On this page
Updated . Example details checked against Buffy the Vampire Slayer, season 4, episode 10, first aired December 14, 1999, on The WB; written and directed by Joss Whedon.
The Chicago format
Pattern
“Episode Title.” Series Title. Season #, episode #. Aired Month Day, Year, on Network.
- Aired introduces the date and network.
- Writers or directors can follow the series: “written and directed by Joss Whedon.”
- Streaming: add the service or URL at the end.
A real example
Bibliography entry
“Hush.” Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Season 4, episode 10. Aired December 14, 1999, on WB Television Network.
First footnote
“Hush,” Buffy the Vampire Slayer, season 4, episode 10, aired December 14, 1999, on WB Television Network, 00:21:15.
Later footnotes
“Hush,” 00:21:15.
When details are missing
- A streaming original: name the service and the release date instead of a network and air date.
- A scene: give the time in the note.
Common mistakes
- Leaving out “aired.” Chicago writes “Aired December 14, 1999, on WB Television Network.”
- The series first. Chicago starts with the episode.
Or let Format do it.
Choose TV episode and fill in the episode, series, season, episode number, network and air date. Format writes the notes and bibliography in Chicago, exactly as shown above, and builds the bibliography page when you export to Word or PDF. Chicago is part of Pro, $4 a month or $29 a year; MLA and APA are free.
Questions
Do TV episodes go in the bibliography?
Yes, if you cite them; some instructors accept the notes alone.
How does the short note look?
“Hush,” with a time if needed.
More citation guides
The same source in other styles
Similar sources in Chicago
Every source kind is on the Chicago page, and every style is on How to cite.