I always thought "the Fugitive" did a great job of using the shows opening to provide new, or infrequent, viewers enough backstory so that they could watch single episodes and not feel lost.

The Untouchables

I have to say I can remember a group of us kids watching the Rifleman in a friend's basement and we thought the opening was pretty cool.

There is not a cooler opening in television history than Chuck Conners, walking down the middle of the street, shooting his rifle as Lucas McCain in the Rifleman.

Verily I say unto theeI liked the opening to "The Range Rider".

I have to say that Rawhide, with the dynamic singing voice of unforgettable Frankie Laine, hit it out of the park every week for me.

Look at you KrazeeforWacko fighting with people on other boards no wonder the boards are closing.

What will you do when the IMDB forums are closed? You will have to find another place to anonymously insult people.
Johnny Carson: "It's been so hot lately that Michael Jackson is wearing a seersucker glove."

To associate yourself with a pedophile is,at best, doltish. His talent should have been "show cased" in prison.

Panic..I had forgotten about that one but remember the title since you brought it up.
I had the chance to work with Michael Jackson who was as brilliant as they come.
Tommy Mottola

"Panic," was a 30 minute show that depicted people dealing with emergency situations. During the opening, a narrator would introduce the viewer to the characters, who were doing something very mundane driving down a road, eating a meal, etc.. Then he would say (something like):
"In 60 seconds, Mr. and Mrs. Smith will face
PANIC!
"
With the word "panic," a graphic of splintered glass would appear on the screen.
That opening had a lasting effect on me. But, for years, I couldn't find anyone who remembered the series. I began to think that I imagined it until I saw it listed/confirmed on IMDb.

The opening of "Rocky King, Detective", while simple, was pretty cool: Rocky walking down a highly-realistic & atmospheric hallway, lights a cigarette, and then talks off-camera.
We're not fighting! We're in complete agreement! We hate each other!

Another favorite: Make Room for Daddy.

But the first season, with the moody music, had Rod Serling's narration, "There is a fifth dimension"
Another great opening to a Henry Mancini theme was Mr. Lucky, a pair of animated dice tumbling down from an overhead shot and landing on a seven (I belive a six and a one).
But throughout it all, my motto was "Dignity! Always dignity!".

Hmmm I'm wondering if the Twilight Zone would be eligible. Although the series started in 1959, its iconic theme actually didn't come about until the 60's. The first season used that more moody piece.
It's as if all my fandoms have major anniversaries this year!

Have Gun - Will Travel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WPWoftenxE&feature=related

Who can forget Loretta Young's entrances through the double doors?
LOL.When I was a kid; we always imitating that by walking throught a door and twirling. Worked best with a full skirt and a bunch of petticoats.
I had the chance to work with Michael Jackson who was as brilliant as they come.
Tommy Mottola

She would swing open the double doors and make a dramatic entrance in a long evening gown, closing the doors behind her. I can't remember who did a satire of this (sounds like a Carol Burnett thing), only closing the doors on the train of her gown which is ripped off when she walks in.

Who can forget Loretta Young's entrances through the double doors?
But throughout it all, my motto was "Dignity! Always dignity!".

Nobody's mentioned The Twilight Zone yet?
How To Marry A Millionaire would slightly different openings each week with a male voice-over mentioning different ways of becoming a millionaire followed by female who says, "There's another wayyou can marry it".
The Millionaire began each week with the character of Michael Anthony (Marvin Miller) explaining that he is private secretary to billionaire John Beresford Tipton and it's job to give away checks for one million dollars to individuals.
Fade to opening scene of that week's episode in which Michael enters Tipton's presence (face never seen, foreshadowing Charlie of Angels fame) and asking "You sent for me, sir".
But throughout it all, my motto was "Dignity! Always dignity!".

The opening of Law Of The Plainsman with Michael Ansara (IMO one of the best riders of that era) riding that while stallion across the screen is fabulous.

well, the lone ranger was memorable

Did the '50s Dragnet open the same way it did in the '60s?
I remember the '60s series would open with Jack Webb's naarration "This is the city" followed by a few facts about Los Angeles. Then Webb would wrap it up by saying "I work here. I'm a cop," and then the powerful theme music followed.

Speaking of openings becoming famous, "Dragnet" has to be the leader in iconic theme songs and openings.
Also, the opening showdowns in Gunsmoke and The Rifleman.