couch gag
Opening sequence bit
A couch gag is a recurring joke or visual bit that varies each episode while occupying the same structural slot—named for *The Simpsons*, where the family's arrival at their couch changes weekly.
The term now applies to any show's variable opening sequence element: The couch gag tonight was the longest they've ever done.
Brief opening section
- opening sequenceInitial portion of presentation
- sofaMulti-seat cushioned furniture
- living roomHome's social space
- HomerAncient Greek epic composer
Bart · Lisa · Maggie · Springfield · Matt Groening · Fox · animation · sitcom
Exaggerated physical humor
- parodySatirical imitation
- satireMockery exposing vice
- punchlineHumor's final delivery
- absurdistBeliever in cosmic meaninglessness
surreal · comedic timing · spoof · farce · irony · physical comedy · exaggeration · subversion
intro
Brief opening section
- opening sequenceInitial portion of presentation
- sofaMulti-seat cushioned furniture
- living roomHome's social space
Homer · Bart · Lisa · Maggie · Springfield · Matt Groening · Fox · animation · sitcom · chalkboard
slapstick
Exaggerated physical humor
absurdist · surreal · comedic timing · spoof · farce · irony · physical comedy · exaggeration · subversion · self-referential
buildup
Gradual accumulation over time
- payoffCulminating benefit received
- expectationBelief about future outcomes
- suspenseAnxious uncertainty about outcomes
setup · reveal · countdown · eagerness · prelude · routine · ritual · tradition · familiar · recognition
recurring
Happening repeatedly over time
weekly · creative · surprise · twist · reinvention · novelty · unpredictable · fresh · inventive · rotating
couch gagmain plot
Primary sequence of events
A-story · dramatic climax · story arc · character development · plot twist
couch gagclosing credits
Post-film name roster
stinger · post-credits scene · finale · denouement · cliffhanger ending
couch, gag, couches, couched, couching, gags, gagged, gagging