Intro sequences on TV shows and credits

[crt89]

I don't watch much TV these days but the intro sequences on TV shows seem to be shortened these days, and shows usually start with what is called "cold opens".

Some of my favorite shows like Matlock have episode previews before the opening sequence, but with so many commercials these days, it could not work. For Matlock's NBC days, there wasn't even a mention of what the preview was of before it started. It wasn't until it moved to ABC that they had Andy say "Next, on Matlock." Made it interesting when the shows were in afternoon syndication and just started with no noting of what it was.

I have noticed a few new series will show scenes from the previous episode and say "Previously on..." but these don't do any opening sequence.

And another things, credits with theme music definitely don't happen anymore except for syndicated shows. They're always just over to the side with tiny print and talk about other programs playing over them. I doubt shows even produce actual credits anymore other than giving the info to the network to flash by on the screen.

HGTV and others do that a lot, especially when they air multiple episodes of shows like House Hunters in blocks. They will even show the credits for the previous episode while the next one is starting.