Add English Translation
Adding and Updating Translations on TheTVDB Platform
Translations play a vital role in helping international users discover and understand shows on TheTVDB and SIMKL.
Simkl requires an English Title translation present in a TV Show to be able to import it from TVDB
By adding translated titles, summaries, and alternative names, you help make global content easier to find, properly categorized, and accurately displayed in multiple languages.
Where to Find or Edit Translations
You can view and edit translations directly from the show’s main page.
Step 1: Navigate to “Edit Translations”
From the show page:
Click the ⚙️ Settings icon (top right of the show banner)
Select Edit Translations
This opens the Translate Series page where you’ll see a list of all supported languages.
Step 2: Choose the Language You Want to Edit
The Translate Series page lists all available languages with indicators showing what’s already filled:
✅ = Translation exists ⭕ = Missing overview or title
Click Edit beside the language you want to update.
Step 3: Add or Update the Translation
When editing a specific language (e.g. English or French), you’ll see fields for:
Name
Translated or localized title
Overview
Summary or plot description in the target language
Aliases
Alternate or regional names (optional)
Keep summaries short, spoiler-free, and natural in tone. Avoid machine translations.
Step 4: Save and Review
After saving:
Your translated title will appear under the show’s aliases (language tags visible under the main title).
It will also become searchable under that language in SIMKL.
Adding English Translations (For Non-English Originals)
If the show’s original language isn’t English, make sure to add an English translation so it can appear properly on SIMKL and other global databases.
Why It Matters
English is the primary fallback language for international databases.
Without it, users may see blank titles or missing descriptions.
It ensures cross-language discoverability for users who search in English.
Example
English Title
Lovely Runner
Alias
“Run On Love” (optional nickname)
Overview
“A veterinarian discovers she can travel back in time to prevent a tragic death.”
Pro Tips
Always verify from official sources (Netflix, IMDb, TMDB, or network sites).
Avoid using Google Translate or unofficial fan subs if an official translation is available somewhere.
Ensure grammar and punctuation match the target language standard.
If unsure about the original airing language, check network or production details.
Use aliases instead of creating duplicate entries for remakes or alternate names.
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