Wikipedia:WikiProject Television/How to write an episode article

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This page is WikiProject Television's guide on how to write an episode article. It aims to provide practical advice and useful templates. All episode articles should conform to Wikipedia:Television episodes guideline.

Contents

[edit] Structure of an episode article

[edit] Naming

Main article: Wikipedia:Naming conventions (television)

If there is no disambiguation, the name of the article should be the episode title written with the corresponding capital letters.

Examples (from Lost):

When disambiguation is needed, the name will also include a parenthesis clarification with the title of the series.

Examples:

This helps to identify cultural references in episode titles.

[edit] Infobox

“Title”
Series episode
Episode no. Season Season #
Episode Episode #
Written by Writer
Directed by Director
Guest stars Guests
Production no. 101
Original airdate Airdate
Episode chronology
← Previous Next →
"Previous" "Next"

Some episode articles use {{Infobox Television episode}}, as depicted to the right. Other episode articles have similar infoboxes that have specialized features for those specific shows. Similar infoboxes include, but are not limited to:

There is currently an improvement drive that checks which templates are there and wether they cannot be replaced with the default Infobox Television episode template.

[edit] Format

This is a standardized format for episode articles. Beyond what is seen here, proper categories should also be added. External links are also good if relevant or helpful. Note that the name of a TV series is always written in italics, and the name of an episode of the series is enclosed in "quotes".

{{Infobox Television episode
| Title = 
| Series = 
| Image = 
| Caption = 
| Season = 
| Episode = 
| Airdate = 
| Production = 
| Writer = 
| Director = 
| Guests = 
| Episode list =
| Prev = 
| Next = 
}}
'''"(Episode title)"''' is the (episode #) episode of the television series ''(series name)''.

== Plot ==
Explain the plot in this section.
Plot will obviously vary in depth, but don't write scene-by-scene descriptions.

== Production ==
Included here should be a history of the episode's background and development, such as how many
actors, directors and writers were involved with the project at one point or another. Facts 
such as filming dates, budget figures, any noteworthy tidbits (such as delays, reshoots etc.)
should be transformed into prose. Comments from the cast and crew are also welcomed. See above
examples for better understanding. 

== Reception ==
Put any comments from notable critics here.
Include ratings details, as well as awards and nominations.

Please avoid trivia sections in your articles. If something is important, try to write it as prose into your article.

[edit] Sources

Reliable secondary sources are required to demonstrate the notability of an article about a television episode. Possible resources for finding these sources include

[edit] Sample episodes

Each of the following have reached featured article status. You can use them as an example of what a well written episode article should look like.