TVDB - For TV Shows
TVDB on SIMKL: Understanding the Connection & How It Works
The TV Database (TVDB) is a global entertainment metadata provider that compiles information about TV series, episodes, and movies. Established in 2006, TVDB has grown into one of the most widely used TV metadata databases, offering information for:
160,000+ TV series
300,000+ movies
Industry-grade metadata API that serves over 1 billion API calls daily
TVDB is community-driven, meaning users contribute data by adding new shows, updating information, correcting errors, and suggesting improvements.
More Details: https://thetvdb.com/about
Create your account here: https://thetvdb.com/auth/register
Why Does SIMKL Use TVDB?
SIMKL integrates TVDB data to provide its users with accurate and structured metadata for tracking TV shows. Hereโs why TVDB is essential for SIMKL:
TV Shows TrackingTV Shows Filters1. Large Metadata Collection
TVDB provides detailed show and episode data (air dates, cast, summaries, etc.).
Ensures SIMKL has accurate listings of TV series from around the world.
2. Structured & Consistent Data
TVDBโs API delivers structured metadata.
This allows SIMKL to maintain uniform formatting for all shows.
3. Global Community Contributions
TVDB is user-driven, meaning data is continuously updated by contributors.
Users can submit missing information, correct errors, and improve metadata.
4. TV Show Discovery
TVDB provides detailed categorization, helping SIMKL users discover related shows based on:
Genre
Networks
Cast and crew information
Tags and metadata
5. Synchronization Across Multiple Platforms
TVDB is used by many streaming services and media centers.
By using TVDB, SIMKL ensures data consistency across platforms.
Contributing & Adding Data on TVDB
The TV Database (TVDB) is a valuable resource for tracking and discovering TV shows from around the globe. However, just like any user-driven platform, it isnโt perfect.
Data inaccuracies, missing information, and other gaps can detract from the user experience. To help address these issues, SIMKL's Moderation has filtering tools + live-updated list for necessary edits and updates that need to be made on TVDB.
This guide explains how to contribute, fix errors, and ensure accuracy in TVDBโs database.
SIMKL's current approach prioritizes titles that have English translations and accompanying English descriptions.
For non-English, foreign-language titles, inclusion is deferred until an official or widely accepted English translation becomes available. This ensures a consistent and accessible experience for a broader audience.
How to Help Improve TVDB Data
If you want to fix incorrect or missing information on TVDB, follow these steps:
1. Adding a New TV Show
To add a new TV show on TVDB, visit the Add New TV Show page and fill in the required details such as the show title, language, and premiere date. You can also include optional information like:, follow these steps:
Visit Add a New TV Show
Fill in the required fields:
Show title
Language
Premiere date
Network
(Optional) Add extra details to improve accuracy:
Genres
Posters & promotional images
Plot summaries
Cast & crew details
Click "Add Series" to save the show.
๐ Official Help Guide: Adding TV Shows on TVDB
2. Editing Existing TV Shows
To edit the descriptions, IDs, or metadata for an existing show, navigate to the specific series page on TVDB and click the Green button with a Gear icon > Edit. From here, you can make changes to:
Navigate to the TV showโs page on TVDB.
Click the Green "Gear" button > Edit.
Update any of the following fields:
Title, air dates, and episode numbers
IMDb, TMDB, and external links
Posters, trailers, and promotional content
Genres, cast, crew, and production details
Click โSaveโ to update the show.
๐ Official Help Guide: Editing TV Shows on TVDB
3. Reporting Locked or Incorrect Data
Sometimes, shows are "locked" on TVDB, meaning only moderators can edit them. If a locked show contains incorrect information, Provide a detailed description of the issue you believe needs to be fixed, and the TVDB support team will assist in resolving the problem:
Submit a support ticket at TVDB Support Portal
Provide:
TV Show Name & Link
Incorrect details that need fixing
Official sources confirming the correct information
A TVDB moderator will review your request.
Common Issues & Missing Data on TVDB
TVDB is a user-driven database, and while it provides extensive metadata on TV shows, data gaps and inaccuracies are common.
Here are some of the most frequent issues that users encounter and how they can be fixed or reported.
1. Incorrect or Missing External Links & Connection IDs
TVDB establishes connections between related shows, including sequels and spin-offs. However, many of these associations are inaccurate or incomplete, leading to user confusion. Additionally, it integrates various external identifiers such as TMDB links, IMDB links, EIDR, and social media profiles.
What is the issue?
TVDB connects related TV shows, sequels, and spinoffs but often has incorrect or incomplete connections.
Many shows are missing important external links such as:
IMDb
TMDB
EIDR
Social media pages
Network or official websites
Why is it important?
External links allow users to access additional information, reviews, and cast details.
Incorrect or missing connection IDs disrupt proper linking between shows, misleading users.
๐ List of missing IMDb, TMDB, and other external links
2. Missing Posters & Cover Images
What is the issue?
Many TV shows on TVDB lack a proper poster or cover image. Some common problems include:
No poster at all โ Some series, especially lesser-known or newly added ones, do not have a featured poster.
Low-resolution or blurry posters โ Posters that are uploaded may not meet quality standards, appearing pixelated or unclear.
Incorrect or outdated images โ Some posters are outdated, show wrong cast members, or feature incorrect promotional images.
Region-specific posters missing โ Different countries have different versions of promotional posters, but TVDB often lacks these variations.
Inconsistent poster formats โ Some entries mix fan art with official posters, leading to inconsistency.
Why is this important?
1. A TV Showโs First Impression
The poster is the first thing viewers see when searching for a show.
If thereโs no official poster, the show may appear incomplete or unverified.
Proper cover images help in attracting viewers and making a show more recognizable.
2. Improves Show Discoverability
Users are more likely to click on a TV show with an appealing cover.
Streaming platforms and media libraries rely on consistent metadata and high-quality posters to recommend content.
Posters help differentiate between different versions of a show, such as remakes, reboots, or international versions.
3. Increases Viewer Engagement
Shows with well-designed cover images receive more views and interactions.
A missing poster can make a show look unfinished or untrustworthy.
Updated posters keep the content fresh for users following long-running series.
4. Consistency Across Media Platforms
TVDB data is used by various streaming services, media libraries, and apps.
Having missing posters affects how a show appears on apps like Kodi, Plex, and Simkl.
Complete metadata, including high-quality posters, ensures a consistent experience across all platforms.
How to Fix Missing Posters on TVDB
If you notice that a show is missing its poster or cover image, hereโs what you can do:
1. Check the Missing Posters List This list is regularly updated with shows that lack posters or need higher-quality replacements.
2. Upload the Correct Poster
Find an official poster from sources like:
IMDb
Official network websites
Press releases
High-resolution posters from streaming platforms (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, etc.)
Make sure the poster follows TVDBโs image guidelines:
Proper resolution and aspect ratio
No watermarks or unofficial modifications
The best possible quality (no pixelation or compression artifacts)
3. Submit the Image on TVDB
Visit the TV showโs page on TVDB.
Click โEditโ and navigate to the Artwork Section.
Upload the official, high-quality poster.
Provide a source link if required to confirm authenticity.
Other Media Issues That Need Fixing
Aside from missing posters, there are other artwork and metadata issues that affect TVDB:
๐ List of missing posters on TVDB
3. No IMDb or External Links (on Episodes pages)
Direct link to the Episode Edit page: https://thetvdb.com/series/squid-game/episodes/10774413/0/edit
What is the issue?
IMDb, and TMDB links are missing for many shows and episodes.
These links help provide cast details, ratings, reviews, and critic opinions.
Why is it important?
Without IMDb or TMDB links, users have to manually search for show details.
Auto-updating metadata services rely on these links to sync information.
๐ List of missing IMDb links
4. Missing Plot Summaries & Translations
What is the issue?
Many TV shows and episodes lack detailed descriptions or plot summaries.
Some summaries only exist in one language, making it difficult for international users.
Why is it important?
Plot summaries help users understand the show before watching.
Missing descriptions make the database less informative and harder to navigate.
๐ List of missing plot summaries
5. No Trailers or Teaser Videos
What is the issue?
Many TVDB entries lack official trailers, teaser videos, or preview clips.
Some shows have incorrect or outdated trailers.
Why is it important?
Trailers are a key marketing tool and help users decide whether they want to watch a show.
Missing trailers reduce engagement and interest in a TVDB entry.
6. Missing Parental Guidelines or Rating Info
What is the issue?
Many shows lack age ratings like TV-PG, TV-MA, or TV-14.
Parental guidance information is incomplete or missing.
Why is it important?
Parents need content warnings to determine if a show is suitable for children.
Missing ratings make it harder to filter content for age-appropriate viewing.
๐ List of missing parental ratings
7. Incorrect or Missing Genres
What is the issue?
Some shows are incorrectly categorized under the wrong genre.
Many TVDB entries completely lack genre tags.
Why is it important?
Genres help users find similar / related shows.
A show incorrectly tagged as "Comedy" instead of "Drama" misleads viewers.
8. Missing Air Dates & Upcoming Release Details
What is the Issue?
One of the common problems with TV show metadata on TVDB is missing or incorrect air dates for episodes. This can happen for several reasons:
Old Classic TV Shows Have Wrong Air Dates
Many older TV shows from the 1950s-2000s have incorrect premiere dates.
Some episodes were aired out of order or had lost records, making it difficult to verify the correct air date.
In some cases, reruns or syndicated releases get mistaken for the original release date.
New & Upcoming Indie & Regional TV Shows Forget to Update Details
Independent, regional TV shows, web series, and indie productions often get listed early on TVDB but fail to update their episode details later.
Many creators forget to add the actual air date after initially listing the show.
Episodes Get Delayed or Canceled
Some scheduled episodes get delayed due to production issues, leading to incorrect or missing release dates.
In rare cases, an episode may get canceled entirely, yet TVDB may still display a placeholder air date.
Postponed episodes sometimes end up airing months or years later, requiring manual updates.
Different Air Dates for Different Regions
Shows sometimes premiere at different times across regions. For example:
A show may air first in the US and later in Europe or Asia.
Streaming platforms may release episodes on a different schedule than cable TV.
TVDB might list only one region's air date, causing confusion for international users.
Special Episodes & Holiday Specials Missing Air Dates
Holiday-themed episodes or special one-time episodes sometimes lack a clear air date.
Some spin-offs, web episodes, and behind-the-scenes specials may not have a recorded broadcast date, causing them to be out of order in the episode list.
Why Is This Important?
9. Incomplete Cast & Crew Listings
What is the issue?
One of the most common gaps in TVDBโs database is incomplete cast and crew listings for TV shows and movies. This includes:
Missing guest stars, cameos, and supporting actors โ Many shows only list the main cast but leave out recurring characters and guest appearances that may have played a crucial role in the series.
Lack of detailed crew information โ Directors, writers, producers, and even showrunners may be missing from certain titles.
Voice actors missing from animated titles โ In many cases, TVDB does not list voice actors for animated shows, which makes it difficult for users looking for dubbed or original versions.
Character roles left blank โ Even when cast members are listed, their character names are often missing, making it difficult to understand their role in the series.
Old or outdated cast images โ Many actor images are either outdated or missing entirely, affecting visual consistency across the platform.
Why is it important?
Affects discoverability โ Users looking for a specific actor's work across different projects may not find complete results.
Disrupts filmographies โ Many actors and crew members have incomplete profiles because their TVDB entries lack proper crediting.
Essential for TV trivia & historical accuracy โ Knowing who directed, wrote, or guest-starred in a show is important for documentary research, academic purposes, and fan discussions.
Impact on industry professionals โ Many industry professionals use TVDB and similar databases as references for their work history. Missing credits affect recognition and proper documentation.
Examples of Common Issues
A show may list only 5-10 main actors while leaving out dozens of guest stars who had recurring roles. (Example: Friends Sitcom had several cameos and guest stars)
Directors & writers missing from some seasons or episodes, making it hard to track who was responsible for specific episodes.
Dubbed & international voice actors missing, which affects anime, animated shows, and foreign-language TV series.
10. Missing Alternative Titles & Incorrect Official Language
What is the Issue?
One of the major issues on TVDB is the lack of alternative titles for many TV shows, along with incorrect official language labels. These issues can lead to confusion, difficulty in searchability, and reduced discoverability of non-English shows.
Common Issues Related to Titles and Language:
Missing Alternative Titles:
Some shows only list their English title, failing to include regional or translated titles.
Example: A English TV drama may only list the English title, making it difficult for native regional speakers to find it.
Some anime and K-Dramas are known by different names across regions, but those names are not listed.
Incorrect Official Language Labels:
The primary language of the show is sometimes mislabeled, which can mislead users who search for content based on language.
Example: A French series might be mistakenly listed as English due to a translation being available.
Lack of Proper Aliases:
Some TV shows have multiple names in different languages or regions, but TVDB only lists one name.
Example:
Original Title: ้ฟ็ธๆ
English Title: Lost You Forever
Alias Titles: Eternal Love: The Longest Promise (alternate translation)
Incomplete Localization for Searchability:
Users from different countries often search using different spellings or translations.
Without proper aliasing, users may not find their desired show.
If a show only has English translation, users can add their own translation in their native language.
Why is It Important?
11. No User Ratings or Viewer Scores
What is the issue?
Some TV shows donโt have user ratings enabled, meaning thereโs no score data available.
Many shows lack user reviews, making it difficult for new viewers to gauge the show's quality.
Some underrated shows are widely watched but never rated, keeping them in obscurity.
Absence of ratings can also indicate missing data, such as:
No genres assigned
Wrong or incomplete metadata
Duplicate or inconsistent entries
Lack of trailers or teaser videos
Incomplete tags or keywords
Why is this important?
Ratings help users decide whether a show is worth watching.
A well-rated show is more likely to attract attention than one with no reviews.
Underrated shows often get lost in the database due to a lack of engagement.
Many hidden gems go unnoticed because viewers forget to rate or review them.
A show with no ratings might indicate data issues.
Sometimes, shows lack ratings because they are misclassified, missing important metadata, or have duplicate entries.
Adding reviews and ratings benefits the entire community.
By sharing opinions and feedback, users help improve show discoverability and enhance recommendations.
How can users help?
Rate and review underrated shows to give them the visibility they deserve.
Report missing or incorrect data (wrong genres, missing tags, incomplete descriptions).
Contribute trailers or teaser links for better engagement.
Encourage other viewers to rate & review shows to create a more balanced and informative database.
๐ List of all titles with No User ratings
12. Incomplete or Missing Episode Guides
What is the issue?
Many TV series lack complete episode guides.
Some episodes are incorrectly numbered or missing descriptions.
Why is it important?
A complete episode guide helps users track which episodes theyโve watched.
Missing episodes cause confusion when browsing a showโs history.
๐ List of titles with lack of Episode data
13. Missing Awards & Nominations
What is the Issue?
Many TV shows and episodes on TVDB are missing critical award information, including:
Major wins and nominations from global and regional award bodies.
Lack of recorded nominees for prestigious awards such as the Emmys, BAFTAs, Critics' Choice, Golden Globes, and more.
Incorrect or incomplete award details, such as missing categories, winning years, or associated cast/crew members.
Why is This Important?
Increases Show Discoverability
Many viewers look for critically acclaimed or award-winning TV shows.
Missing awards prevent shows from getting the recognition they deserve.
Encourages Viewers to Watch Underrated Shows
Award-winning but lesser-known shows remain hidden without proper tagging.
Users often binge-watch past winners, and missing data prevents this discovery.
Enhances the Accuracy of TVDBโs Database
TVDB aims to be a comprehensive metadata source for TV content.
Without awards, the site lacks important credibility markers for shows.
How to Improve Award Data on TVDB
Adding Missing Awards
Users can contribute by checking major award events and adding relevant data.
Make sure to include:
Award Name (e.g., BAFTA Awards, Golden Globes)
Category (e.g., Best Drama Series)
Year of Award
Winner or Nominee Status
Individual (if applicable, e.g., Best Lead Actor)
Cross-Checking Award Data
TVDB contributors should verify awards from official sources like:
IMDb
Official Award Websites (Oscars, Emmys, etc.)
News Articles
Encouraging More Users to Rate and Review
Some shows may have won awards, but lack user reviews or ratings.
Users should rate, review, and contribute missing details to help others find quality content.
Reporting Incorrect Awards
If a show has the wrong award category or year, users should report it to TVDB moderators for correction.
How Can Users Benefit From Award Information?
Viewers can discover top-tier content through award recognition.
Awards help users find the best-rated shows from previous years.
Streaming services and curators use award data to feature top-rated shows.
By contributing and improving the award information on TVDB, users help build a richer, more reliable database that enhances TV discovery for everyone!
14. Inaccurate Running Times
What is the issue?
Some shows list incorrect episode runtimes.
Many episodes have no runtime listed at all.
Many TV shows and episodes information.
Some shows list incorrect or average durations instead of actual episode times.
Why is it important?
Users need to know how long an episode is before committing to watching.
Incorrect durations affect content organization.
Accurate running times help users plan their viewing schedules.
๐ List of TV Show titles with No Running Time Episode information
15. No Language Info
What is the Issue?
Many TV shows on TVDB do not specify the original language they aired in. This makes it difficult for:
Non-English users to find content in their native language.
Search engines to filter content by language.
Localization efforts, as translations become harder to manage.
Example of the Issue:
A Korean drama might be missing "Korean" as the original language.
An anime series could be mistakenly labeled as English, even though it originally aired in Japanese.
How to Fix It?
Check official sources (network websites, streaming platforms, or production studios) to verify the original broadcast language.
Update the correct language metadata in TVDB to reflect the original airing language.
If the show already has an English translation, consider adding translations in other languages for localization.
Why It Matters?
Helps global users find content in their preferred language.
Improves search accuracy when filtering by language.
Supports better content organization on TVDB.
๐ List of all TV Shows with No Language Info
16. No Country Info
What is the Issue?
Many shows are missing their country of origin, making it difficult to:
Filter shows by region or production country.
Distinguish between local vs. international productions.
Identify co-productions that span multiple countries.
Example of the Issue:
A Spanish show produced by Netflix may be incorrectly listed as "United States" instead of "Spain".
A Japanese anime series may be missing "Japan" as the production country.
How to Fix It?
Confirm the official production country through trusted sources.
If the show is a co-production, list all relevant countries involved.
Why It Matters?
Allows users to search for content by country.
Helps regional audiences find local content.
Improves accuracy in TV listings.
๐ List of all TV Shows with No Country Info
17. Lack of Tags, Subgenre & Keywords
What is the Issue?
Many shows are only assigned broad genres like "Drama" or "Comedy" but lack specific subgenres or keywords. This makes niche content harder to find.
Examples of Missing Subgenres:
Supernatural Thriller instead of just "Thriller".
Historical Romance instead of just "Romance".
Political Drama instead of just "Drama".
How to Fix It?
Add specific subgenres that describe the show more accurately.
Include important keywords related to themes or settings.
Example: "Time Travel," "Dystopian," "Courtroom Drama".
Use official descriptions to determine additional relevant tags.
Why It Matters?
Improves search results for users.
Provides more relevant recommendations.
Helps viewers discover niche content.
18. Inspiration & Adaptation Links
What is the Issue?
Some TV series are adaptations of books, comics, historical events, or video games, but TVDB does not always list links to the source material.
Examples of Missing Adaptation Data:
Books & Novels: The Witcher (based on Andrzej Sapkowskiโs books).
Comics & Graphic Novels: The Boys (based on the comic series).
Historical Events: Chernobyl (based on real-life nuclear disaster).
Video Games & Other Media: The Last of Us (based on the PlayStation game).
How to Fix It?
Add official source links to:
Goodreads (for books & novels).
Grand Comics Database (for comics).
Wikipedia (for historical events).
Ensure fictional adaptations are correctly categorized.
Why It Matters?
Helps users explore source material.
Allows fans to find adaptations more easily.
Improves cross-referencing between media types.
Reporting & Editing Data on TVDB
If you find incorrect or missing data on TVDB, follow these steps:
1. Fixing Data Yourself
If a show is not locked, follow these steps:
Go to the TV showโs page on TVDB.
Click the Edit button (Green "Gear" icon).
Update missing information:
Add a poster
Update the plot summary
Add IMDb & TMDB links
Correct episode air dates
Click โSaveโ.
2. Reporting Locked or Uneditable Shows
If a show is locked, or contains incorrect data that you can't edit, report it:
Submit a ticket on TVDB Support: ๐ TVDB Help Center
Provide:
TV Show name & link
Incorrect details that need fixing
Official sources confirming the correct information
3. Requesting a Feature on TVDB site or API
Want to suggest a new feature or improvement for TVDB?
How to Earn Points for Your Contributions
When you help improve records on TVDB by submitting valid data from other sources, your submission will be reviewed and validated by TVDB moderators.
Once approved, your contribution will earn you points. The more you contribute, the more points you accumulate, allowing you to rise up the Global Leaderboard.
Moderators review and approve your submission.
You earn points for contributing.
Top contributors get rewards, including a free year of TVDB Premium.
๐ Learn more here: https://www.thetvdb.com/points
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Iโve added a new show to TVDB. When will it appear on SIMKL?
Once you add a show to TVDB, SIMKL automatically syncs updates within 24 to 48 hours. However, if the update is delayed:
Check if TVDB has processed the show correctly.
Ensure the show is not locked (locked shows require moderator approval).
2. How long does it take for TVDB updates to appear on SIMKL?
Minor updates (titles, descriptions, air dates) typically take 24 to 48 hours.
Major changes (adding a new show) may take up to 72 hours.
Locked or incomplete entries may experience delays.
3. What if TVDB displays a show as locked or has incorrect episode information?
If a TV show is locked, only TVDB moderators can edit it.
To correct mistakes, submit a mod request on TVDBโs support forums.
For feature suggestions or reporting incorrect data, visit TVDB Feedback Portal.
4. How can I become a moderator on TVDB?
If youโd like to become a TVDB moderator, you need to pass an official assessment test and meet specific contribution criteria:
Take the TVDB Moderator Test here: TVDB Moderator Application
Your history of edits, forum activity, and ticket responses will be reviewed.
If approved, you will gain moderation privileges on TVDB.
More Details: https://support.thetvdb.com/kb/faq.php?id=86
5. How do I report missing or incorrect data on TVDB?
If you find missing or incorrect information on TVDB, follow these steps:
Check if the show is locked โ If locked, submit a TVDB mod request.
Submit missing data manually โ Update the entry directly on TVDB.
Report persistent issues via TVDBโs support forums or help desk.
6. Where can I suggest improvements to the TVDB website or features?
To suggest new features or site improvements, submit your ideas here: ๐ TVDB Feature Requests
Everything You Need to Know About TVDB API
The TV Database (TVDB) API is a powerful tool that allows developers, businesses, and individuals to access a vast library of TV show metadata, movie details, and related media information.
The API enables applications to fetch essential data like episode guides, cast and crew details, show descriptions, images, and more.
What is the TVDB API?
The TVDB API is a RESTful API designed for use by developers to integrate TV and movie data into their applications. This API provides access to an extensive database containing:
TVDBโs API is widely used by media centers, streaming platforms, and TV tracking apps like SIMKL, Kodi, and others.
How to Get a TVDB API Key?
To get access to TVDBโs API, follow these steps:
Sign up on TVDB:
Go to TheTVDB
Create an account or log in.
Navigate to API Subscription:
Click on your profile.
Select "API Subscription" from the dropdown menu.
Choose a Subscription Plan:
Select Free, Commercial, or Enterprise based on your usage needs.
Generate API Key:
Once subscribed, TVDB provides a unique API Key under the "Manage API Services" section.
Use the API Key:
Integrate this key into your application following the official TVDB API documentation.
Can You Get the TVDB API for Free?
Yes, TVDB offers a free API plan for non-commercial projects, but with limited features. Hereโs a breakdown of available plans:
Company Revenue
Licensing Fee
Less than $50k per year
Free (Requires Attribution)
$50k to $250k per year
$1,000 per year
$250k to $1M per year
$10,000 per year
$1M+ or Custom Terms
Contact TVDB Sales
Free API Access: Requires proper attribution (crediting TVDB as a data source).
Paid API Access: Offers higher API limits, commercial usage rights, and priority support.
For more details, visit the TVDB API Subscription page.
How to Find a TVDB ID?
Each TV show, movie, season, and episode on TVDB has a unique ID, which can be found using:
Search TVDB:
Go to TVDB Search.
Enter the title of the movie or TV show.
Click on the correct entry.
Check the URL:
The TVDB ID is located in the URL.
Example:
https://www.thetvdb.com/series/12345โ TVDB ID = 12345.
Use the API:
Fetch data programmatically using the API search endpoint.
Example:
https://api.thetvdb.com/search/series?name=Breaking+Bad
Problems with TVDB, that Also Effects SIMKL
TVDB serves as one of the primary metadata providers for SIMKL, but it has several limitations that affect accuracy, usability, and data completeness. Below are some of the few issues with TVDB that may indirectly impact SIMKL and its users.
1. No AniDB Connected ID Support from TVDB
What is the Issue?
TVDB does not support AniDB IDs, making it harder to track anime metadata accurately. Since AniDB is one of the most reliable anime databases, the lack of integration means:
No proper anime connections between TVDB & AniDB.
Difficulty in cross-referencing anime data.
Incorrect metadata due to TVDBโs weak anime support.
How It Affects?
SIMKL users who track anime have incomplete metadata.
Anime series may be mislabeled or missing important details.
SIMKL cannot auto-sync accurate anime data from AniDB.
Solution: TVDB should support AniDB IDs for better anime tracking and metadata accuracy.
2. Lack of Support for the Anime Genre & Its Special Metadata
What is the Issue?
TVDB does not fully support anime metadata. Many anime have special formats such as:
OVA (Original Video Animation)
ONA (Original Net Animation)
Special Episodes
Split-Cour Seasons
TVDB often fails to categorize these correctly, leading to:
Incorrect season numbering.
Missing episodes that are listed separately instead of under one show.
Wrong release formats, treating OVA/ONA as standard episodes.
How It Affects?
Anime tracking on SIMKL becomes unreliable.
OVA, ONA, Specials & Recap episodes are often missing or misplaced.
Confusing episode orders break watch history tracking.
Solution: TVDB must implement better anime metadata structures and categorize anime-specific formats properly.
3. Lack of Support for Asian TV Shows & Films (K-Dramas, C-Dramas, Turkish Dramas, etc.)
What is the Issue?
TVDB lacks proper support for regional Asian content, especially:
Korean Dramas (K-Dramas)
Chinese Dramas (C-Dramas)
Japanese Dramas (J-Dramas)
Turkish Dramas
Thai & Other Asian TV Shows
Many of these popular shows are missing or incomplete, making it difficult for international viewers to track them.
How It Affects?
K-Dramas & C-Dramas are often missing or lack proper metadata.
No accurate episode lists for long-format Asian dramas.
Users cannot properly track Asian TV content.
Solution: TVDB must expand its metadata support for Asian TV Shows & Films.
4. Lack of More Regional Award Types in Award Section
What is the Issue?
TVDB has very limited award categories, making it difficult to track important accolades such as:
Golden Globe Awards
BAFTA Awards
Asian Drama Awards
Anime-Specific Awards (e.g., Crunchyroll Anime Awards)
Currently, many award-winning TV shows lack proper recognition due to missing award categories.
How It Affects?
Users cannot filter shows by regional award wins.
Anime & regional dramas are underrepresented in award listings.
TV series metadata feels incomplete without award recognition.
Solution: TVDB must introduce more award categories to properly credit global TV and anime content.
5. Several Anime & Asian Dramas Are Still Missing on TVDB
What is the Issue?
TVDB has an incomplete library of anime & Asian dramas, meaning many titles do not exist on the platform.
Examples:
Ongoing seasonal anime often go missing.
Older anime classics do not have proper episode data.
Popular K-Dramas & C-Dramas are not indexed properly.
How It Affects?
Users cannot add missing shows to their watchlists.
Tracking watch progress for anime & Asian content becomes impossible.
Delays in adding new episodes make SIMKL updates inconsistent.
Solution: TVDB must regularly update its database to include ALL major anime & Asian dramas.
6. Confusing Season Structures for Some TV Shows
What is the Issue?
Some TV shows have confusing season structures, leading to incorrect listings on TVDB.
Examples:
Haunting of Hill House & Haunting of Bly Manor are considered separate shows, but some platforms list them as a single series.
Solo Leveling anime has two seasons but may be listed incorrectly as Single Season.
Money Heist (La Casa De Papel) had different season structures across platforms.
How It Affects?
Incorrect season numbering leads to tracking errors.
Users cannot follow split-cour or anthology series properly.
International versions may have different season structures, causing confusion.
Solution: TVDB must standardize season numbering and support split-cour formats correctly.
7. Lack of Character Information for Older TV Shows
What is the Issue?
TVDB often lacks character bios and cast details for older TV shows.
Common Issues:
No character descriptions for classic series.
Missing cast images or outdated photos.
No voice actor data for animated shows.
How It Affects?
Users cannot identify characters easily.
Incomplete cast lists for retro TV shows.
Anime voice actors are missing, making searching difficult.
Solution: TVDB must improve character metadata for older and animated shows.
8. Popular Shows Get Mod-Locked, Making Updates Difficult
What is the Issue?
Many popular TV shows on TVDB get locked by moderators, preventing quick updates.
Examples:
Game of Thrones
Breaking Bad
Attack on Titan
One Piece
Because of the mod lock, users cannot fix errors in these popular series, leading to delays in updating information.
How It Affects?
Delays in new episode additions.
Incorrect information stays locked for months.
Users get frustrated due to lack of updates.
Solution: TVDB must improve the moderation system and allow faster updates for locked content.
9. No Quick Report Button & Unreliable Moderation Process
What is the Issue?
TVDB lacks a simple report button for errors, requiring users to email support instead. The long approval process discourages users from reporting mistakes.
How It Affects?
Errors remain unreported due to a slow reporting system.
Duplicate shows and incorrect metadata remain unfixed.
Users give up on reporting issues due to the unreliable moderation process.
Solution: TVDB must add a quick report button for faster error reporting.
10. TVDBโs Inactive Social Media & Unresponsive GitHub Issues
TVDBโs social media presence is inactive, and GitHub issues remain unresolved for its V4 API.
Issues include:
No updates on Twitter or Facebook.
Users left without support for API-related problems.
V4 API issues remain unresolved for months.
Conclusion
TVDB is one of the most important metadata providers for TV tracking platforms like SIMKL. While it provides rich TV show data, it relies heavily on user contributions.
By contributing to TVDB, you help improve TV tracking for everyone. Whether itโs adding missing posters, fixing incorrect IDs, or reporting locked shows, your contributions make TVDB a more accurate and reliable platform.
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