History Main / SpinoffSendoff

-> ''Well this is a new ship. But she's got the right name. You treat her like a lady, she'll always bring you home.''

** An early scene in ''Series/StarTrekVoyager'''s pilot episode "Caretaker" has the eponymous ship docked at Deep Space Nine, and Tom Paris intervening to stop Quark from conning Harry Kim.
** Subverted by ''Series/StarTrekEnterprise'', as it is not sent off by the previous series (due to being a prequel set 100 years before even ''TOS''), but rather by one of The Next Generation's movies, ''Film/StarTrekFirstContact'', with a recorded message from Zefram Cochrane. The show also ends with Riker participating in the events of the GrandFinale in a holodeck recreation.

** The franchise has been doing this since ''Series/TokusouSentaiDekaranger'' with the Red Ranger of the previous series meeting the Red Ranger of the new series after the credits of the final episode.
** It wasn't the very first, however, it's just the first season where it starts become an annual thing per season. A special franchise RecapEpisode of ''Series/MiraiSentaiTimeranger'' features the Timerangers traversing through the history of ''Super Sentai'', and eventually came up to their successor, ''Series/HyakujuuSentaiGaoranger'', wishing them good luck.

** A double-sided one occurs with ''Series/MashinSentaiKiramager'' and 45th anniversary season ''Series/KikaiSentaiZenkaiger''. The ''Kiramager'' finale ends with Juru drawing a portrait of the Zenkaigers on instinct; in turn, the ''Zenkaiger'' pilot opens with a DownerBeginning of the ''Kiramager'' universe - and every other ''Super Sentai'' world in TheMultiverse - getting captured by TheEmpire and [[SealedGoodInACan trapped inside small gears in their headquarters]].

** It wasn't the very first, however, it's just the first season where it starts become an annual thing per season. A special episode of ''Series/MiraiSentaiTimeranger'' features the Timerangers traversing through the history of Super Sentai, and eventually came up to their successor, ''Series/HyakujuuSentaiGaoranger'', and the Timerangers wished the Gaorangers good luck after the former's time.
** ''Series/GoGoSentaiBoukenger'', being the 30th anniversary season, ended most of its episodes with looks back at the franchise's history. For the next-to-last episode, they instead looked ahead and showed off ''Series/JukenSentaiGekiranger''.

* VideoGame/TheWalkingDead: Both Glenn and Hershel show up in Episode 1.

* ''Franchise/KamenRider'' has an inversion of this where characters from the incoming series will appear in the current show. Starting with ''Series/KamenRiderDecade'', almost every series[[note]]with the exception of ''Series/KamenRiderGaim''[[/note]] has had the incoming Rider pull a BigDamnHeroes moment during the summer movie and help his predecessor fight a strong opponent.

** Starting with ''Series/KamenRiderWizard'', several shows have actually ended their main stories early so the last episode or two can be dedicated to an actual crossover with the incumbent Rider; again, ''Gaim'' is the exception[[note]]Though its main plot ''does'' end in the penultimate episode, the final episode is just a post-script focusing on its own cast[[/note]].

* The ''Franchise/SuperSentai'' franchise has been doing this since ''Series/TokusouSentaiDekaranger'' with the Red Ranger of the previous series meeting the Red Ranger of the new series after the credits of the final episode.

* Humorously {{lampshaded}} and {{subverted}} in this [[https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DgYmtBIVQAACZjW.jpg mini-comic]] by Hiro Mashima, where [[Manga/FairyTail Natsu]] attempts to pass the baton to [[Manga/EdensZero Shiki]]...only for Shiki to snap it in half and give one piece back to Natsu as they race off together with smiles. This is meant to show that ''Fairy Tail'' would still be continuing alongside ''Edens Zero'' through the anime's final season and an official sequel manga supervised by Mashima.

* ''Anime/SpacePatrolLuluco'' used this to announce the ''Anime/LittleWitchAcademia2017'' anime, with it's final scene having Luluco and Akko high-fiving as they fly past each other.

* ''Film/StarTrekGenerations'' acts as a bridge between ''TOS'' and ''TNG'' (although the movie came out a few months after ''TNG'' ended it's run).

* The final episode of ''WesternAnimation/DoraTheExplorer'', "Let's Go To Music School", features the Explorer Girls, who appear in the sequel ''WesternAnimation/DoraAndFriendsIntoTheCity''. Unfortunately, in most parts of the world, this episode aired after that series had premiered. Not only that, but in the United States, the episode aired long after ''Dora and Friends'' had been cancelled.

* The pilot episode of ''[[Series/TheFlash2014 The Flash]]'' shows Barry Allen meeting with [[Series/{{Arrow}} Oliver Queen]], with Oliver giving Barry some helpful advice.
-->'''Barry Allen:''' What if I'm not a hero? What if I'm some guy who was struck by lightning?\\

* The last comic for the previous incarnation of WebAnimation/DCSuperHeroGirls has their Zatanna show their main cast an [[{{Multiverse}} alternate universe]] which turns out to be the [[WesternAnimation/DCSuperHeroGirls their 2019]] [[IntraFranchiseCrossover incarnations]]. Amusingly their versions of Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy are a little put off that they're villains in the new continuity.

* The last comic for the previous incarnation of WebAnimation/DCSuperHeroGirls has their Zatanna show their main cast an [[{{Multiverse}} alternate universe]] which turns out to be the [[WesternAnimation/DCSuperHeroGirls the 2019]] [[IntraFranchiseCrossover incarnation]]. Amusingly their versions of Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy are a little put off that they're villains in the new continuity.

* In the second ''Series/TheMuppetShow'' pilot, "Sex and Violence", Kermit (who was not the host in this version) appears briefly in the "At the Dance" skit, asking his dance partner if she'd like to break into [[Series/SesameStreet children's television]]. In the second episode of the series proper, Bert and Ernie show up to perform a skit, where Bert worries that their little kid's show comedy wouldn't cut it on the new show meant for older audiences.

* Since ''Anime/HappinessChargePrettyCure'', the ''Franchise/PrettyCure'' series has borrowed a trick used in ''Franchise/SuperSentai'' in which during a post-credits segment in the final episode (in lieu of the usual next-episode preview), the lead Pink Cure of the now-finished series [[ThankingTheViewer thanks the viewers]] for watching the past season, and in an inversion of this trope, meets and introduces the next Pink Cure. Prior to this, they just showed a "Thank You" sketch. Presumably for the [[MilestoneCelebration 10th anniversary of the franchise]] that ''[=HaCha=]'' marked, they wanted to do something new.

* ''Anime/SpacePatrolLuluco'' used this to announce the ''Anime/LittleWitchAcademia'' anime, with it's final scene having Luluco and Akko high-fiving as they fly past each other.

* Parodied and Lampshaded on ''WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons'' on the "Spinoff Showcase" episode. For Wiggum's spinoff, Troy [=McClure=] hints some familiar faces might drop by to wish Wiggum luck. In the episode, The Simpsons appear in Mardi-Gras costumes and lampshade tropes going into the parody spinoff.
** In same episode, the one with Abe Simpson as the Lovematic Grandpa has Homer drop into the bar - at which point Abe furiously berates him for how outrageously cheap Homer was in providing for Abe's funeral. This ends when point Homer pulls Abe's plug out (again) and leaves.

** The final episode of ''Happiness Charge'' as a result saw Cure Lovely thank viewers for watching the ending season, introduce Cure Flora of ''Anime/GoPrincessPrettyCure'' and wish the viewers will keep watching the series.

** In ''Series/StarTrekDeepSpaceNine'''s pilot episode "Emissary", Sisko arrives at his new posting to find the ''Enterprise'' already docked there, which becomes a problem since Sisko lost his wife at [[ Recap/StarTrekTheNextGenerationS3E26S4E1TheBestOfBothWorlds Wolf 359]] and has difficulty separating Picard from the figurehead of that attack. At the end of the episode Sisko has some epiphanies, makes peace with Picard, and Picard gives him his blessing.

** ''Series/StarTrekDeepSpaceNine'''s pilot episode "Emissary" starts with the Enterprise-D docked with the eponymous station. Captain Picard appears and the new Commander Sisko promptly tells him how much he hates him. Sisko has some epiphanies, makes peace with Picard, and Picard gives him his blessing.

** ''Series/StarTrekVoyager'''s pilot episode "Caretaker" starts docked at Deep Space Nine, with Quark trying to con Harry Kim.

A ''Spin-Off Sendoff'' is when characters and settings from one series is used to transition to those of a SpinOff show or next installment of a SeriesFranchise. This is usually done by having the first episode of the new series feature these characters in one final appearance, though it can also come in the form of the new characters show up in TheStinger of the original show's final episode.

!!Examples

[[folder:{{Film}}]]

[[folder: Literature]]

[[folder:Live Action TV]]
* Each of the ''Franchise/StarTrek'' spinoff series has one.
** ''Series/StarTrekTheNextGeneration'''s pilot episode, "Encounter at Farpoint" has a visit from [[Series/StarTrekTheOriginalSeries The Original Series']] Dr. Admiral [[Creator/DeForestKelley McCoy]], who inspects the Enterprise-D and gives it his blessing.
--->''Treat her like a lady, and she'll always bring you home.''
** ''Series/StarTrekDeepSpaceNine'''s pilot episode "Emissary" starts with the Enterprise-D docked with the eponymous station. Captain Picard appears and the new Commander Sisko promptly tells him how much he hates him. Sisko has some epiphanies, makes peace with Picard, and Picard gives him his blessing.
*** It literally happens to TNG semi-regular Chief O'Brien, when he's sent to [=DS9=] by Picard himself, who wishes him well on his new assignment.
** ''Series/StarTrekVoyager'''s pilot episode "Caretaker" starts docked at Deep Space Nine, with Quark trying to con Harry Kim.
** Subverted by ''Series/StarTrekEnterprise'', as it is not sent off by the previous series (due to being a prequel set 100 years before even ''TOS''), but rather by one of The Next Generation's movies, ''Film/StarTrekFirstContact'', with a recorded message from Zefram Cochrane. The show also ends with Riker participating in the events of the GrandFinale in a holodeck recreation.
** Averted with ''Series/StarTrekDiscovery'', as another prequel series, albeit taking place 10 years before TOS. The season 1 ending has the ''Discovery'' coming nose-to-nose with the ''Enterprise'' (under Pike's command) as the original theme is playing.
* ''Series/StargateAtlantis'' starts with a visit to the arctic expedition by [[Series/StargateSG1 SG-1's]] Jack O'Neill and Daniel Jackson.
** A variation: Teal'c shows up in Sam's first Atlantis episode to wish her well.
** ''Series/StargateUniverse'' - O'Neill picks up Eli, Jackson's on the info discs and Carter shows up commanding the Hammond.

* It wasn't during the pilot of ''Series/NCISLosAngeles'', but somewhere early in Season 1 Abby from ''Series/{{NCIS}}'' dropped in on the Los Angeles team.
** Abby was also in an ad for ''NCIS LA'' before it first aired: "Are you guys following me?"
** Director Vance also made several appearances in the first season. [[JustifiedTrope Which is understandable,]] as he IS the Director of all NCIS.
** Bud Roberts from ''Series/{{JAG}}'' was also in a first season episode of ''NCIS''.

** Years later ''Series/TheJeffersons'' would produce its own short-lived spinoff, ''CheckingIn'' featuring Florence as the main character. George drops by to wish his ex maid good luck in her new job as executive housekeeper for a hotel (and to make sure she gives his dry cleaner the hotel's cleaning business).

* The pilot episode of ''[[Series/TheFlash2014 The Flash]]'' shows Barry Allen meeting with [[Series/{{Arrow}} Oliver Queen]], with Oliver giving Barry some helpful advice.
--> '''Barry Allen:''' What if I'm not a hero? What if I'm some guy who was struck by lightning?
--> '''Oliver Queen:''' I don't think that bolt of lightning struck you, Barry. I think it chose you.
--> '''Barry Allen:''' I'm just not sure I'm like you, Oliver. I don't know if I can be some... vigilante.
--> '''Oliver Queen:''' You can be better, because you can inspire people in a way that I never could, watching over your city like a guardian angel... making a difference... saving people... in a ''flash''. Take your own advice: Wear a mask.

* The first episode of ''[[{{Series/DoctorWho}} Doctor Who]]'' spinoff ''[[{{Series/Class2016}} Class]]'' features an appearance by the Twelfth Doctor, giving the main characters some advice on defending Earth from alien invaders.
* ''Franchise/KamenRider'' has an inversion of this where characters from the incoming series will appear in the current show. Starting with ''Series/KamenRiderDecade'', almost every series[[note]]with the exception of ''Series/KamenRiderGaim''[[/note]] has had the incoming Rider pull a BigDamnHeroes moment during the summer movie and help his predecessor fight a strong opponent.
** Sometimes it's played straighter; the final episode of ''Series/KamenRiderOOO'' has a scene where Hina passes by [[Series/KamenRiderFourze Kengo and Yuki]] on their way to their respective schools. Likewise, the last episode of ''Fourze'' has Shun's attempt to propose to Miu get derailed because she sees [[Series/KamenRiderWizard Haruto]] flashing his RingOfPower.
** Starting with ''Series/KamenRiderWizard'', several shows have actually ended their main stories early so the last episode or two can be dedicated to an actual crossover with the incumbent Rider; again, ''Gaim'' is the exception[[note]]Though its main plot ''does'' end in the penultimate episode, the final episode is just a post-script focusing on its own cast[[/note]].
** A more direct version of this occurs at the end of ''Film/KamenRiderXKamenRiderGhostAndDriveSuperMovieWarGenesis'', where the ''Ghost'' cast attends the wedding of ''Drive''[='s=] protagonist Shinnosuke, who tells Takeru "I'll leave the [[MonsterOfTheWeek Ganma]] to you." [[spoiler:Though this is also a practical move, since Drive's gear was sealed away after the battle with the movie's villains.]]
** The franchise almost played it completely straight, as Toei filmed a literal baton-passing sequence for ''Series/KamenRiderFaiz'' and ''Series/KamenRiderBlade'', with the two shows' stars meeting face-to-face. However, the sequence went unaired and fans only found out about it years later when still photos of it were published in a magazine.
* In the pilot of ''Series/{{Knots Landing}}'', ''Series/{{Dallas}}'' character Bobby Ewing helped his brother Gary and sister-in-law Valene settle into the cul-de-sac.

[[folder:VideoGame]]

[[folder:WesternAnimation]]
* Parodied and Lampshaded on ''TheSimpsons'' on the "Spinoff Showcase" episode. For Wiggum's spinoff, Troy [=McClure=] hints some familiar faces might drop by to wish Wiggum luck. In the episode, The Simpsons appear in Mardi-Gras costumes and lampshade tropes going into the parody spinoff.
** In same episode, the one with Abe Simpson as the Lovematic Grandpa has Homer drop into the bar - at which point Abe furiously berates him for how outrageously cheap Homer was in providing for Abe's funeral. This ends when point Homer pulls Abe's plug out (again) and leaves.
-->'''Grandpa''': That's the second time he pulled the plug on me...

* The first episode of ''[[WesternAnimation/TheLegendOfKorra The Legend Of Korra]]'' features an appearance by an elderly [[WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender Katara]] as one of Korra's trainers. She encourages Korra in her plan to run off to Republic City, helping set the series in motion.
* The final episode of ''WesternAnimation/DoraTheExplorer'', "Let's Go To Music School", features the Explorer Girls, who appear in the sequel ''WesternAnimation/DoraAndFriendsIntoTheCity''. Unfortunately, in most parts of the world, this episode aired after that series had premiered. Not only that, but in the United States, the episode aired long after ''Dora and Friends'' had been cancelled.

* The final episode of ''WesternAnimation/DoraTheExplorer'', "Let's Go To Music School", showcases two of Dora's new friends, Kate and Emma, who appear in the sequel ''WesternAnimation/DoraAndFriendsIntoTheCity''. Unfortunately, in most parts of the world, this episode aired not only after that series had premiered. Not only that, but in the United States, the episode aired long after ''Dora and Friends'' had been cancelled.

A ''Spin-Off Sendoff'' is when characters and settings from one series is used to transition to those of a SpinOff show or next installment of a SeriesFranchise. This can either be done by having the new characters show up in TheStinger of the original show's final episode, or the first episode of the new series having the old characters make one final appearance before the new ones take the stage.

Doing this has the advantage of guaranteeing a built-in audience: it not only raises interest by establishing the new show as being in the same universe or continuity as one the audience is already fond of, but the latter case also entices viewership by promising the return of their favourite characters for one last time.