Okay, this is a very random question. I'm writing my own TV script, and I love the format of the MacGyver episodes. (how the theme song is first, then the acts and commercials instead of opening, theme, acts, commercials) Anyone know anything about the format of this? Such as, where is the teaser in those episodes?

If that even made any sense...

what do you mean by teaser?

Well, apparently that's the term they use for the opening of modern shows. You know, the 5 minutes or so before the theme song and the first commercial break? I've only seen them on a couple of MacGyver episodes (most seem to start with the theme song). I personally prefer the MacGyver format, but I was wondering if anyone knew exactly what the format is.

I guess I don't really know how to formulate that question...

You mean which structure the writing follows?

Like opening gambit, theme song, first act, second act, third act, fourth act.

Between each act there is a fade out in place most likely to announce upcoming commercials. During the reruns in Belgium we had a commericial break after the first act and the third act.

But as said on the above, I think that's what you mean, right?

Yes, that's what I mean! Couldn't find the words for it.

Opening gambit, huh? That sounds better.

So, there's an opening gambit, theme song, and then 4 acts? Does that apply to all of them, or just some? I feel like most of the ones I've seen just go right into the theme song.

The opening gambits were only used in the first season, and I don't even think they were in all of the first season episodes, though it's been a while since I've watched MacGyver, so I can't say for sure.

Actually, the opening to Season 5 (Legend Of The Holy Rose) kind of had an opening gambit, but it came after the credits.

The Gambits were "mini stories" which had to relevance to the actual episode and where used sparingly in only a hand full of episodes through out the whole series.

For the most part the MacGyver episodes followed the standard 3 act format with no teaser or "cold open". It was common in the 80's that shows started with the opening credits instead of having a teaser before the titles. Although I think it's still used a lot these days for sitcoms?

Opening credit
Act One
Act Two
Act Three
Closing credits


* I assume the name gambit was taken from the opening gambit move of a chess game where a piece is sacrificed in the hope of achieving an advantage - in this case the advantage would be to draw the viewer in.

Each act usually takes up about twelve minutes. First three takes up about 36 minutes and than you have the final scenes + closing credits. Which should bring it usually down to 45 minutes.

That would be a 4 act.

The conclusion would normally be the end of the 3rd act

Right. Begin, middle, end. I always counted four fade outs in a episode. In Obsessed for instance. First act ends when Mac traced Murdoc's call, second act, Mac leaves Pete's office, third act Mac first attempt to escape to rocket fails, fourth act, Murdoc drives off cliff. So actually 3 big ones, one small.

Ah well, we know what we mean.