
Citing a TV show in APA format can be as perplexing as trying to understand the plot of a time-travel series. The American Psychological Association (APA) style is widely used in academic writing, particularly in the social sciences. However, when it comes to citing non-traditional sources like TV shows, the rules can seem a bit murky. This article will guide you through the process, offering multiple perspectives and detailed instructions to ensure your citations are both accurate and effective.
Understanding the Basics of APA Citation
Before diving into the specifics of citing a TV show, it’s essential to grasp the foundational principles of APA citation. APA style emphasizes clarity and conciseness, requiring authors to provide enough information for readers to locate the source themselves. This typically includes the author’s name, publication date, title, and source.
The Core Elements of an APA Citation
- Author(s): The individual or group responsible for the content.
- Date: The year of publication or broadcast.
- Title: The name of the TV show or episode.
- Source: The medium through which the content was accessed (e.g., TV network, streaming service).
Citing a TV Show in APA: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Citing an Entire TV Series
When citing an entire TV series, the format is relatively straightforward. You’ll need to include the executive producer(s), the year the series began (and ended, if applicable), the title of the series, and the production company.
Format:
Executive Producer(s). (Year). *Title of the series* [TV series]. Production Company.
Example:
Vince Gilligan (Executive Producer). (2008-2013). *Breaking Bad* [TV series]. Sony Pictures Television.
2. Citing a Specific Episode
Citing a specific episode requires a bit more detail. You’ll need to include the writer(s) and director(s) of the episode, the year the episode aired, the title of the episode, the season and episode number, and the title of the series.
Format:
Writer(s) & Director(s). (Year). *Title of the episode* (Season number, Episode number) [TV series episode]. In *Title of the series*. Production Company.
Example:
Vince Gilligan (Writer) & Michelle MacLaren (Director). (2013). *Ozymandias* (Season 5, Episode 14) [TV series episode]. In *Breaking Bad*. Sony Pictures Television.
3. Citing a TV Show Accessed via Streaming Services
With the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, citing TV shows accessed online has become increasingly common. The citation format is similar to citing a TV show, but you’ll need to include the URL or DOI if available.
Format:
Executive Producer(s). (Year). *Title of the series* [TV series]. Streaming Service. URL or DOI
Example:
Jenji Kohan (Executive Producer). (2013-2019). *Orange is the New Black* [TV series]. Netflix. https://www.netflix.com
Multiple Perspectives on APA Citation for TV Shows
The Traditionalist Perspective
Traditionalists argue that APA citation should remain consistent across all media types. They believe that the core elements—author, date, title, and source—should suffice, regardless of whether the source is a book, journal article, or TV show. This perspective emphasizes the importance of uniformity in academic writing.
The Modernist Perspective
Modernists, on the other hand, advocate for more flexible citation rules that account for the evolving nature of media. They argue that the rise of digital platforms and streaming services necessitates a more nuanced approach to citation. This perspective highlights the need for clarity and accessibility in an increasingly digital world.
The Pragmatist Perspective
Pragmatists take a middle ground, suggesting that while the core elements of APA citation should remain consistent, additional details specific to the medium should be included when necessary. This approach balances the need for uniformity with the practicalities of citing diverse sources.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
1. Omitting Key Information
One of the most common mistakes is omitting essential details like the executive producer, writer, or director. Always double-check to ensure you’ve included all necessary information.
2. Incorrect Formatting
APA style has specific formatting rules, such as italicizing the title of the series and using proper punctuation. Be sure to follow these guidelines meticulously.
3. Confusing TV Shows with Movies
While the citation formats for TV shows and movies are similar, they are not identical. Make sure you’re using the correct format for the medium you’re citing.
Related Questions and Answers
Q1: How do I cite a TV show with multiple executive producers?
A1: List all executive producers, separated by commas, and use an ampersand (&) before the last name. For example:
Vince Gilligan, Mark Johnson, & Michelle MacLaren (Executive Producers). (2008-2013). *Breaking Bad* [TV series]. Sony Pictures Television.
Q2: What if the TV show is still ongoing?
A2: If the TV show is still in production, include the start year followed by a hyphen and a space. For example:
Jenji Kohan (Executive Producer). (2013- ). *Orange is the New Black* [TV series]. Netflix.
Q3: How do I cite a TV show episode with no specific writer or director?
A3: If the writer or director is not specified, you can omit that part of the citation. However, try to include as much information as possible. For example:
(2013). *Ozymandias* (Season 5, Episode 14) [TV series episode]. In *Breaking Bad*. Sony Pictures Television.
By following these guidelines and considering the various perspectives on APA citation, you can ensure that your references are both accurate and comprehensive. Whether you’re a traditionalist, modernist, or pragmatist, the key is to provide enough information for your readers to locate the source while adhering to the principles of APA style.