Have you noticed how fast opening credits are for television shows these days?

Modern Family, 30 Rock and Parks and Recreation

Compare that to their 80s and 90s sitcom brethren — Cheers, Family Ties and Friends

On average, some of today’s most popular sitcoms cut to the chase in 15 seconds or less, with no words and clever mnemonics that get our attention so that we come running to the sofa from wherever we are, even if we’ve recorded the program on our DVRs.

And while we fast forward through the commercials, we actually look forward to and hum along with the opening credits of our favorite shows every single week.  How come ads have something called ‘wear out’ but opening credits don’t? What are the secrets of opening credits that keep us coming back for more? What’s your favorite opening theme and why?