quality of the episodes. Yes, the theme music (crescendo of anticipation and emotion) is that important.

The theme music made the show, I am not exaggerating when I say the removal of the opening theme music has absolutely RUINED this show for me. One of the worst changes ever made to a successful TV series.

And not just the theme tune. The whole titles package!

Seriously, the ER theme tune was one of those theme tunes that should never have been changed. How would people have reacted if they changed the A-Team theme tune. You couldn't because when you thought A-Team, you thought of the theme tune. It's the same with ER. Bring it back! Don't try to be trendy!!

Please bring back the ER theme music and opening shots. These are a part of the show and it makes no sense to omit them!!

It was eriq la salle who thrusted his hand foward, not clooney.

i was wondering if you guys could clear up an argument my friend and i are having. in the seasons where clooney was on, in the opening theme does he or eriq lasalle go to one knee and thrust his hand forward?

Dave Zabel, Executive Produce ER.....

PLEASE BRING BACK THE ORIGNIAL THEME SONG BACK WHEN THE NEW EPISODE AIR IN MARCH. I AM GETTING SICK OF THIS NON-EXISTANT 7 SECOND SOUND BITE!!!!

www.lightsout.org

www.rushinoz.com

Please bring the old opening back!!!
It was brilliant and on for so many years... Don't do that to a classic!

I was so dismayed to hear the new song... Even my husband, who doesn't watch the show, thinks it was a mistake to change the opening song. I, like many others, have been watching for years, and that opening music has always been the cue to run to the living room.

Please, please. Bring back the old theme! It's the show's trademark. It sets the mood. Bring it back, please!

Bring it back. I'm lost without it. It's the best theme song on television and Law & Order is the 2nd best theme song.

Bring back the old music. Not a fan of the new opening at all. Takes away from the show's history and tradition.

Bring back the old theme! In agreement with everyone else that commented that just the music at the intro would get you psyched for the episode to come on. Now? Nada. Bring it back!

I don't mind the new music over the "Previously on ER" sequence, but I miss the old theme song - it captures ER perfectly, and is so associated with the show, it just can't be thrown out.

What's the name on the new theme?

I love the old theme ... it would just give me such a thrill to hear it if I was in another room. I'd come running cause I'd know ... ER!! Bring it back.

Please bring back the original theme music we have enjoyed from day one. Please please PLEASE bring it back. It wasn't broke, so why was it fixed?

Bring back the theme now. It is almost an institution. It sets the theme for the remainder of the progoramme, and has been there for far too long for you to just get rid of it.

I am boycotting ER until you bring back the original theme, and I encourage everyone else to do the same.

And PLEASE start to realise that you have other characters apart from Abby. Seriously, contact me and I will write some storylines for you. Then I'll bring back the original theme, and all of the people who have 'left' ER over the years will come flocking back.

Give it a go!

Please, the original theme. It's part of the ER soul.

I miss the theme song and credits. It was always a great way to start the show off. While you say that you wanted to put more story in, my guide says that the show now runs from 10:01 till 11. That is 2 minutes LESS than it used to be!! Granted, I'd rather see more show, but I liked how it used to be- 9:59 to 11 WITH theme song! Bring it back please.

I´m a die hard fan of ER and I absolutely loved the opening credits. Come on you speak like a kid that doesn´t want to loose their tennis shoes, things change, lets face it, ER is not what it was, quality and ratings went down becuase other people was looking for fresh things and ER was getting old, these changes are made to keep the show running, I know that a new opening won´t save a show but it surely attract people becuase the show is changing and it can deliver and it can show that it can be great like in the old days. The new opening is great, keep it like that. People please understand were talking about our favorite show, changing the opening won´t take that back, it´s like you been angry becuase a classic such as a Ford Mustang was renewed to be updated. We have to accept changes, and if you talk of Law and Order i absolutely hate the opening theme it really sounds old. Keep the changes going, I talk as an ER fan an as a person that likes quality not seeing actors play around the set. I loved the premiere, quality, good storylines, excellent photography, great directing, excellent character development, ecellent acting, but i felt that these last episodes failed to deliver and that we are getting into routine again and that we are seeing more of the same, please see the premiere and try to do something like that again. Thank you Zabel to give me a Seaon´s premiere to remeber. PS. We need another live ER, the last one was like 10 years ago

the series must return to the original opening.
If not, a big piece of identity is lost!
Keep up the good work!

KEEP POSTING EVERYONE!!!!

WE'LL GET THE OLD THEME AND TITLES BACK IF THEY SEE HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO US!

Don't jinx the show! Keep what works.....ppllllllllllllleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaasssssssssssseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!

Mr. Zabel!!! Listen to the fans!!! We want the old credits back. This blog is useless if it's not monitored. Have no doubt, ratings will keep declining if fan input is ignored

Since you changed the opening maybe you should now change the title to ER: The Next Generation cause it truely is the next generation with the all of the originals gone.

Hey..
eu sou do Brazil.. e aqui.. quase ninguém gostou da nova abertura..
POR FAVOR!! VOLTE A ORIGINAL!!
ou façam uma mais bonita.. com a música tradicional!!
beijão.
; **

I hope the original theme is back for this week!

De ninguna manera pueden cambiar el opening de la serie ER no seria lo mismo la serie sin el tradicional opening que edta desde sus comienzos. Soy de VENEZUELA y la verdad aqui se ve muchisimo la serie, y su opening es tan impoetante como la serie misma!!!

We want the old opening back!!!

One more vote for bringing the old opening song back--it's the best one on network TV and makes the show a "classic" like the opening lines on Law & Order. It would be absurd to remove those, and it's absurd that you're changing the opening song now.

I've watched ER from the beginning. Bring back the old theme song, the best theme song on prime time t.v.

We need the opening song back!

I have been watching ER from the very begining. I even love to watch the old reruns. PLEASE LISTEN TO ALL THESE LOYAL FANS AND BRING BACK THE REAL THEME!!!

I don't like the new theme music at all! I agree that the old opening made you excited about the show. Please listen to the loyal fans and bring back the old music.
Thanks.

Zabel, I don't know if you're still reading these, but you have to bring back the main titles. Every fan on the message boards I visit are dissapointed by this new theme. It doesn't do our cast justice! Today, my friend thought that John Stamos was doing another guest appearance instead of him knowing that he's a new regular cast member. He also thought Shane West was just a supporting character. I seriously think you have to bring back the old theme and titles. You guys want to please us fan, and us fans are asking for our beloved theme and titles.

Mr. Zabel -

If the editors really need an extra 60 seconds to fit in some story either, A: get new editors, or B: give them less story to cram in to 46 minutes! Cut a scene or trim the script or something. I liked the opening the way it was, seeing the cast members change over the years. I also looked forward to the sequence, both consciously and subconsciously.

Besides, losing fans by changing their trusted opening won't make up the revenue from the 2 new sponsors you could sell (were it not for the extra minute devoted to story, of course).

Just my $0.02.

BTW - nice job bringing Stamos back. We need some more sympathetic characters on this show since losing Wiley.

PLEASE BRING THE ORIGINAL THEME BACK!!!!!!!! It's very important to us. At least used the last few seconds of the original theme if it must be shortened. Remember how fans hate change....i.e. "Felicity" getting her hair cut. Don't jinx the show by changing what works. Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaassssssssseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!1

I'm already sick of this new theme song. After twelve years of having the old theme song, you finally change it. It's stupid. We all want the old theme song back. I'm already tired of the new one. I miss seeing the main actors coming across the screen getting ready to help out patients.

I'm already getting ready to turn off the TV because ER isn't that great anymore like it used to be when it came out.

Sorry, but I am done with this season.

No way!! The theme is awesome!!

Please!! Bring back the theme!!!
I Think we all agree that the old theme song is ER's soul!

Is there anyone who has the new theme ? ... Want to hear it while im writing to all!

Need to be angry!

Please.. What we need is ..
The old theme song.
George Clooney
Julianna Margulies

We here in Sweden are at the 12 season , and I have not listened to the new theme , but I have read the comments at the boards about this and the people there don´t like it, so please change back (I know I sound selfish when I have not listened to it yet)

I agree, i've been watching for a decade, since my childhood, and with every new season and every cast fluctuation, I look forward to watching the entire credits to see who has been added and who's been removed from the credits. Being a series regular becomes more an issue for agents and paychecks without those opening headshots, we won't know who really is the core of doctors and nurses we're supposed to be rooting for. The theme really is a staple of modern television, and losing it is a grave mistake. Yes, viewership has tapered off, but removing the theme will only lose you loyal viewers, and will certainly not bring back any lost members of the mid '90s flock. You may gain a few newbies who never fell under ER's spell, but that number will pale in comparison to the number betrayed. Please reconsider, FAST!

I actually started crying when I realised that the theme music had actually changed. Please bring back the original!!! It worked for 12 years, don't mess with a good thing!

Count me in with the people who don't like the new opening. Please give the loyal fans who are still watching our theme song and credits back.

Please!! Bring back the theme!!!
ER without that theme it's not the same thing!

Mr. Zabel I would like to thank you and the rest of the cast and crew for such a solid season opener!!! I would however like to say that changing the opening credits is a mistake. I have been a devoted fan since back in September of 1994 and the when the opening credits would roll in you'd know it's time for ER. Through the years the opening credits have provided a way to remember past characters and everything thing that has happened yet still the show would continue. Changing the opening credits removes that link from the past and I think many other fans would agree.

It's nice to know you want to bring new storylines but I think the old opening credits should remain. Devoted fans would rather lose the minute of storyline time that would be used if the new theme stays permanent and see the old credits and remember the all the past characters and storylines...Please reconsider changing the opening back! Thanks

Yes! If you wanna give the credits a new theme and a new look, that´s okay, but we want the name of the actors IN the credits, not when the episode is already airing! Please do reconsider!

Please, please bring back the theme!! Change the colours, the look, whatever but the music and opening credit sequence is essential.

The new opening does not do justice to this show! It is an amazing show and this seasons premiere was breath taking! unfortunatly i missed the old opening. it makes you even more excited. It is one of ERs trademark and everybody knows the music, so please do not change it. Don't they always say: Never change a winning combination?

We need the tradional opening back!
It is a main part of the show!!!
It makes us feel more exciting to watch the show!

Please give us the tradiotional opening back!

Oh don´t do that to us!!! The full theme song with the credits are very important for the show. Don´t take them away from us David!

I totally agree--bring back the original themesong! It is the ER tradition--its trademark! I couldn't believe that the classic opening was not there. I enjoy watching the clips of the actors, and I agree it gives some history and character to it, but it is the music that really makes it. It really wasn't the same.
I second the Coke comment--don't mess with a good thing!

The song is David Gray "Slow Motion"

Mr. Zabel, I was excited with all your worlds about ER's 13th season. As well, I'm a great fan of all your episodes, specially Orion in the Sky, even making me cry as a little girl.
But... I was so disapointed with the changes in the openning credits. ER's intro is so magnificent, a landmarck in every good aspect for the series. Please, go back in this decision. It's only 50seconds.
50sec...

Bring opening music and titles back.

Nooo please don´t go away with the credits, they´ve always been fabulous. It will never feel 100% like ER if that opening credits isn´t there! Please reconsider!!

What Chelsea said. It's just a way for advertisers to make even more bucks off of an hour of TV while we get less and less show.

I agree with everyone here. Please bring back the theme. It is the best ever.

I WANT THE ER THEME BACK! PLEASE! EVERYONE WANT IT BACK!

I agree about the music. It did what opening credits so rarely do -- it got one excited about the show and the characters. You made a mistake in changing it.

I watched the premier of ER last night and I was not happy that they cut the credits short and the music was just horrible. It was almost like soap opera music.

The old theme suited the show the best. The old theme music pretty much described a typical day in the ER.

Besides, it's not giving the actors credit. Quite frankly, people who watch ER, don't like it. I, myself, do not like how the show is getting to be theatrical and almost like a soap opera.

I will NO LONGER watch the show if that new theme music comes on again. I've watched the show ever since it started and I LOVED the old them.

Please reconsider! We need the theme back! It's a very important part to the show. It shows out characters in action as they are introduced. It's ER's idenity. You can keep the show fresh with the storylines and the characters, but you don't need to take away the signature of ER. You have to understand. After 12 years, it shouldn't be changed.

Just make us one promise, at least return the theme and opening credits on the DVD to continue the trademark. I was really looking forward to seeing John Stamos' shot.

I've been watching since waaaaayy back when during season one, and there's always been something about the theme that just grabs me. It's like, I watch the beginning, actually STAY for the credits then go do stuff during the commercial. Ok, there's not many shows that I actually watch the credits of, but John Newton Howard's theme along with that hearbeat in the background are beyond perfect! Now, what, we have everyone's name over the opening shot? How distracting is that?

I agree with everyone! The TV Theme song was an art that was lost with the '90s. Pleeeeese bring it back!!! It's that bit of adreneline that just makes ER, ER!

I have to agree...the opening title theme needs to come back. If you hear the song, you immediately think of ER. People for generations are going to recongnize that song and attribute it to the classic ER. I know that even now, I hear the theme songs from other shows in the past and it just brings me back to the show itself. If you want to leave a lasting impression of ER, you'd be better off sticking to something that people can be familiar with.

I have to agree...the opening title theme needs to come back. If you hear the song, you immediately think of ER. People for generations are going to recongnize that song and attribute it to the classic ER. I know that even now, I hear the theme songs from other shows in the past and it just brings me back to the show itself. If you want to leave a lasting impression of ER, you'd be better off sticking to something that people can be familiar with.

i really enjoyed the new music. it is a new season so why not new music. yes, the other music is a "trademark" of ER, but it gets old. Way to start off a brand new season!!

Awesome episode tonight, but really, you absolutely MUST bring back the opening music. I don't know what kind of entry that was (Was that a "bloop-blooping" sound? Come on!)!! But ER is definitely back!

I admit that the new opening threw me off. I do enjoy that TPTB want to make ER fresh and modern. But a shorter version of the old ER theme would be cool or at least pick more popular music for the theme. But as ling as the episodes rock then I'm copesetic.

I understand the desire to spend more time on the show and less on the opening. Is it possible to cut the length of the opening, as you did, but keep the theme song? After 13 years, Thursday night is defined by that music.

its understood changes had to be made but why the opening theme?? that brought out the show. the theme is part of ER without it the show would not be the same.

in addition to not tinkering with the theme, please turn down the background music. during Abby's birth scene, the dialogue was inaudable because the music was too loud.

What was the name of the David Grey song? I liked the song, but I agree, bring back the old credits! I even have the old theme song as a ringer on my cell phone!

Mr. Zabel, we understand what you were going for, but it has backfired, what was otherwise a brilliant episode was almost ruined by what many long-term fans consider a constant regular amongst an ever-changing show. You must bring it back even if the shorter theme from season one was used. Could u imagine if the simpsons suddenly changed its theme after 17 yeas! Ack! Bring back the old theme!!!!

I understand about cutting the opening credits to allow for more show time, but the SONG didn't need to change! PLEASE bring back the theme song. It is part of the heart of the show. Its that song that gives me excited shivers every Thursday night at 9pm!!

ER is an amazing show first of all, but the new opening detracts from its legacy. The credits have become classic - I loved how it introduced each character. I am fine with cutting it down (as I believe was said someplace here) but please keep the same music which we have all come to love dearly!

I'm not watching ER again until I hear the theme song is back!!!

The new opening blows. Learn somethning from Coke, and bring back the classic version, fast!

I liked the music, just a bit loud during some scenes. I understand the drama, but it almost wiped out the emotion.

Another vote to bring back the old theme!!! Any chance of you reconsidering your descision?

The show keeps getting better, will there be any new actors joining the cast this season?

Dude, you gotta bring back the opening credits. It's a classic. Don't be jumping the shark.

The show keeps getting better, will there be any new actors joining the cast this season?

One of the thing that has fascinated the most over the years is the writing on ER as well as the direction and visual clues we get. Everytime I see an episode, I always look for clues that give hints at future events. It is amazing how so much is hinted at weeks in advance. Who comes up with all these subtle clues. Is it soley the writer's doing or is a lot of this planned out?

WHAT was the song used during Abbey's procedure and Jerry's heart procedure done by Neela? I would really like to know the artist and title of the song

Thank you for showing the OBGYN doctor scrubbing with the correct procedure. With her mask on! Unfortunatly, Nina didn't. Proper procedure will make ER stand out above the rest.

I have been watching from the beginning...this was one of the best episodes. Abby and Luka are the best couple since Doug and Carol. Please keep them together!!!

Great answer. And I agree. I would rather see more of the story than see the credits.

Old stuff was a trademark. Bring it backkkk.

Not a fan of the new opening theme but I thought most of the choices for the music throughout the episode were well chosen. Music has become very important in TV land. I think most successful shows have realized this.

Keep picking the winners.

PLEASE HELP I MISSED THE SHOW WHAT CAN i DO?!!!!

I loved the music in last season's credits, who is the composer and what other work has he done?

I'm really sad about the lack of music. The ER theme song is one of the classics in television. I think it's a really big mistake not to be able to hear the music that gets your heart beating each week. It may be a little longer, but I hope producers will re-consider the decision or at least put the full version in certain episodes. It honestly severely dampened the season premiere for me.

what is your favorite season of er?

Bring back the old credits!

Don't try to be Grey's Anat!

Believe it or not, that really really upset me, and it threw off the first two sequences of the show for me (until the 1/2 hour break). The credits were what reminded me that ER is a good show, and I like it, even though the opener might not have been good. Any chance they'll bring the credits back?

I'm not a big fan of the new opening. I feel it doesn't give the actors enough credit.

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