To truly appreciate the show's typographic and design aesthetic you have to know the show's origins. The original pilot (never aired) was shot by the actors themselves using a digital camera and cost less than $85 to make. The creators shopped it around until FX bit. After they were picked up, these three actors who had no significant acting or production experience whatsoever were somehow allowed to be the show-runners but were given a scant budget. So what did they do? They used open-sourced and public domain materials, including the font for the opening credits and all the musical scores. Rob McElhenny and Glenn Howerton even shot the opening credits on their own digital camera. The show, which is now the longest-running live action comedy on cable TV, has retained ALL of these low-budget elements despite becoming hugely successful. I'd like to think the show kept all these things not for recognition's sake (shows change opening credits all the time, especially after becoming popular) but because they work so well with the nature of the show while paying homage to the show's roots.
What I also love about the show is how it is promoted each new season. Because like Senfield, it's essentially a show about nothing that doesn't always carry over story lines, the characters become like a blank canvas that they use for different motifs each year. I LOVE this because it almost creates an entirely new mini-story distinct from the actual show. It works because it's humorous and zany and offbeat, just like the show. It's wickedly creative, and as a big fan, I always look forward to it. Although, I will say this year's new trailer has come out but not the entire promo package. I hope they haven't abandoned this concept.
2014-15 (glam rock)
2013-14 (French new wave cinema)
2012 (80s sitcom/campy)
2011 (mini series drama)
2010 (babies?)
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