MLA Citation Television Show: A Comprehensive Guide

Citing a television show in MLA format seems straightforward, but there are nuances depending on where and how you accessed the show. This guide provides clear examples for various scenarios, ensuring your academic work is correctly cited.

Citing a Television Episode in MLA Format

The core elements for citing a television episode include the episode title, series title, season and episode number, network, original air date, and platform where you viewed it.

Streaming Services (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime)

When citing an episode from a streaming service, follow this structure:

"Episode Title." *Series Title*, season #, episode #, network, original air date. *Platform Name*, URL.

Example:

"The One Where No One's Ready." *Friends*, season 3, episode 2, NBC, 26 Sept. 1996. *Netflix*, www.netflix.com/watch/70240226.  

Broadcast Television

For episodes viewed on broadcast television, omit the platform information and URL:

"Episode Title." *Series Title*, season #, episode #, network, original air date.

Example:

"Winter is Coming." *Game of Thrones*, season 1, episode 1, HBO, 17 Apr. 2011.

DVD or Blu-ray

When citing an episode from a physical media like DVD or Blu-ray, replace the platform information with the distributor and disc release year:

"Episode Title." *Series Title*, season #, episode #, directed by Director Name, written by Writer Name, network, original air date. *Distributor Name*, disc release year.

Example:

"Pilot." *The Office*, season 1, episode 1, directed by Ken Kwapis, written by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, NBC, 24 Mar. 2005. *Universal Studios Home Entertainment*, 2006.

Citing an Entire Television Series in MLA Format

To cite an entire television series, focus on the creators and overall production information:

Creator Last Name, Creator First Name, creator. *Series Title*. Production Company, original air date range.

Example:

Whedon, Joss, creator. *Buffy the Vampire Slayer*. Mutant Enemy Productions and 20th Century Fox Television, 1997-2003.  

Citing a Specific Performance in a Television Show

If your research focuses on a specific actor’s performance, you can highlight them:

Actor Last Name, Actor First Name, performer. *Series Title*.  Production Company, original air date range.

Example:

Gellar, Sarah Michelle, performer.  *Buffy the Vampire Slayer*. Mutant Enemy Productions and 20th Century Fox Television, 1997-2003.

Key Considerations for MLA Citation of Television Shows

• Accuracy: Double-check all information, including spelling, dates, and URLs.
• Consistency: Maintain consistent formatting throughout your works cited page.
• Medium Specificity: Tailor your citation to the specific medium (streaming, broadcast, DVD) you used.

Conclusion

Accurately citing television shows in MLA format demonstrates academic integrity and allows readers to easily locate your sources. By following these guidelines, you can confidently incorporate television shows into your research. Remember to always consult the latest edition of the MLA Handbook for the most up-to-date information.