Certain crime series enthusiasts are finding themselves captivated by a show that has been described as having “the single greatest opening to a show” ever seen.
This is certainly a big assertion, considering no individual can claim to have witnessed every show opening in existence, yet viewers firmly hold onto their opinions regarding this particular series.
The series stars James Spader, Diego Klattenhoff, Megan Boone, and Harry Lennix, among others. It follows Elizabeth Keen (played by Boone), an FBI profiler whose life is turned upside down when a criminal named Raymond Reddington (played by Spader) unexpectedly turns himself in after years of eluding capture.
Reddington makes it clear that he will only communicate with Elizabeth.
The show made its debut on NBC on September 23, 2013, with an exhilarating episode that has earned an IMDb rating of 8.10/10. During the initial moments, Spader’s character nonchalantly walks into the FBI’s headquarters in Washington DC, where he is compelled to kneel as officials draw their firearms.
As the first episode progresses, viewers discover Reddington’s intention to surrender and provide information on a crime committed by a Serbian named Ranko Zamani (portrayed by Jamie Jackson).
Even after more than a decade since its premiere, the episode continues to be lauded by fans, with some declaring it as “one of the best ever.”
If this sparks your curiosity and you wish to evaluate the opening episode—and hopefully the entire series—you can find all 10 seasons of The Blacklist on Netflix.
The trailer for the first season, including the thrilling opening scene, can be viewed below:
“I will never forget the iconic moment that was the pilot episode of THE BLACKLIST!” a fan expressed on Twitter a decade after the show’s initial airing. Another commented: “One of the best pilot episodes of all time … #blacklist.”
Spanning 218 episodes and 10 seasons, The Blacklist is an ideal series for binge-watching. During its broadcast, the show received a Creative Arts Emmy Award and garnered two Golden Globe nominations.
The series concluded in July 2023, yet many fans are already revisiting it.
On Facebook, one user praised the show, saying: “Seriously, it’s one of the strongest and greatest series openings ever. Anyone who’s seen this show, especially this scene, will get what I mean. It’s an epic start that pulls you into the story, the characters & especially Raymond Reddington.”
Another fan wrote: “Brilliant series, I’m watching it again for a third time.”
You can stream The Blacklist on Netflix now.