Add some visual sources to your history paper and follow these examples of Chicago 17 citations for television shows. TV shows offer timely glimpses of current events and present new twists on historical events. Do a little background research on these shows to check the facts. You want to use authoritative sources to write your school paper.
Television Show Citations in Chicago Author-Date Style
The Chicago author-date style follows this basic format. You may include other elements if they are relevant to your paper.
Reference List Citation Format
Title of Television Show. Year. Season #, Episode #, “Title of Episode.” Directed by First Name Last Name. Aired Month Day, Year on Network.
Parenthetical Citation Format
(Title of Show Year)
Example
Vikings. 2016. Season 4, episode 1, “A Good Treason.” Directed by Ciaran Donnelly. Aired February 18, 2016, on History.
(Vikings 2016)
Online Television Shows
Most television historical dramas and comedy shows are available online through streaming services, such as Hulu and Netflix. Add the URL to the Chicago style citation if the show was viewed online.
Reference List Citation Format
Title of Television Show. Year. Season #, Episode #, “Title of Episode.” Directed by First Name Last Name. Aired Month Day, Year on Network. URL.
Parenthetical Citation Format
(Title of Show Year)
Example
Nostradamus Effect. 2009. Season 1, episode 7, “Secrets of the Seven Seals.” Directed by Luke Ellis. Aired October 21, 2009 on Hulu. https://www.hulu.com/series/nostradamus-effect-554f5899.
(Nostradamus Effect 2009)
Chicago Notes-Bibliography Citations for Television Shows
Using the Chicago notes-bibliography citation style for citing television shows follows the basic format shown below. You may add elements, such as writers or performers, if they are applicable to your research. The first element is the title of the show.
Bibliography Citation Format
Title of Television Show. Season #, Episode #, “Title of Episode.” Directed by First Name Last Name. Aired Month Day, Year on Network. URL.
Notes Citation Format
#. Title of Show, season #, episode #, “Title of Episode,” directed by First Name Last Name, aired Month Day, Year, on Network (Production Co. or Distributor, Year), URL.
Example
Peaky Blinders. Series 2, episode 1, “Who Did This to Us.” Directed by Colm McCarthy, aired September 25, 2014, on BBC Two. https://www.netflix.com/title/80002479.
#1. Peaky Blinders, series 2, episode 1, “Who Did This to Us,” Directed by Colm McCarthy, aired September 25, 2014, on BBC Two. (Netflix, 2014), https://www.netflix.com/title/80002479.
- Include other data if relevant, such as actors, writers or air date.
- If possible, weave key elements into your text, rather than using a parenthetical citation.
- Always follow your teacher’s guidelines.
Spark Interest in Your Paper
Including multimedia sources, such as television shows, movies and videos to your research can add interest and life to your paper. Many people prefer seeing reenactments rather than reading about historical events. Just be careful to verify the accuracy of the source. Many writers or producers prioritize artistic value over the actual truth. A simple web search can help you sort out the authoritative sources from the fiction.