How to cite a TV show episode in Chicago

Chicago style TV show episode citation

To cite a TV show episode in a reference entry in Chicago style 17th edition include the following elements:

  1. Director(s) of the episode: Give first the last name, then the name as presented in the source (e. g. Watson, John). For two directors, reverse only the first name, followed by ‘and’ and the second name in normal order (e. g. Watson, John, and John Watson). End with 'dir' or 'dirs' respectively.
  2. Title of the episode: Give the title in quotation marks.
  3. Title of the show: Give the title as presented in the source.
  4. Season number: Start with 'season' followed by the number.
  5. Episode number: Start with 'episode' followed by the number.
  6. Publisher: Give the publisher name in full.
  7. Year of publication: Give the year of publication as presented in the source.

Here is the basic format for a reference list entry of a TV show episode in Chicago style 17th edition:

Director(s) of the episode. "Title of the episode." Title of the show. season Season number, episode Episode number, Publisher, Year of publication.

Take a look at our reference list examples that demonstrate the Chicago style guidelines in action:

Examples

A TV show episode with one director

Kirk, Brian, dir. "Lord Snow." Game of Thrones, season 1, episode 3, HBO, 2011.

A TV show episode with one director

Spiller, Michael, dir. "When Good Kids Go Bad." Modern Family, season 3, episode 2, 20th Century Fox, 2012.

Automatic citations in seconds

Alternative to