Whether you’re writing a research paper or providing analysis on the television world, it’s important to give proper credit to your sources. Citing a specific TV episode can be challenging because of the numerous formats and platforms through which episodes are released. However, with the right guidance, citing an episode can be a breeze! Below are four common ways to cite a TV episode in different citation styles.

1.Modern Language Association (MLA) Style

In MLA style, you will need to include the episode title, series name, network/production company that aired the episode, original release date, and the platform where you watched it. The format for citing a TV episode is as follows:

“Episode Title.” Series Name, season number, episode number, Network/Production Company, Original Air Date. Platform.

Example:

“Battle of the Bastards.” Game of Thrones, season 6, episode 9, HBO Home Entertainment, 2016. HBO NOW.

2.American Psychological Association (APA) Style

For APA style citations, you should include the producer’s last name and initials, the director’s last name and initials (if known), release year, episode title (italicized), series name (italicized), season and episode number in parentheses, and the production company.

Producer(s), P. I., & Director(s), D.I. (Release Year). Episode title (Season Number, Episode Number) [Television series episode]. In P.R. Producer (Executive producer), Series name. Production Company.

Example:

Benioff, D., & Weiss, D. B. (2016). Battle of the bastards (Season 6, Episode 9) [Television series episode]. In B.Weiner (Executive producer), Game of Thrones. HBO Entertainment.

3.Chicago Manual of Style

Citing a TV episode in Chicago Manual of Style requires including the episode title, series name, season and episode number (in parentheses), original air date, directed by the director’s name, and written by the writer(s) name.

“Episode Title,” Series Name, season number, episode number, directed by Director’s Name, written by Writer’s Name, aired Original Air Date.

Example:

“Battle of the Bastards,” Game of Thrones, (Season 6, Episode 9), directed by Miguel Sapochnik, written by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, aired June 19, 2016.

4.Council of Science Editors (CSE) Style

For CSE style citations, include the writer(s)’ last name and initials (if known), release year in parentheses, episode title (italicized), series name (italicized), season number (in parentheses), episode number (in parentheses), production company, and platform accessed on.

Writer(s) WI. Year. Episode title [television series]. Series name; season(episode). Production company [accessed YYYY Month DD]. Platform.

Example:

Benioff D & Weiss DB. 2016. Battle of the bastards [television series]. Game of Thrones; S6(E9). HBO Entertainment [accessed 2019 July 20]. HBO NOW.

By understanding and using these four ways to cite a TV episode appropriately, you’ll ensure that your work is both accurate and professionally formatted. Always remember to double-check your citation style’s guidelines to make certain you’ve included all necessary information.