do you italicize a tv show title in an essay

Do you underline the name of the TV series when writing about it?

When discussing television shows in academic or creative writing, there is often a debate on how to properly format titles within essays and other written pieces. The decision to italicize, underline, or capitalize a TV show title can significantly impact the clarity and professionalism of your text. In this article, we will explore various perspectives on this topic, providing insights into the best practices for handling TV show titles in essays.

Perspective 1: APA Style Guidelines

One of the most widely recognized style guides is the American Psychological Association (APA) style, which is commonly used in academic writing. According to APA guidelines, TV show titles should be italicized rather than underlined or capitalized. This practice is consistent with the formatting of book titles and other major works. For example, if you were writing about the TV series “The Crown,” you would write:

The Crown

This approach helps distinguish between the title of the work and the title of specific episodes or characters, making your text more readable and easier to follow.

Perspective 2: Chicago Manual of Style

The Chicago Manual of Style, another popular guide for academic writing, also recommends italicizing TV show titles. However, they offer additional flexibility compared to APA. For instance, if you are citing multiple instances of the same show, you might use italics for the first mention and then switch to quotation marks for subsequent citations. This method aims to reduce repetition while maintaining clarity.

The Crown (first citation)
The Crown (subsequent citations)

Perspective 3: MLA Format

In Modern Language Association (MLA) style, TV show titles are typically set in italics. This approach is straightforward and consistent with their guidelines for formatting titles of major works. If you were writing about “Stranger Things,” you would write:

Stranger Things

This uniformity in formatting ensures that readers can easily identify the source of information, regardless of whether they are reading your paper or referencing it later.

Perspective 4: Consistency and Clarity

Regardless of the style guide you choose, consistency is key. Whether you opt for italics, underlining, or quotation marks, it is crucial to maintain uniformity throughout your document. Mixing different methods can lead to confusion and detract from the overall quality of your writing.

Perspective 5: Creative Writing

For creative writing, such as essays, blog posts, or personal reflections, the rules can be slightly more relaxed. While italics remain a common choice, some writers prefer to underline or capitalize TV show titles to emphasize them. The goal here is to make the title stand out without overwhelming the reader.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision on how to format TV show titles depends on the style guide you are following and the preferences of your audience. It is essential to consult the specific guidelines provided by your instructor or the publication you are submitting to. By adhering to these standards, you ensure that your writing is professional, clear, and easy to understand.