Specials, spin-offs & adaptations · Working
Crossover
Also called: crossover episode
ELI5
A story or episode bringing together characters or worlds from separate series.
Used in conversation
“The season plan needs to show how the crossover functions within the run.”
Pitch context
You may encounter this in a series pitch, pilot process, writers' room or commissioning conversation.
Why it matters: Explains how series are structured, staffed, commissioned, produced and released.
Sources & evidence · 12
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- Directors Guild of America — DGA Creative Rights HandbookDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- Film Independent — Episodic Lab Application and Project MaterialsDirect source · institutional · checked 2026-08-14
- Producers Guild of America — Producers Guild Code of CreditsDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- Screen Australia — Story Documents: DramaDirect source · institutional · checked 2026-08-14
- Scriptnotes / John August — Pitching Television, or Being a Passionate WidgetDirect source · practitioner · checked 2026-08-14
- Writers Guild of America West — No Writing Left BehindDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- Writers Guild of America West — WGAW Project PageDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) — Scripted Pitch Deck GuideSupporting source family · institutional · checked 2026-08-14
- Film Independent — Screenwriting and Episodic Program Application MaterialsSupporting source family · institutional · checked 2026-08-14
- Producers Guild of America — Producing Credits for Episodic Television (Scripted)Supporting source family · institutional · checked 2026-08-14
- Writers Guild of America West — Screenwriters HandbookSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- Format Recognition and Protection Association — FRAPA Format ResourcesSupporting source family · institutional · checked 2026-08-14