SNL cold open
Definition
A 'SNL cold open' is the opening sketch or segment on Saturday Night Live (SNL), the iconic American late-night sketch comedy and variety show, that airs immediately before the title sequence, theme music, and announcer's introduction, diving straight into the humor without preamble.
This format, popularized by SNL since its 1975 debut, sets the comedic tone for the episode and often features timely parodies, celebrity cameos, or absurd vignettes.
Examples
The SNL cold open last week turned a mundane traffic jam into a full-blown alien invasion farce.
Nothing preps you for a lazy Saturday like cracking up at an SNL cold open that roasts your favorite guilty-pleasure app.
That SNL cold open with the malfunctioning AI butler had me snorting coffee across the room.
SNL cold opens are like appetizers that steal the whole dinner party's thunder every time.