# Add New TV Show

The **TV Database (TVDB)** is one of SIMKL’s main data sources for **TV shows** including titles, episodes, air dates, and metadata.

{% hint style="info" %}
If a TV show is missing on SIMKL, it means it has not yet been added to TVDB, English title is missing on TVDB or it's waiting for 4-10 hours to get new updates from TVDB API. 
{% endhint %}

By adding missing shows to TVDB, you help make them discoverable on SIMKL for the entire community on other sites and services.

{% content-ref url=".." %}
[..](https://docs.simkl.org/how-to-use-simkl/faq/how-to-add-new-shows-missing-episodes-and-movies-to-simkl)
{% endcontent-ref %}

### 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>&#x20;

Once logged in at <https://www.thetvdb.com/auth/login>, you can follow the steps below to add missing titles.

<figure><img src="https://1063116720-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MkYIJb2JfKN8kBT29bf%2Fuploads%2FfXwn4KYdTqcYhz6WL0Vv%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=bf4d8784-ac80-4c7b-bf49-b684d47bb2a2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% content-ref url="" %}
[](https://docs.simkl.org/how-to-use-simkl/faq/how-to-add-new-shows-missing-episodes-and-movies-to-simkl/tvdb-for-tv-shows)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% hint style="info" %}

#### 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: [](https://docs.simkl.org/how-to-use-simkl/faq/how-to-add-new-shows-missing-episodes-and-movies-to-simkl/tvdb-for-tv-shows "mention")&#x20;
* **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
    {% endhint %}

### Step 1: Access the “Add Series” Form

To add a new TV show on TVDB, visit the [Add New TV Show](https://thetvdb.com/series/create) 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:

1. Go to <https://thetvdb.com> and log in.
2. Click the **➕ (plus icon)** at the top navigation bar.
3. From the dropdown menu, select **“Add Series.”**

<figure><img src="https://1063116720-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MkYIJb2JfKN8kBT29bf%2Fuploads%2FXAFkqwXvT6uxMYGs9Mrv%2Fchrome_fkAyGBpjUy.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=1e05ecc7-a770-482e-b63a-ec1e88a305c0" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

### 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:

| Option                           | Example                                                                                |
| -------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| ✅ IMDb + TMDB                    | <p>IMDb: <code>tt0944947</code><br>TMDB: <code>1399</code></p>                         |
| ✅ 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. |

<figure><img src="https://1063116720-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MkYIJb2JfKN8kBT29bf%2Fuploads%2F44yyAE8jdFlxKEiz0AtQ%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=f78db5d0-6237-4240-a535-789bebe97dbe" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**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.

{% hint style="success" %}
**Tip:** SIMKL gives priority to shows with valid **English translations** and proper **premiere dates**. This ensures search accuracy and visibility.
{% endhint %}

***

### 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:**

| Field                 | Description                                                                | Example                                                                           |
| --------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **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                                           |

<figure><img src="https://1063116720-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MkYIJb2JfKN8kBT29bf%2Fuploads%2FrvjiKons1qrVWpT8cdh2%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=fc468fa9-d820-4da6-ab53-40284b3ab3c8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="success" %}

#### 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.
  {% endhint %}

***

### Step 4: Add or Update Additional Details *(<mark style="color:yellow;">Optional, but Recommended</mark>)*

> 🎉 **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**.

*<mark style="color:yellow;">(This step is optional, but it greatly enhances how the title appears on</mark> <mark style="color:yellow;"></mark><mark style="color:yellow;">**SIMKL**</mark><mark style="color:yellow;">, helping users discover accurate and rich information.)</mark>*

#### What You Can Add or Update

Here’s what you can edit or contribute after the initial creation:

| Category                  | Description                                                        | Example / Tips                                           |
| ------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------- |
| **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*      |

<h4 align="center">  <mark style="color:yellow;background-color:green;"><strong>How to Edit Existing Data on TVDB?</strong></mark> </h4>

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.

<figure><img src="https://1063116720-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MkYIJb2JfKN8kBT29bf%2Fuploads%2FNJKStyh6iwjixFJ5PUHj%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=d40144d8-35f3-4469-bc77-96c19bd7b8ba" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% content-ref url="add-english-translation" %}
[add-english-translation](https://docs.simkl.org/how-to-use-simkl/faq/how-to-add-new-shows-missing-episodes-and-movies-to-simkl/tvdb-for-tv-shows/add-english-translation)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="add-external-ids" %}
[add-external-ids](https://docs.simkl.org/how-to-use-simkl/faq/how-to-add-new-shows-missing-episodes-and-movies-to-simkl/tvdb-for-tv-shows/add-external-ids)
{% endcontent-ref %}

***

### 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](https://docs.simkl.org/how-to-use-simkl/faq/how-to-add-new-shows-missing-episodes-and-movies-to-simkl/tvdb-for-tv-shows#id-2.-editing-existing-tv-shows)
* **Report Locked or Restricted Data** (when a show can’t be edited)\
  🔗 Link to: [Reporting Locked Data on TVDB](https://docs.simkl.org/how-to-use-simkl/faq/how-to-add-new-shows-missing-episodes-and-movies-to-simkl/tvdb-for-tv-shows#id-3.-reporting-locked-or-incorrect-data)

These sections will guide you through maintaining data accuracy once your new title has been created.


---

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