As someone who’s spent years collecting and analyzing television idents, I’ve come across some truly iconic ones. From surreal animations to futuristic branding, TV idents have shaped the way we remember certain channels. Today, I’m ranking my Top 6 TV Idents of All Time – let’s dive into some nostalgia!
5: ITV (2006-2013) – The Scenic Identity
ITV’s 2006 idents feature stunning, slow-motion visuals of different landscapes with subtle branding overlays. These idents felt cinematic, atmospheric, and beautifully designed, creating a seamless transition between programming.
4: BBC Two (1991-2001) – The Experimental Era
This series of BBC Two idents is legendary. Each ident featured the number 2 in a variety of bizarre, creative scenarios – being cut in half, set on fire, or interacting with different environments. It was unique, unpredictable, and gave BBC Two a quirky personality that stood out.
3: Channel 4 (1982-Present) – The Ever-Evolving Blocks
Channel 4’s original 1982 ident was groundbreaking. The bold, colorful 4 made of blocks assembling dynamically was a technical marvel at the time. Over the years, the channel has continued innovating, using creative cinematography and CGI to reinvent the logo while keeping its distinct feel.
2: MTV (1981-2009) – The Logo That Never Stopped Changing
MTV’s idents were always ahead of their time. Instead of sticking to a single look, they constantly evolved, showcasing stop-motion animations, CGI, and abstract visuals. The branding felt raw, energetic, and rebellious – perfectly reflecting the channel’s music revolution.
1: E4 (2001-2002) – The Purple Surrealism
My top pick goes to E4’s 2001 idents, it defined a generation! With their absurdist humor, strange CGI creatures, and iconic purple branding, these idents made E4 instantly recognizable. This surreal style resonated with younger audiences and still holds a cult following today.
What’s Your Favorite?
There are so many great TV idents, and it’s tough to narrow them down. What’s your favorite? Drop a comment and let’s discuss the most iconic idents of all time!
The Angry English Guy 