Add New TV Show
How to Add a New TV Show on TheTVDB Platform so it can be auto imported to Simkl
The TV Database (TVDB) is one of SIMKL’s main data sources for TV shows including titles, episodes, air dates, and metadata.
By adding missing shows to TVDB, you help make them discoverable on SIMKL for the entire community on other sites and services.
How to add new shows, missing episodes and movies to Simkl?Before You Begin
To get started, you’ll first need a TVDB account. This account allows you to create new shows and edit existing data for shows and episodes on TVDB.
Create a TVDB account here: https://www.thetvdb.com/auth/register
Once logged in at https://www.thetvdb.com/auth/login, you can follow the steps below to add missing titles.
Important Notes
Existing Documentation: We already have detailed SIMKL Full documentation covering how to contribute, edit, and maintain TVDB entries. If you’re new to the process, we recommend reviewing those guides first before submitting new titles. Here: TVDB - For TV Shows
English Translations Are Required: SIMKL’s current approach prioritizes titles that include English translations and English descriptions. Always ensure your new TVDB entry includes an English title and overview this guarantees it syncs correctly and becomes discoverable on SIMKL.
Provide Complete Metadata: When creating a new entry, make sure to include as many details as possible. This helps prevent missing or broken data later, such as:
Missing episodes or unlinked seasons
Absent or incorrect poster images
Missing connected IDs (IMDb, TMDB, or external links)
Incomplete or inconsistent show details
Step 1: Access the “Add Series” Form
To add a new TV show on TVDB, visit the Add New TV Show page at https://thetvdb.com/series/create and fill in the required details such as the show title, language, and premiere date.
Follow these steps:
Go to https://thetvdb.com and log in.
Click the ➕ (plus icon) at the top navigation bar.
From the dropdown menu, select “Add Series.”
Step 2: Fill in the Required Information
When adding a new series, TVDB first asks for basic identification details to verify the show and avoid duplicates. Find all existing IMDB, TDMB ids if those databases already have this tille added.
This step checks if this title is not already added to TVDB under another name. Your submission can move forward to the next form, where you’ll add the title and metadata details.
Connected IDs: The Most Important Step
Before you can proceed, you’ll need to enter at least one connected IDs if possible.
TVDB requires this to confirm your submission isn’t a duplicate and to ensure accurate linking with other databases.
You can use any two combinations of the following:
✅ IMDb + TMDB
IMDb: tt0944947
TMDB: 1399
✅ TMDB + EIDR
Use TMDB numeric ID and EIDR content link
✅ IMDb + EIDR
Works if TMDB data isn’t available
⚙️ Official Site / Press Release
Optional but useful if it’s a brand-new or unreleased show so moderators can check it.
Why This Step Matters:
If no valid IDs are entered (or if all fields are left blank), the submission will be unavailable in TVDB’s API and won’t sync to SIMKL until manually approved by a moderator.
They allow faster approval and syncing with SIMKL, since data integrity is confirmed from multiple trusted sources.
Tip: SIMKL gives priority to shows with valid English translations and proper premiere dates. This ensures search accuracy and visibility.
Step 3: Add Basic Information
Once you’ve entered the required Connected IDs, you’ll move on to the main Add Series form, where you must provide essential details about the entry.
This information helps TVDB create the initial series record and ensures the title is properly indexed for SIMKL synchronization.
These fields are mandatory before you can proceed to adding episodes, artwork, or translations.
Required Fields Overview:
Name
The original name of the TV show in its native language
「弱キャラ友崎くん」 or AlRawabi School for Girls
Overview
A short summary or description of the show’s plot in the original language
“A high school girl sets out to teach her shy classmate the rules of popularity.”
Original Language
The language the series was originally produced in
English, Korean, Japanese, Spanish, etc.
Original Country
The country the series originally aired in
United States, Japan, South Korea, etc.
Status
Choose one: Upcoming, Continuing, or Ended
Upcoming for unreleased shows
Genres
Select all that apply
Drama, Comedy, Thriller, Anime, Reality
Best Practices When Adding Basic Info
Use the original language for the show’s title and description. For example, if it’s a Korean or Japanese show, fill out the original title and summary. You’ll be able to add English translations later in the editing step.
Step 4: Add or Update Additional Details (Optional, but Recommended)
🎉 Congratulations! You’ve successfully added or improved a title on TheTVDB.com.
Your contribution helps thousands of users including SIMKL members, access complete and accurate data.
After entering the basic details (Name, Overview, Language, Status, and Genre), your title will be created on TVDB!
If the title isn’t a duplicate, you’ll see it listed publicly with a unique TVDB ID and basic metadata. Now that your entry exists, you can go further by improving and expanding the data.
(This step is optional, but it greatly enhances how the title appears on SIMKL, helping users discover accurate and rich information.)
What You Can Add or Update
Here’s what you can edit or contribute after the initial creation:
Episode Data
Add episodes, release dates, summaries, and numbers.
Useful for ongoing or anthology series.
Cast / Character Data
Add actors, character names, and crew.
Include verified credits from IMDb or official sites.
Air Dates & Schedule
Specify when and where the show airs.
For example: Thursdays at 3:00 AM (EST)
Translations
Add translated titles, overviews, and language-specific names.
e.g., add English translation for a Korean title.
Trailers & Teasers
Add official YouTube or streaming links.
Only official trailers — no fan edits.
External Links
Include verified sources like IMDb, TMDB, Netflix, Wikipedia, etc.
This ensures SIMKL syncs correctly.
Genres & Themes
Refine or add missing genre tags (up to 7).
e.g., Drama, Comedy, Romance, Historical
Inspiration Sources
Link books, comics, or events that inspired the series.
Great for adaptations (like The Witcher or Sandman).
Geographic Location
Add where the story takes place.
e.g., Seoul, Tokyo, New York City
Mood or Tone
Define the show’s atmosphere.
e.g., “Feel-Good”, “Tearjerker”, “Mind-Bending”
Award Nominations
Add any nominations or wins.
e.g., Golden Globes 2025 – Best Actor: Adam Brody
How to Edit Existing Data on TVDB?
Once your show is live, go to its page and click:
⚙️ Edit Series → Modify details such as genre, network, production, air time, etc. 🌐 Edit Translations → Add translated names, summaries, and aliases in different languages.
Related Actions
Once you’ve successfully added a new title, you may later need to:
Edit or Update Existing Shows (fix descriptions, add cast or missing details) 🔗 Link to: Editing Existing Entries on TVDB
Report Locked or Restricted Data (when a show can’t be edited) 🔗 Link to: Reporting Locked Data on TVDB
These sections will guide you through maintaining data accuracy once your new title has been created.
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