Crazy credits

During opening credits, Kolchak throws his hat at a wall hook, it misses and falls into the garbage. When the show first aired, there was an alternate opening where he threw his hat, it stays on the hook, and Kolchak has a surprised look on his face. This was Darren McGavin's genuine reaction, as he had not expected it to happen. After the first few episodes, the opening was changed to the one that is currently shown on reruns and media releases.