The 15 Most Iconic Cold Opens in TV History
The Walking Dead
AMC’s The Walking Dead starts with an unforgettable cold open. Sheriff’s Deputy Rick Grimes awakes in a deserted hospital to find the world taken over by zombies. This harrowing introduction sets the tone for a gripping series filled with suspense and raw emotion. Since its debut on October 31, 2010, with an average rating of 4.2, it has captured the imaginations of viewers and ensured they never look at the world the same way again.
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
What happens when four friends run a pub with terrible judgment? You get dark comedy gold with It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. The first two minutes often set up chaotic, hilarious escapades, making it a must-watch since its release on August 4, 2005. With an average rating of 4.3, the series holds a special place in the hearts of its audience for its distinct opening that promises trouble and hilarity.
Fleabag
Known for its witty dialogue and penetrating emotional insight, Fleabag captures the essence of a modern woman in the buzzing streets of London right from the start. Debuting on July 21, 2016, and averaging a rating of 4.2, this series introduces audiences to its titular character's turmoil and humor, setting a unique tone for the rest of the storyline.
The Office
The beloved mockumentary-style show The Office is renowned for its quirky cold opens that perfectly encapsulate the everyday absurdities of a workplace. Premiering on March 24, 2005, with an average rating of 4.3, the show’s opening scenes are a masterclass in satire and comedic timing.
Malcolm in the Middle
With a ingenious approach to comedy, Malcolm in the Middle leveraged its cold opens to provide a humorous peek into the quirky lives of its dysfunctional family. Since January 9, 2000, it earned a 3.9 average rating through its moments of hilarity, especially those in its whimsical openings.
Six Feet Under
From the get-go, Six Feet Under dives into profound themes about life and mortality, often using its cold open to present thought-provoking and creative narratives. Premiering on June 3, 2001, and rated 4.2, the series continually disorients and intrigues the viewer with each new episode introduction.
Happy Endings
Happy Endings manages a delightful mix of humor and relatability, starting strong and maintaining a comedic pace through its cold opens. Since April 13, 2011, the series, with a 4.0 rating, has charmed audience with its witty takes on friendship dynamics right from the launch of each episode.
Letterkenny
Hailing from Canada, Letterkenny opens with a unique rural charm and fast-paced dialogue that immediately draws audiences into the local dramas of its characters. First broadcast on February 7, 2016, it possesses a compelling cold open framework that earned it a high average rating of 4.4.
Breaking Bad
With a thrilling sense of impending danger, Breaking Bad begins its episodes with compelling flair. Its cold opens set up intense narratives that have captivated audiences since January 20, 2008, securing an impressive 4.5 rating through sheer narrative mastery.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Charming audiences with its mixture of procedural crime and irreverent humor, Brooklyn Nine-Nine consistently delivers memorable opening sequences. Premiering on September 17, 2013, with a rating of 4.1, each cold open sets the tone with impeccable comedic timing and creative setups.
Mr. Robot
Mr. Robot, a series that dives deep into the psyche of its protagonist, opens each episode with striking visuals and enigmatic plots. Since making its debut on June 24, 2015, this show, rated 4.3, has maintained a captivating edge through its layered and complex cold opens.
Community
Exploring the lives of community college students, Community begins each of its episodes with a comedic vignette that teases the hilarity to come. Since September 17, 2009, with an average rating of 4, the show has kept its audience drawn in with amusing and clever opening scenes.
The Wire
Esteemed for its authentic portrayal of Baltimore, The Wire opens with gritty and impactful glimpses into the realities of urban life. Unveiled on June 2, 2002, this series holds an unparalleled 4.8 rating due to its raw, concise opening scenes that set a powerful precedent for TV drama.
Parks and Recreation
Every cold open in Parks and Recreation is a mini-masterpiece of comic storytelling within its charming narrative of small-town government life. First broadcast on April 9, 2009, and holding a 4.2 rating, it remains a source of comedic joy with every episode introductory scene.
Better Call Saul
This prequel to Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul introduces audiences to the intricate life of Jimmy McGill with nuanced cold opens. Released on February 8, 2015, its consistently gripping beginnings contribute to its 4.3 average rating, making it a series known for both wit and depth.
In sum, these television masterpieces, through their unforgettable cold opens, showcase the artistry of scene-setting and storytelling. As varied in genre as they are in emotional tone, these series prove that the opening scenes can be as impactful and intriguing as the complete narratives themselves.