crossover episode

Meaning

A television episode where characters from two or more separate, independent shows meet and interact with each other. It is a popular marketing and storytelling technique used to delight fans of both series.

Examples

• The cartoon network announced a special crossover episode featuring characters from both hit shows.

  The cartoon network announced a special crossover episode featuring characters from both hit shows.

• I love it when sitcoms do a crossover episode because the character interactions are so funny.

  I love it when sitcoms do a crossover episode because the character interactions are so funny.

• Writing a crossover episode is challenging because you have to balance two different fictional worlds.

  Writing a crossover episode is challenging because you have to balance two different fictional worlds.

• Did you see the crossover episode where the detectives from the spin-off helped solve the main case?

  Did you see the crossover episode where the detectives from the spin-off helped solve the main case?

• That crossover episode felt a bit forced, but it was still fun to see everyone together.

  That crossover episode felt a bit forced, but it was still fun to see everyone together.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The two shows had a cross episode last night.

  ✓ The two shows had a crossover episode last night.

  The correct industry term is 'crossover episode', not 'cross episode'.

• ✗ I watched a crossover episode where the main character just talked to his regular friends.

  ✓ I watched a regular episode where the main character just talked to his regular friends.

  A crossover episode must involve characters from a completely different show or franchise.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Fans were thrilled when 'The Simpsons' and 'Family Guy' had a ___.

  💡 A TV event where characters from different shows meet.

  Show answer

  crossover episode

• It doesn't make sense for these two dramas to have a ___ because they are set in different centuries.

  💡 An episode merging two distinct shows.

  Show answer

  crossover episode