What's a Cold Open Snl

A cold open (also called a teaser sequence) is a narrative technique used in television and films. It is the practice of jumping directly into a story at the beginning of the show before the title sequence or opening credits are shown.

Why is a cold open called a cold open?

TvTropes calls a television “cold open” a teaser. Also known as a Cold Opening or “Cold Open.” A one to five minute mini-act at the beginning of the show, sometimes before the opening credits, that is used to set up the episode and catch the audience’s attention.

What is the opposite of a cold open?

The complement to a cold opening is a title sequence, there isn’t a term for a show that starts with either one. At the script level, some shows will explicitly label the cold opening or teaser while others will just start with act 1.