A wide shot that covers the whole room or background, used to set the scene, and tell the viewer visually where the scene will be taking place. Almost always placed at the beginning of the scene.
All too often the outside of the building — Perfect Strangers, Seinfeld, Happy Days, Cheers — with a snip of theme music. Occasionally zooming into one window.
Science fiction shows often use shots of [...] [tvtropes.org]