How to Cite a TV Episode in APA Format

Citing a TV episode in APA format requires the writer and director of the episode, air date, episode title, season and episode numbers, series title, production company, and network.

Basic TV Episode Citation Format

The standard APA 7th edition format for a TV episode citation is:

Reference list entry:

Writer, A. A. (Writer), & Director, B. B. (Director). (Year, Month Day). Title of episode (Season x, Episode x) [TV series episode]. In C. C. Producer (Executive Producer), Series title. Production Company.

Parenthetical in-text citation: (Writer & Director, Year)

Narrative in-text citation: Writer and Director (Year)

In-Text Citation Examples

When you reference a TV episode within your paper, you have two options:

• Parenthetical: The episode addressed themes of social inequality (Schur & Metz, 2018).
• Narrative: Schur and Metz (2018) addressed themes of social inequality.

Common Variations

Streaming Series Episode

For episodes on streaming platforms, list the streaming service’s production company.

Waller-Bridge, P. (Writer & Director). (2019, March 18). Episode 1 (Season 2, Episode 1) [TV series episode]. In P. Waller-Bridge (Executive Producer), Fleabag. Two Brothers Pictures; Amazon Studios.

Episode with Only a Writer or Director Known

List whichever role is known and omit the other.

Gilligan, V. (Writer & Director). (2013, September 29). Felina (Season 5, Episode 16) [TV series episode]. In V. Gilligan (Executive Producer), Breaking Bad. Sony Pictures Television.

Entire TV Series

Producer, A. A. (Executive Producer). (Year-Year). Series title [TV series]. Production Company.

Tips for Citing TV Episodes

• Credit the writer and director of the specific episode as authors.
• Use [TV series episode] in square brackets to identify the format.
• Include the season and episode numbers in parentheses after the episode title.
• Name the executive producer in the “In” portion of the reference.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cite a TV series as a whole rather than a specific episode? List the executive producer as the author and use [TV series] in brackets. Include the year range of the series.

What if I do not know the writer or director? Use the executive producer as the author and adjust the reference format accordingly.

How do I cite a reality TV show or unscripted program? Use the executive producer as the author since reality shows may not have credited writers or directors for individual episodes.