airingopening

An airing opening, or opening sequence, is the opening portion of a television program as it is broadcast in its original airing. It typically includes a theme song or instrumental, animation that introduces main characters and setting, and title or network branding. The purpose is to establish mood and brand identity and to signal the start of the episode.

On many programs, the airing opening is distinct from the end credits and may be edited for length or content to fit broadcast constraints. Some shows use a shortened opening during commercial-heavy broadcasts, while others opt to omit the opening entirely for certain episodes, such as special events or time-sensitive news programs. In anime and some live-action series, different openings may be used for different seasons or story arcs, and a new opening can accompany a change in tone or arc progression.

Regional and platform differences can also affect the airing opening. Streaming platforms may replace the original broadcast opening with a platform-specific version, or display the opening at a different time due to licensing or regional content rules. In some cases, a cold open precedes the airing opening, or the opening is delayed after the first scene, especially in formats with a pre-episode teaser.

From a production standpoint, the airing opening is planned during the show's pre-production phase and may be adjusted through testing or in response to audience feedback, music licensing, and broadcast standards. It remains a key element of television branding and episode pacing.