How to cite a TV show episode in MLA
To cite a TV show episode in a reference entry in MLA style 9th edition include the following elements:
- Title of the episode: Titles are italicized when independent. If part of a larger source add quotation marks and do not italize.
- Title of the TV show: Container titles are italicized and followed by a comma.
- Contributor(s) name: Start with the action of the key contributor (Directed by, Performed by, Produced by, etc.), follow with the name.
- season number: Give the season number of the TV show.
- episode number: Give the episode number.
- Publishing studio: If the name of an academic press contains the words University and Press, use UP e.g. Oxford UP instead of Oxford University Press. If the word "University" doesn't appear, spell out the Press e.g. MIT Press.
- Year of release: 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 MLA style 9th edition:
"Title of the episode." Title of the TV show, by Contributor(s) name, season season number, episode episode number, Publishing studio, Year of release.
Take a look at our works cited examples that demonstrate the MLA style guidelines in action:
One episode of a popular TV show with one key performance
"Lord Snow." Game of Thrones, performance by Kit Harington, season 1, episode 3, HBO, 2011.
One episode of a TV show with its director as key contributor
"When Good Kids Go Bad." Modern Family, directed by Michael Spiller, season 3, episode 2, 20th Century Fox, 2012.
MLA in-text citation of a TV show episode
Audio-visual material uses the specific time of the audio/video for in-text citations.
(Last name time) or (Short form of title time).
One episode of a popular TV show with one key performance
The following scene highlights Jon's loyal character (Lord 00:15:43-00:19:20).
This citation style guide is based on the MLA Handbook (9th edition).