Cold Open
A scene at the beginning of a TV episode or film that plays before the opening credits.
Definition
A cold open (or teaser) is a narrative sequence that begins an episode or film before the opening credits or title sequence. Cold opens typically hook audiences immediately with action, mystery, or comedy, making them less likely to change channels or stop watching.
Cold opens vary in approach: some continue the main story, others feature standalone scenes, and some (especially in procedurals) set up the episode's central case or conflict.
Why It Matters
Cold opens are strategic tools for audience retention in an era of infinite content options. They front-load entertainment value to capture attention before viewers can navigate away.
Understanding cold open techniques helps creators structure content for maximum engagement in competitive viewing environments.
Examples in Practice
"Breaking Bad" opening with flash-forwards that created mystery audiences spent episodes unraveling.
Late night shows using cold opens for topical comedy that spreads virally before the main show.
Procedural dramas opening with a crime being committed before cutting to the detective team's titles.