15 Masterpieces with Unforgettable Cold Opens in TV History
The Walking Dead
Sheriff's deputy Rick Grimes awakens from a coma to a world overrun by zombies, setting the stage for a gripping journey of survival and humanity. The cold open of The Walking Dead doesn't merely start a story – it throws viewers into a tense, unfamiliar world alongside Rick, emphasizing raw emotions and the stark contrast between life before and after the apocalypse.
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Meet the irreverent gang who runs Paddy's Pub, Philadelphia's most outrageous bar. With its bold and unapologetic cold open, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia immediately signals its alternative, satirical comedic style, drawing you into the absurdities of the everyday misadventures led by Charlie, Mac, Dennis, Dee, and Frank.
Fleabag
The British comedy-drama Fleabag hooks audiences from the first moment with its sharp-witted protagonist, Fleabag, portrayed brilliantly by Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Navigating through life's complexities with sharp humor and blunt honesty, the cold open quickly establishes the show's unique narrative voice and wit.
The Office
Before the opening credits roll, the cold open of The Office often presented hilarious moments that became forever enshrined in pop culture. Set in the world of the mundane Scranton branch of Dunder Mifflin, these opens serve as microcosms of the series’ humor and interpersonal dynamics.
Malcolm in the Middle
Malcolm in the Middle delivers family chaos from the get-go with wild cold opens that capture its frenetic system of family dynamics. With a genius middle child at its core, this series deftly mixes comedy with matters of adolescence and family life, capturing the essence of childhood's unpredictability.
Six Feet Under
The cold open of Six Feet Under introduces the Fisher family's funeral home business in a unique manner that immediately sets the tone for a narrative that dives into life, death, and everything in between. It adds a soulful and philosophical layer to television storytelling.
Happy Endings
Happy Endings launches with a clever cold open that immediately sets the comic tone and group dynamic central to the series. As a failed wedding alters the course of friendship, each episode's beginning plays on situations that fuse humor with relatable life transitions.
Letterkenny
A distinctly Canadian comedy, Letterkenny welcomes you with an unexpected, rapid-fire cold open depicting small-town feuds and peculiar disputes. Its unique dialogue and hilarious characters are quick to draw viewers into the nuanced, comedic rural landscape of Ontario.
Breaking Bad
Breaking Bad captures audience attention with a gripping cold open that encapsulates high stakes and survival instinct. The unforgettable image of Walter White in his underwear, amidst wreckage, exemplifies the unexpected turns and dramatic intensity that defines the series.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Brooklyn Nine-Nine opens with cleverly crafted humor that provides a snapshot into the quirky dynamics of a New York precinct. The cold opens often stand out as highlights, full of character-driven comedy that showcases the nuanced personalities within the precinct.
Mr. Robot
[strong>Mr. Robot introduces viewers to a complex and intriguing world of hacking and cyber-espionage through its intense cold open. Exploring themes of societal disconnect and digital paranoia, these openings effectively set the stage for Elliot's dark, psychological journey.
Community
The misadventures at Greendale Community College kick off with cold opens that emphasize the absurdity and camaraderie central to Community. The series uses its beginnings to creatively explore everything from pop culture to heartfelt moments within its eclectic ensemble cast.
The Wire
The Wire sets a gritty and realistic tone through its cold opens, immediately laying out the stakes in the turbulent backdrop of Baltimore. Providing multiple perspectives, these opens draw viewers deep into a complex narrative about crime, politics, and society.
Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation enchants its audience with warm-hearted and funny cold opens depicting life in Pawnee's Parks Department. Leslie Knope’s unyielding enthusiasm sets the stage for comedic antics and bureaucratic challenges, blending humor with civic love.
Better Call Saul
Starting six years before the events of Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul's cold opens are inventive vignettes that hint at Jimmy McGill’s transformation into Saul Goodman. These moments craft a soulful prequel that compliments the mythology of the Breaking Bad universe.
These shows exemplify how a powerful cold open not only grabs attention but sets the tone for the entire series. Their memorable beginnings continue to resonate with viewers, cementing their status in television history as pioneers of narrative engagement and creativity. From the intense drama of survival to the charming nuances of small-town comedy, each show leaves a lasting impression right from the start, promising a captivating journey ahead.