How to Cite a TV Show in MLA

• Tomas Elliott (Ph.D.)
• Published on 05/27/2025

Citing a TV show in MLA format requires close attention to the specific episode, form of access, and source. The format is slightly different if the quote is for a stand-alone episode, the series overall, or the site where it can be found (e.g., a streaming platform or DVD). 

This article explains how to cite TV shows in terms of MLA using plain language, third-person voice, and concrete examples that can be used in everyday life.

Citing One Episode of a Television Show (Broadcast or General Audiences Viewing)

To cite one episode of a television show, the following elements need to be included in this order:

Citation	“Rains of Castamere.” Game of Thrones, created by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, season 3, episode 9, HBO Entertainment, 2013.
Structure	“Episode Title.” TV Show Title, created by, season number, episode number, Production Company or Distrzibution Company, Year.

In-text citation:

Example	(“The Rains of Castamere” 40:05)
Structure	(“Title of the episode” Timestamp)

In-text citation would be the title of the episode in quotes and the timestamp if citing a particular scene.

Citing an Episode on a Streaming Platform

When referencing an episode of a TV show accessed from a streaming platform, the citation is in the form of the website title and the full URL.

Citation	“The Vanishing of Will Byers.” Stranger Things, created by The Duffer Brothers, season 1, episode 1, 21 Laps Entertainment, 2016. Netflix, https://www.netflix.com/watch/8007368.
Structure	“Episode Title.” TV Show Title, created by, season number, episode number, Production Company or Distribution Company, Year. Site Name, URL.

In-text citation:

Example	(“The Vanishing of Will Byers” 10:12)
Structure	(“Title of the episode” Timestamp)

Notice that if the creator of the show is not well known or is not credited officially during the course of the series, the citation does not have to involve the creator. But where information on the creator is present, it is proper to have it.

Citing an Episode from DVDs or Other Home Media

When citing an episode of a TV show from a DVD box set or Blu-ray release, both the original air date and physical media details should be provided.

Citation	“College.” 1999. The Sopranos: The Complete First Season, created by David Chase, season 1, episode 5, HBO Home Video, 2000, disc 2.
Structure	“Episode Title.” Original year broadcast. DVD Title, created by, season number, episode number, Production Company, Year, disc number.

In-text citation

Example	(“Colleges” 12:47)
Structure	(“Title of the episode” Timestamp)

The citation includes the year of first broadcast and then the year of DVD release and disc number. This is where the episode is part of a multi-disc set.

Citing the Whole TV Series

If the entire TV series is being quoted and not a specific episode, the citation is based on the overall running time of the show and show authors.

Citation	The Office. Created by Greg Daniels, Deedle-Dee Productions and Universal Television, 2005–2013.
Structure	TV Show Title. Created by, Production Company, Year–Year.

This one does not include specific episode information or a URL. Use this when citing the show in general terms.

Use Sentence Case for Episode Titles and TV Series Titles: Capitalize only the first word and proper nouns in the episode title. Italicize the TV series title but not the episode title. Include Directors and Writers if Relevant to Your Argument: If your argument focuses on the writer or director of an episode, you can include them in the citation after the episode title. List More Than One Production Company if Needed: Some productions have more than one production company responsible for them. MLA allows listing all relevant companies separated by commas. Double-Check the Episode Numbers and Air Dates Every Time: TV series have unusual numbering or different air dates on different platforms and in different regions. Check reputable sources like the official network or IMDb to ensure the exact episode number and release year.