cold open

noun

variants or less commonly cold opening

plural cold opens also cold openings

: a scene of a film or television episode that precedes the title sequence or opening credits and that typically takes place in medias res

Cold opens are a bold move in any medium. When a movie or TV show drops the audience into its world without so much as a "here's the title," it speaks to a confidence that whatever's about to happen on screen is sufficient enough to immerse, intrigue, and otherwise hook them.

—Alexis Nedd

For fans of NBC's "The Office," the cold open from season five's "Casual Friday"—where Kevin spills his famous chili—is one of the show's most beloved scenes.

—Addy Bink

The film lost me right from the overacted cold opening …

—Alexa Chipman

Examples of cold open in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In last night’s cold open, the show brought a new twist to an old satirical tradition. —Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 30 Mar. 2025

Every season of the show starts with a cold open that introduces a supernatural element. —Eliana Dockterman, Time, 1 July 2025

Cut For Time • The final cold open aimed at a predictable target: Trump’s recent sketchy trip to the Middle East. —Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 18 May 2025

McBride wrote the premiere’s cold open — in which Elijah murders a preacher while robbing his collection box, then assumes his identity — several years ago. —Alison Herman, Variety, 5 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1987, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cold open

• reopen