APA (American Psychological Association) and MLA (Modern Language Association) are two of the most common formats when citing references. APA focuses more on social studies and education subject matters, while MLA is widely used in the humanities field. However, both styles can be used generally. Aside from book references, they can also be used for citing television sources. Below are the ways on how to cite a television show properly.
MLA VS. APA
Generally, both MLA and APA consist of the basic information needed for proper citation, varying styles, and format rules. Both MLA and APA require a parenthetical citation in the paper’s body and full reference at the end. For formatting, they differ in capitalization, how to place the author’s name or writer, and the date.
For in-text citations, both styles use parenthetical citations but may or may not include some details. For instance, in APA, the author’s last name and the publication year are to be included. On the other hand, MLA incorporates the book’s page number where the quote is referred to.
Here are the general formatting rules for both APA and MLA:
- 12 pt. Times New Roman font
- Double spacing
- 1-inch margins
Citing Other Common Sources
Different sources require different formats for citation. Some of the common and varied sources we use for reference include television shows, films, movies, interviews, and conference proceedings. Here’s how to cite a television show.
Citing television shows using MLA format:
- Television Episodes (Recorded). To cite recorded episodes, you have to start with the title of the episode enclosed in quotation marks. Next, input the name of the television series in italics. In case the title of the collection is not the same as that of the series, use the title so that researchers can easily locate the source. Follow with the distributor name and the distribution date. Here’s an example: “The Ghost of the Past.” Chicago Med Season 5, written by Michael Brandt and Derek Haas, directed by Michael Waxman, Wolf Entertainment, 2020.
- Radio Program or Broadcast TV. Citing a radio program or broadcast TV should start with the title of the episode enclosed in quotation marks, followed by the title of the series or program in italics. You also need to incorporate the name of the network, call letters of the station, and the broadcast city and date. Here’s an example: “When Miracles Happen.” Medium. Fox, WXIA, Augusta, 19 Oct. 2019.
- Other platforms like Netflix, Google Play, Hulu. To cite a specific episode, enclose the title of the episode in quotation marks. Follow with the title of the series or show in italics. Cite the number of the episode, the distributor, the date aired, platform, and the link. Here’s how it should look like: “Pain is for the Living.” Emily in Paris, season 1, episode 4, NBC, 20 Sept. 2019. Netflix, www.netflix.com/watch/70151588.
- TV Series. How to cite a television show should follow the following format: Name or names of series creators, followed by the series’ name in italics, the production house, and the year aired. Barett, Frolov, and John Schur, creators. Emily in Paris. Wolf Entertainment and Universal Television, 2019.
Citing television shows using APA format:
- Television series. How to cite a television show in APA follows this format: The name of the producer, followed by the year of production, the title of the series in italics, the city, state, and network. Here’s an example: Barett, D. L. (Producer). (2020). Chicago Med. Los Angeles, CA: American Broadcasting Company.
- Specific Episode. Begin the citation with the name of the writer and director, date aired, the title of the episode, name of producer, title of the show in italics, city and network. Here’s what it should look like: Jules, C. (Director). (2020, Feb 6). Leave the Choice to Solomon. [Television series episode] In B. Sulley (Producer), Chicago Med. Boston, MA: Wolf Entertainment and Universal Television.
- Television broadcast. Television broadcast citation begins with the producer at the beginning of the citation, the date produced, the title of television broadcast in italics, city, state, and network. The format should be: Strauss, I. M. (Producer) (2019, September 1). Chicago Med [Television broadcast]. Boston, MA: Wolf Entertainment and Universal Television.
Conclusion
How to cite a television show properly is important to give due credits to your sources. Not doing so, on the other hand, can cause plagiarism issues since not having citations may indicate that all information is yours. Citing your sources also provides you with a valid back up to support your claim or study. Know more about how to use appliances.