Citing a Netflix Show in MLA Style
Introduction
Netflix has become a popular platform for streaming various TV shows and movies. With its vast library of content, it’s not uncommon to come across a show that you’ve watched and want to reference in your academic or professional work. However, citing a Netflix show in MLA style can be a bit tricky. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of citing a Netflix show in MLA style, highlighting the most important points and providing examples to help you understand the process.
Understanding the Basics of MLA Style
Before we dive into citing a Netflix show, let’s review the basics of MLA style. MLA (Modern Language Association) style is a widely used citation style in the humanities, including literature, language, and cultural studies. It’s known for its flexibility and adaptability, making it suitable for a wide range of academic disciplines.
In-Text Citations
When citing a Netflix show in MLA style, you’ll need to include the following elements:
- Title of the show: The title of the show, including the season and episode number (if applicable).
- Channel: The name of the channel where the show is available (e.g., Netflix, Amazon Prime Video).
- Year of release: The year the show was released.
- Episode number (if applicable): The episode number (if applicable).
Here’s an example of an in-text citation for a Netflix show:
"The Netflix original series ‘Stranger Things’ (Season 1, Episode 1) premiered in 2016 and has since become a cultural phenomenon."
Works Cited Page
When you’re done citing the show in the in-text citation, you’ll need to create a Works Cited page to list all the sources you’ve used. Here’s an example of what the Works Cited page might look like:
Works Cited:
- Title of the show: Stranger Things
- Channel: Netflix
- Year of release: 2016
- Episode number (if applicable): Season 1, Episode 1
Citing a Netflix Show in MLA Style: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a step-by-step guide to citing a Netflix show in MLA style:
- Title of the show: Write the title of the show, including the season and episode number (if applicable).
- Channel: Write the name of the channel where the show is available.
- Year of release: Write the year the show was released.
- Episode number (if applicable): Write the episode number (if applicable).
- In-text citation: Write the in-text citation using the format above.
- Works Cited page: Create a Works Cited page listing all the sources you’ve used.
Example of a Works Cited Page
Here’s an example of what the Works Cited page might look like:
Works Cited:
- Stranger Things (Netflix, 2016)
- Channel: Netflix
- Year of release: 2016
- Episode number (if applicable): Season 1, Episode 1
Additional Tips and Considerations
- Format: The Netflix show is typically formatted as a TV series, with each episode listed separately.
- Episode length: The episode length is not specified, but it’s generally assumed to be around 45-60 minutes.
- Streaming platform: The show is available to stream on Netflix, but it may also be available on other platforms, such as Amazon Prime Video or Hulu.
- Copyright: The copyright status of the show is not specified, but it’s generally assumed to be public domain or under a Creative Commons license.
Conclusion
Citing a Netflix show in MLA style can be a bit tricky, but with the right guidance, you can create a Works Cited page that accurately reflects the sources you’ve used. By following the steps outlined above and using the examples provided, you’ll be able to create a citation that accurately reflects the Netflix show you’ve watched and want to reference in your academic or professional work.
Additional Resources
- MLA Handbook: The MLA Handbook is a comprehensive guide to MLA style, including examples and illustrations.
- MLA Style Center: The MLA Style Center is a website that provides resources and guidance on MLA style, including tutorials and examples.
- Netflix Help Center: The Netflix Help Center provides information on how to access and stream Netflix content, including information on how to cite shows on the platform.