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Citing Netflix Shows in MLA: The Definitive Guide for the Modern Scholar

So, you’ve been binge-watching “Stranger Things” (again), and now you need to cite it in your research paper? Fear not, dear scholar! Navigating the MLA 9th edition citation guidelines for streaming content like Netflix shows can seem daunting, but with a little guidance, you’ll be crafting impeccable citations in no time. Let’s dive straight into the nitty-gritty.

How to Cite a Netflix Show in MLA Format:

The basic format for citing an entire Netflix series in MLA is as follows:

Title of Series. Created by First Name Last Name, Production Company, Year of Release. Netflix, URL.

Let’s break this down with an example, using “The Queen’s Gambit”:

The Queen’s Gambit. Created by Scott Frank and Allan Scott, Flitcraft, 2020. Netflix, www.netflix.com/title/80234304.

Key Elements Explained:

Title of Series: This is the official name of the show, italicized.
Created by: List the main creators or showrunners. If there are more than two, you can use “et al.” after the first name (e.g., “Created by Scott Frank, et al.”).
Production Company: The company that produced the show. This information is often found at the end of an episode or on the show’s details page on Netflix.
Year of Release: The year the series was first released.
Netflix: The name of the streaming service, italicized.
URL: The specific URL for the show on Netflix.

For citing a specific episode, the format changes slightly:

“Title of Episode.” Title of Series, directed by Director’s First Name Last Name, season number, episode number, Production Company, Year of Release. Netflix, URL.

Example, citing the first episode of “The Queen’s Gambit”:

“Openings.” The Queen’s Gambit, directed by Scott Frank, season 1, episode 1, Flitcraft, 2020. Netflix, www.netflix.com/title/80234304.

Essential Considerations:

Accuracy is Paramount: Double-check all information for accuracy. A misplaced comma or incorrect URL can undermine your credibility.
Hanging Indent: Remember to use a hanging indent for all citations in your Works Cited list. This means the first line of the citation is flush with the left margin, and subsequent lines are indented.
Alphabetical Order: Arrange your Works Cited list alphabetically by the first word of each entry (usually the title of the series or episode).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Citing Netflix Shows in MLA

Here are answers to some common questions that will help you master the art of citing Netflix shows according to MLA standards.

H3 1. What if the Netflix show doesn’t have a clearly defined creator?

In some cases, pinpointing the “creator” can be tricky, especially with anthology series or shows with numerous writers and directors. If you can’t definitively identify a primary creator, you can omit that element from the citation. However, always strive to find someone you can attribute it to. It might be listed as “Developed by…” or “Executive Produced by…”.

H3 2. How do I cite a Netflix show if I watched it on a device other than my computer (e.g., a smart TV)?

The device you watched the show on doesn’t affect the citation. The crucial element is that you accessed it on Netflix. The citation remains the same, regardless of the device used for viewing.

H3 3. Do I need to include the date I watched the episode?

No, you don’t need to include the date you watched the episode. MLA focuses on the publication date of the content itself, not the date you accessed it.

H3 4. What if there are multiple directors for an episode?

If an episode has multiple directors, list them in the order they appear in the credits, separated by commas. For example: “Directed by John Smith, Jane Doe.” If there are more than two, you can use “et al.” after the first name, just like with creators.

H3 5. How do I handle in-text citations for Netflix shows?

For in-text citations, use the title of the show or episode (depending on what you are citing) in parentheses. If you’re citing a specific episode, include the episode title in quotation marks followed by the series title in italics. For example: (“Openings,” The Queen’s Gambit). If you’ve already mentioned the title in your sentence, you don’t need to repeat it in the parenthetical citation.

H3 6. What if the Netflix show is a limited series (a mini-series with a definite end)?

The citation format remains the same for a limited series. You still cite it as a series, indicating the production company and year of release. The key is to emphasize that it’s a complete work.

H3 7. How do I cite a documentary film on Netflix?

The format for citing a documentary film is similar to citing a single episode. Use this structure:

Title of Documentary. Directed by First Name Last Name, Production Company, Year of Release. Netflix, URL.

H3 8. What if the URL for the Netflix show changes?

While it’s uncommon, URLs can sometimes change. If you find that the URL you originally cited is no longer valid, search for the show on Netflix again and update the URL in your Works Cited entry.

H3 9. What if a show originally aired on television and is now streaming on Netflix?

In this case, focus on the version you are citing. If you watched it on Netflix, cite it as a Netflix show. However, if you’re analyzing the original television broadcast, cite it according to television citation guidelines. In the “Netflix” version, you don’t need to worry about the episode’s original air date, just the release date on Netflix.

H3 10. How important is it to follow MLA format exactly?

Adhering to MLA format is crucial for academic integrity and demonstrating your attention to detail. It allows readers to easily locate your sources and verify your information. While minor variations might be acceptable, striving for accuracy is always the best practice. Use a reliable citation generator as a starting point, but always double-check the output against the official MLA guidelines.

H3 11. What if the Netflix show is in a language other than English?

If the Netflix show is in a language other than English, cite the title in its original language. If you are discussing the show’s content in English, you may provide a translation of the title in brackets after the original title. For the rest of the citation, follow the standard MLA format.

H3 12. Where can I find more information on MLA citation guidelines?

The Modern Language Association (MLA) offers a comprehensive handbook that provides detailed guidelines on all aspects of citation. You can also find helpful resources on the Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab) website, which offers up-to-date information and examples on MLA formatting. Don’t hesitate to consult these resources for clarification and further guidance. Always remember: diligence and attention to detail will make your citations shine!