How do I cite a tv show in MLA?

To cite a tv show in MLA (9th edition), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.

What does the in-text citation look like for a tv show in MLA?

In MLA, the in-text citation for the example above is ("Episode Title")

How to Cite a TV Show in MLA (9th edition)

Learn how to cite a TV show or series in MLA format (9th edition). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.

MLA Works Cited Format

Here is the standard MLA format for citing a tv show in your Works Cited page:

"Title of Episode." Series Title, created by Creator Name, season #, episode #, Network, Day Month Year.

MLA Example for a TV Show

A complete MLA reference for a tv show, formatted by the official MLA CSL style definition — the same engine that powers the generator on this site:

Alvarez, Dario. “The Archive.” Field Notes, episode 3, Public Broadcasting Network, 7 Nov. 2023. TV series episode.

Matching in-text citation: (Alvarez)

MLA In-Text Citation

Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:

Parenthetical

("Episode Title")

Narrative

In "Episode Title," the series shows...

Key MLA Formatting Rules

Put the episode title in quotation marks.
Italicize the series title.
Include creator, season, episode, network, and date.

Step-by-Step Guide

Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your tv show.
Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the MLA (9th edition) template shown above.
Create the in-text citation: Add a parenthetical or narrative citation in your paper where you reference this source.
Add to your Works Cited: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match MLA requirements.

Evidence and review notes

Worked examples are generated by citeproc from the published CSL definition, not written by a language model. Editorial guidance and sources in this section were reviewed on 2026-08-14.

CSL style record: mla.csl

Editorial sources

MLA Style Center — works cited →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cite a tv show in MLA?: To cite a tv show in MLA (9th edition), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.
What is the MLA format for a tv show citation?: The MLA format for a tv show is: "Title of Episode." Series Title, created by Creator Name, season #, episode #, Network, Day Month Year.
What does the in-text citation look like for a tv show in MLA?: In MLA, the in-text citation for the example above is ("Episode Title")