Citing a TV show episode correctly in MLA format is essential for academic integrity and giving proper credit to the creators of the content you’re referencing. The core principle is providing enough information for your reader to locate the specific episode you used. This article will guide you through the process, ensuring your citations are accurate and compliant with the latest MLA Handbook guidelines.
The Foundation: Core Elements of a TV Show Episode Citation
The Modern Language Association (MLA) advocates for clarity and accessibility in citations. When citing a TV show episode, you’re essentially citing a part of a larger work. The fundamental elements to include are:
- Episode Title: The specific title of the episode, enclosed in quotation marks.
- Series Title: The title of the overall TV show, italicized.
- Season and Episode Number: Indicated using “Season” and “Episode” abbreviations, followed by the respective numbers.
- Director (if relevant): While optional, including the director provides additional context. Use “Directed by” before the director’s name.
- Network/Streaming Service: The platform where the show originally aired or is available for streaming.
- Year of Original Broadcast: The year the episode first aired.
Building the Citation: Examples in Practice
Here are a few examples demonstrating how to construct a proper MLA citation for a TV show episode:
Example 1: A Standard Episode
“The Constant.” Lost, season 4, episode 5, ABC, 2008.
Example 2: Including the Director
“Ozymandias.” Breaking Bad, directed by Rian Johnson, season 5, episode 14, AMC, 2013.
Example 3: A Streaming Service Episode
“The Pilot.” Ted Lasso, season 1, episode 1, Apple TV+, 2020.
The Works Cited Page: Presentation Matters
The complete citation belongs on your Works Cited page, which is a separate page at the end of your paper. Entries on this page should be alphabetized by the first element of the citation, usually the episode title. Remember to use hanging indents for each entry.
FAQs: Demystifying TV Show Episode Citations
Here are some frequently asked questions to address specific scenarios and nuances of MLA citation for TV show episodes:
Question 1: What if the episode doesn’t have a title?
If an episode lacks a specific title, use a descriptive phrase in place of the title. This description should be clear and concise and placed within quotation marks. For example: “Episode featuring a cooking competition.” MasterChef, season 10, episode 3, Fox, 2019.
Question 2: How do I cite a TV show episode I watched on DVD?
If you watched the episode on DVD, replace the network/streaming service with the DVD publisher and year of release. For example: “The Constant.” Lost, season 4, episode 5, Buena Vista Home Entertainment, 2008.
Question 3: What if I want to cite the entire TV series, not just an episode?
To cite the entire TV series, include the title of the show (italicized), the creator (if known), the years the show aired, and the platform. For example: The Sopranos. Created by David Chase, HBO, 1999-2007.
Question 4: Is it necessary to include the writer of the episode?
While the MLA format prioritizes the director, you can include the writer’s name after the director, separated by “Written by.” For example: “Ozymandias.” Breaking Bad, directed by Rian Johnson, written by Moira Walley-Beckett, season 5, episode 14, AMC, 2013.
Question 5: How do I cite a web series episode?
The format for citing a web series episode is similar to that of a TV show episode. Include the episode title (in quotation marks), the series title (italicized), the season and episode number (if available), the platform where it’s hosted (e.g., YouTube, Vimeo), and the date the episode was published. For example: “Pilot.” High Maintenance, season 1, episode 1, Vimeo, 11 Nov. 2012.
Question 6: What if there are multiple directors or writers for an episode?
If there are multiple directors, list them in the order they are credited. Use “Directed by” followed by each director’s name, separated by “and.” The same principle applies to writers. For example: “Two Cathedrals.” The West Wing, directed by Thomas Schlamme and John Wells, written by Aaron Sorkin and Rick Cleveland, season 2, episode 22, NBC, 2001.
Question 7: Do I need to include the runtime of the episode?
Including the runtime is optional but can be helpful to your reader. Include it after the network/streaming service and year, followed by “min.” For example: “The Constant.” Lost, season 4, episode 5, ABC, 2008, 43 min.
Question 8: How do I cite an episode from a show that’s still airing?
If the show is still airing, use a hyphen after the year it began and leave the ending year blank. For example: The Crown. Netflix, 2016-.
Question 9: What if the episode is part of a larger movie or special?
In this case, cite it as part of a film, including the title of the larger work (italicized), the director, the film’s release year, and then specify the episode within it.
Question 10: Where do I find the information needed for the citation?
The episode title, series title, season and episode number, and director are typically found in the episode’s opening credits, on the show’s website, or on streaming platforms like Netflix or Hulu. The original air date can usually be found on websites like IMDb.
Question 11: What is a hanging indent, and how do I create it?
A hanging indent means that the first line of your citation is flush with the left margin, while subsequent lines are indented. In Microsoft Word, you can create a hanging indent by highlighting the citation, right-clicking, selecting “Paragraph,” and then choosing “Hanging” under the “Special” dropdown menu.
Question 12: How important is it to follow the MLA format precisely?
Following the MLA format precisely is crucial for academic integrity and demonstrating your commitment to accuracy and proper sourcing. While slight variations might be tolerated, consistently adhering to the guidelines builds credibility and ensures your work is taken seriously. Consistency and accuracy are key.
Conclusion: Mastering the Art of MLA Citation
Citing a TV show episode in MLA format might seem daunting initially, but understanding the core elements and applying the principles outlined above will empower you to create accurate and professional citations. Remember to consult the latest edition of the MLA Handbook for the most up-to-date guidelines. By paying close attention to detail and following these steps, you can confidently cite your sources and showcase your scholarly integrity.