This document summarizes the opening credits conventions of four crime drama television shows from the UK and US between 1977-present. It describes the main visual elements shown in each opening such as characters, locations, and action scenes. It also provides information on the style of music used and relationships between characters. The shows are The Professionals (1977-1983, UK), Cagney & Lacey (1981-1988, USA), The Bill (1984-2010, UK), and NYC 22 (2012-present, USA).

1. Crime Drama Opening Credits
Name of Show Conventions Music Other Information –
Relationships? Style?
UK or USA?
The Professionals
(1977 – 1983)
Character names, lots of running, computers,
action, tough cops, three main characters,
interrogation room,
Upbeat 70s funk
Cool action
UK London main boos and two enforcers.
All Male
Cagney And Lacey
(1981-1988)
Train, police station, skyscrapers, chasing on a
subway, guns, police badges, nypd, new York.
Jazzy upbeat fun
catchy
Two female characters one likes shopping
the other is a family person. Twin towers
USA
The Bill
(1984-2010)
Police cars, sirens, chase scene, police
uniforms, station, London, jail house, lock up,
briefing room, control room.
Respective, catchy
tune, simple,
Mostly men old fashion cars smiling people
and angry man a team working together to
bring down criminal.
NYC 22
(2012 - Present)
Constant shots of the city that its set in, graffiti,
rough area, cops from the city, protecting nyc,
modern, no chase scenes.
Modern rap, gangster, Simple, no spoilers, new York, different
races as cops, come from the city that they
serve.