Cold open

Definition

A cold open is a storytelling device used in television, particularly in sitcoms, that presents a brief scene before the opening credits roll. This technique grabs the audience's attention right from the start by diving straight into the action or humor without any prior setup. It often serves to establish tone, introduce a conflict, or set the stage for the episode's main storylines, creating an engaging hook for viewers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cold opens are most common in sitcoms where humor can be effectively delivered in a short amount of time.
2. They can be used to set up running gags that will pay off later in the episode, enhancing viewer engagement.
3. In addition to sitcoms, cold opens can also appear in dramas and other genres, serving various narrative purposes.
4. Viewers often look forward to cold opens as they provide immediate entertainment and can sometimes feature guest stars or surprise appearances.
5. Cold opens can vary in tone from comedic to dramatic depending on the overall style and intent of the episode.

Review Questions

• How does a cold open function to engage viewers at the start of a sitcom episode?
  • A cold open engages viewers by presenting an immediate and often humorous scene before the opening credits. This approach helps to capture attention and set the tone for the rest of the episode. It can introduce key characters or conflicts quickly, drawing viewers into the story and creating anticipation for what follows.
• Discuss how cold opens can contribute to character development within sitcoms.
  • Cold opens are effective in showcasing character traits and relationships through brief interactions that highlight their dynamics. By introducing humor or conflict right away, these scenes allow writers to establish character arcs early on. For instance, a cold open might depict a character's quirk or flaw in a funny situation, setting up further development throughout the episode.
• Evaluate the impact of cold opens on audience retention and overall narrative pacing in television shows.
  • Cold opens significantly enhance audience retention by providing an immediate hook that makes viewers more likely to stay tuned beyond the first few minutes. They also affect narrative pacing by allowing shows to jump straight into action or humor without lengthy exposition. This fast-paced storytelling keeps audiences engaged and encourages them to invest in both individual episodes and overarching storylines.

Related terms

Teaser: A short segment at the beginning of an episode that provides a preview of what is to come, often used interchangeably with a cold open.

Act structure: The organization of a television episode into distinct acts, which includes rising action, climax, and resolution, often beginning with a cold open.

Opening credits: The sequence at the beginning of a television show that typically includes the show's title and main cast, usually following the cold open.