guest-stars
Makes brief appearances
Guest-stars functions as a verb meaning to appear as a guest star—a performer featured in a single episode or limited run of a show rather than as a regular cast member: She guest-stars on the season finale.
The noun guest star denotes the performer themselves or the role: Tonight's guest star is a Grammy winner.
Outward visible form
- walk-onSmall nonspeaking role
- uncreditedNot formally recognized
- scene-stealerPerformer eclipsing the lead
- one-offSingular, unrepeated instance
Serialized content unit
- sitcomEpisodic TV comedy series
- dramaTheatrical art or turmoil
- seriesOrdered set of related items
- seasonYearly division or series
arc · storyline · recurring · cast · ensemble · script · finale · premiere
Top-tier famous person
- famePublic recognition, widespread
- red-carpetLavish welcome for dignitaries
- headlinerTop-billed performer
- iconPictorial screen symbol
limelight · big-name · publicity · autographs · paparazzi · entourage · megastar · recognizable
Licensed business operation
- spinoffDerived work from original
- universeComplete system or domain
- multiverseHypothetical set of universes
- continuityUninterrupted progression or coherence
canon · world-building · ensemble · collaboration · team-up · interconnected · mythos · saga
Presenting as highlight
- creditsUnits toward graduation
- marqueeTheater entrance canopy
- introducingMaking first acquaintance
- withIn company of
Continuous low drone
- viewershipCollective television audience
- sweepsUses a broom
- NielsenTV ratings firm
- promotionalRelated to marketing efforts
hype · anticipation · trending · viral · watercooler
appearance
Outward visible form
- walk-onSmall nonspeaking role
- uncreditedNot formally recognized
- scene-stealerPerformer eclipsing the lead
episode
Serialized content unit
season · arc · storyline · recurring · cast · ensemble · script · finale · premiere · pilot
A-lister
Top-tier famous person
- famePublic recognition, widespread
- red-carpetLavish welcome for dignitaries
- headlinerTop-billed performer
icon · limelight · big-name · publicity · autographs · paparazzi · entourage · megastar · recognizable · draw
franchise
Licensed business operation
- spinoffDerived work from original
- universeComplete system or domain
- multiverseHypothetical set of universes
continuity · canon · world-building · ensemble · collaboration · team-up · interconnected · mythos · saga · tie-in
featuring
Presenting as highlight
- creditsUnits toward graduation
- marqueeTheater entrance canopy
- introducingMaking first acquaintance
buzz
Continuous low drone
- viewershipCollective television audience
- sweepsUses a broom
- NielsenTV ratings firm
promotional · hype · anticipation · trending · viral · watercooler
guest-starsseries regulars
Consistent performers across episodes
ensemble cast · leads · mainstays · principals · fixtures
guest, star, guests, stars, guested, guesting, starred, starring, starry