How to Cite Netflix in Chicago 17 Format

Netflix presents unique citation challenges because it functions as both a streaming platform and a production company. When citing a Netflix film or series, you need to determine whether Netflix produced the content (a "Netflix Original") or simply distributes it. This distinction affects how you structure your citation. Chicago 17th Edition treats films and television programs as audiovisual sources, with specific formatting for contributors, titles, and access information.

For comprehensive formatting rules, see our Chicago 17th Edition citation guide and the full streaming video citation guide.

Where to Find Citation Information on Netflix

Netflix does not always display full production details on its main viewing screen. Here is where to locate the information you need:

• Title and year: Shown on the title card of every film or series. Click the title on your "My List" or search results to see the detail page, which lists the release year.
• Director and cast: Scroll down on the title's detail page or click "More Info." Netflix lists directors, cast, and sometimes writers here. For episodes, you may need to check end credits.
• Season and episode number: Displayed in the episode selector dropdown on any series page. Episode titles appear next to each episode number.
• Production company: Check the end credits of the film or episode. Look for production logos or the "A [Company] Production" credit. For Netflix Originals, Netflix itself is the production company.
• Original release date: Netflix sometimes shows only the year. If you need a specific date (for recently released content), check Netflix's official newsroom site or press releases for the premiere date.

Tip: IMDb is a reliable secondary source for verifying directors, episode titles, and production companies when Netflix's own interface is incomplete.

Citing a Netflix Original Film

When Netflix both produced and distributed a film, list Netflix as the production company.

First Footnote

1. Bong Joon-ho, dir., Okja, featuring Tilda Swinton and Ahn Seo-hyun (Netflix, 2017), streaming video.

Shortened Footnote

2. Bong, Okja.

Bibliography

Bong Joon-ho, dir. Okja. Featuring Tilda Swinton and Ahn Seo-hyun. Netflix, 2017. Streaming video.

Citing a Netflix Series Episode

For individual episodes, include the season number, episode number, episode title, and the director of that specific episode if known.

First Footnote

3. Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer, dirs., Stranger Things, season 4, episode 7, "The Massacre at Hawkins Lab," featuring Millie Bobby Brown (Monkey Massacre Productions and 21 Laps Entertainment; Netflix, 2022), streaming video.

Shortened Footnote

4. Duffer and Duffer, "Massacre at Hawkins Lab."

Bibliography

Duffer, Matt, and Ross Duffer, dirs. Stranger Things. Season 4, episode 7, "The Massacre at Hawkins Lab." Featuring Millie Bobby Brown. Monkey Massacre Productions and 21 Laps Entertainment; Netflix, 2022. Streaming video.

Citing a Netflix Documentary

Documentaries follow the same pattern as films, with the director listed first. If no single director is credited, you may lead with the title instead.

First Footnote

5. Ava DuVernay, dir., 13th (Kandoo Films; Netflix, 2016), streaming video.

Shortened Footnote

6. DuVernay, 13th.

Bibliography

DuVernay, Ava, dir. 13th. Kandoo Films; Netflix, 2016. Streaming video.

Citing a Complete Netflix Series

When referencing an entire series rather than a specific episode, cite the series creator or showrunner as the primary contributor.

First Footnote

7. Hwang Dong-hyuk, creator, Squid Game (Siren Pictures; Netflix, 2021–), streaming video.

Shortened Footnote

8. Hwang, Squid Game.

Bibliography

Hwang Dong-hyuk, creator. Squid Game. Siren Pictures; Netflix, 2021–. Streaming video.

Use an en dash after the start year (2021–) for ongoing series. If the series has concluded, include both years (2021–2025).

Step-by-Step: Citing a Netflix Source

1. Identify the contributor. Determine who directed the film or episode (or created the series). This person's name comes first in the citation.
2. Specify their role. Add "dir." for director, "creator" for a series creator, or "prod." for producer if no director is credited.
3. Write the title. Italicize the title of the film or series. For episodes, add the episode title in quotation marks after the season and episode number.
4. Add season and episode details (if applicable). Use the format "season X, episode X" in lowercase, followed by the episode title in quotes.
5. List key performers. Use "featuring" followed by one to three principal actors. This is optional but recommended for well-known casts.
6. Name the production company and Netflix. If a separate company produced the content, list it first, followed by a semicolon and Netflix. If Netflix is the sole producer, list only Netflix.
7. Include the year. Use the original release year. For series, include the range of years.
8. End with the format. Close with "Streaming video" followed by a period.

Common Mistakes When Citing Netflix

1. Including a URL

Netflix URLs are account-specific and not publicly accessible. Chicago style does not require a URL for streaming content viewed on a subscription platform. Simply noting "Netflix" as the distributor and "streaming video" as the format is sufficient.

2. Listing Netflix as the Director or Author

Netflix is a platform, not a creator. Always attribute the work to its director, creator, or producer. Only list Netflix in the production/distribution position.

3. Confusing Producer and Distributor Roles

Many titles on Netflix are produced by outside studios and merely distributed by Netflix. For example, Breaking Bad is an AMC production available on Netflix—cite Sony Pictures Television and AMC, not Netflix, as the production company. Only Netflix Originals should list Netflix in the production role.

4. Omitting Episode Information for Series

When citing a specific moment or argument from a series, you must cite the individual episode, not the entire series. Include the season number, episode number, and episode title.

5. Using Access Dates Unnecessarily

Chicago 17 does not require an access date for published audiovisual works. The release year is sufficient. Access dates are reserved for online sources that may change, which does not apply to completed films or episodes.

Netflix Originals vs. Licensed Content

This is the most important distinction when citing Netflix sources:

For licensed content that originally aired on another network, do not mention Netflix at all. Cite the original production company and network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I include a Netflix URL in my citation?

No. Netflix URLs require a login and are not stable public links. Chicago 17 identifies streaming sources by naming the platform ("Netflix") and adding "streaming video" as the format descriptor. This gives readers enough information to locate the source.

How do I cite a Netflix documentary series with different directors per episode?

Cite the director of the specific episode you are referencing, not the series showrunner. If no episode-level director is credited, use the executive producer or series creator instead. For example, if episode 3 of a docuseries was directed by a different filmmaker than episode 1, your footnote should reflect the director of the episode you actually watched and cited.

Should I cite Netflix if I watched a non-Netflix show on the platform?

No. If a show was originally produced for and aired on another network (such as AMC, HBO, or BBC), cite the original production company and network. The fact that you accessed it through Netflix does not change the source's origin. Chicago style prioritizes the original publication context.

How do I handle Korean, Japanese, or other non-English names for Netflix Originals?

Follow Chicago's guidelines for non-English names. For Korean names where the family name comes first (e.g., Hwang Dong-hyuk), retain the original order in both footnotes and bibliography entries unless the creator has an established English-language name order. Include the romanized version of the title as it appears on Netflix's English-language interface. If your paper requires it, you may add the original-language title in parentheses after the English title.

For more on formatting audiovisual sources, see our streaming video citation guide. For general Chicago 17 rules including notes-bibliography formatting, visit the Chicago 17th Edition guide.