# Parts vs Seasons: TV Show Formats When tracking your favorite TV shows on SIMKL, you might notice a difference between how episodes and seasons are displayed compared to what you see on platforms like **Netflix**, **Crunchyroll**, **Disney+**, or **regional broadcasters** (e.g., **tvN**, **Youku**, **iQIYI**). That’s because SIMKL uses a **standardized system powered by TVDB (TheTVDB.com)** — a leading metadata provider used by apps like Kodi, Stremio, and Plex, to organize and structure TV shows. Unlike traditional broadcast TV, where shows are neatly categorized into **seasons** and **episodes**, modern streaming platforms — especially those distributing international content — often use different segmentation labels such as: * **Parts** (e.g. *Part 1*, *Part 2*) * **Volumes** (e.g. *Volume 1*, *Volume 2*) * **Arcs, Sagas, Installments**, or **named timelines** (e.g., *Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938*) {% content-ref url="../../../faq/how-to-add-new-shows-missing-episodes-and-movies-to-simkl/tvdb-for-tv-shows" %} [tvdb-for-tv-shows](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 %} This isn’t just a stylistic or naming difference — these alternate formats often reflect: * **Re-edited versions** of the original broadcast (e.g., *Money Heist*) * **Split releases** for pacing and hype (e.g., *Stranger Things Volume 1 & 2*) * **International redistribution cuts**, made to align runtimes or cultural beats * **Marketing decisions**, where shows are split to maximize viewer engagement and global impact {% hint style="success" %} SIMKL relies on **TVDB** (TheTVDB.com) as its **primary metadata provider** for TV shows {% endhint %} {% content-ref url="../anime-tracking/anime-seasons" %} [anime-seasons](https://docs.simkl.org/how-to-use-simkl/getting-started-with-simkl/basic-navigation/anime-tracking/anime-seasons) {% endcontent-ref %} ## Why Is This Formatting Used? Many foreign-language series, especially those originating from **Spain, Korea, China, Japan**, or **Latin America**, are first aired on **local networks** using traditional models: * Weekly episodes * Extended runtimes (often over 70 minutes) * Grouped loosely as **"parts"**, **"arcs"**, or under thematic banners instead of conventional seasons When global streaming platforms, especially **Netflix,** acquire these shows for international release, they often **restructure and repackage** the content to better align with global viewer expectations and platform design. {% content-ref url="why-is-tvdb-better-for-tv-shows-than-tmdb" %} [why-is-tvdb-better-for-tv-shows-than-tmdb](https://docs.simkl.org/how-to-use-simkl/getting-started-with-simkl/basic-navigation/tv-shows-tracking/why-is-tvdb-better-for-tv-shows-than-tmdb) {% endcontent-ref %} ![](https://1063116720-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MkYIJb2JfKN8kBT29bf%2Fuploads%2FCTKh0fVb9TEj7IrWm4PY%2FNetflix%20has%20officially%20announced%20that%20the%20fifth%20and%20final%20season%20of%20Stranger%20Things%20will%20be%20rele.jpg?alt=media\&token=a658f853-95b0-41e6-97bc-8975b7d33b96) ![](https://1063116720-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MkYIJb2JfKN8kBT29bf%2Fuploads%2FMaVL7dp0dQwIiM8Q4TM6%2FScreenshot-2021-09-01-at-11-02-35-AM.png?alt=media\&token=e96f3032-2687-4148-b7e1-072ea008ec0e) When platforms like **Netflix**, **Crunchyroll**, or **Disney+** acquire or produce content, they may: #### 1. Recut Episodes for Runtime Standardization * Episodes are edited down to the **40–50 minute format** commonly expected by streaming audiences * Original long-format episodes (e.g., 70+ minutes) are split into **shorter, more bingeable chunks** * This is commonly seen in: * *Money Heist* – Recut from long Spanish episodes to shorter 5-Part structure * *The Untamed Special Edition* – Abridged version for international release *** #### 2. Structure Shows in “Parts” or “Volumes” Instead of Seasons * Instead of using standard Season 1, 2, 3… Platforms often divides shows into: * **Parts** (e.g., *Part 1*, *Part 2*, *Part 3*) * **Volumes** (e.g., *Volume 1*, *Volume 2*) * Or **named arcs** (e.g., *Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938*) * These are not technically “seasons,” but may contain: * Different timelines * New characters or cast * Sequel/prequel storylines *** #### 3. Support International Market Appeal * “Part”-based labeling feels **less intimidating** for new audiences than “Season 5” * Viewers are more likely to start watching a show that says “Part 1” than “Season 4” * This technique helps expand international reach and **retain first-time viewers** *** #### 4. Allow Flexible Release Timelines * Shows can be split into **multiple drops** (e.g., Volume 1 & Volume 2) with: * Time in between for marketing campaigns * More time for final post-production (e.g., Stranger Things S4) * Viewers perceive this as an event, rather than a delay *** #### 5. Enable Hype-Driven Marketing Strategies * Instead of releasing an entire season at once, splitting it builds **anticipation and momentum** * Examples: * *Stranger Things Season 4* was split into: * **Volume 1** (Episodes 1–7) * **Volume 2** (Episodes 8–9, feature-length) * *Money Heist Part 5* was split into: * **Volume 1** and **Volume 2**, released a month apart *** #### 6. Maintain Consistency Across Global Interfaces * Recut shows allow for: * Unified **episode count** * Consistent **interface display** across devices and countries * Easier subtitle syncing and dubbing workflows {% hint style="info" %} ## Why Do Some Shows Have Parts, Volumes, or Recut Episodes? * **Streaming platforms like Netflix** repackage content into *Parts* or *Volumes* for hype, pacing, or runtime standardization. * **Asian dramas (Korean/Chinese)** often market shows in *Parts* (e.g., “1938 arc”) while using **different actors**, **new timelines**, or **new titles** — even when it's officially a continuation. * **Tracking services (TVDB, SIMKL, etc.)** use structured metadata that doesn’t always match viewer-facing labels. {% endhint %} *** ## Examples of Shows Using the "Part"-Based Format Below are major non-English (non-anime) shows that use this format, with a breakdown of their original structure vs the repackaged format: {% content-ref url="../anime-tracking/anime-seasons" %} [anime-seasons](https://docs.simkl.org/how-to-use-simkl/getting-started-with-simkl/basic-navigation/anime-tracking/anime-seasons) {% endcontent-ref %} *** ### 1. **Money Heist (*****La Casa de Papel*****) – Spain** | Version | Structure | Description | | ---------------- | ---------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | ES Original | 2 Seasons, 22 episodes | Season 1: 15 episodes (\~70 min), Season 2: 9 episodes | | Netflix (Edited) | 5 Parts, 48 episodes | Recut into shorter episodes for global streaming. Final Part 5 released in two volumes. | #### Season Format * **Part 1 & 2** = Recut of original Spanish Season 1 * **Part 3 – Part 5** = New episodes produced by Netflix * **Part 5** was split into: * *Volume 1* * *Volume 2*
#### Key Difference * Netflix edited the original long episodes into 45-min cuts and grouped them into “Parts”. * Final Part was split mid-season into two separate drops. **Show Details:** *** ### 2. **Stranger Things – USA** | Season | Structure | Notes | | -------- | ------------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------- | | Season 1 | 8 episodes | Standard drop | | Season 2 | 9 episodes | Standard drop | | Season 3 | 8 episodes | Standard drop | | Season 4 | 9 episodes, split into Volumes | Volume 1 (Ep 1–7), Volume 2 (Ep 8–9, with extra-long runtimes) | | Season 5 | 8 episodes | Volume 1, Volume 2, Finale episode | #### Season 4 Format * **Volume 1**: Released May 27, 2022 (Episodes 1–7) * **Volume 2**: Released July 1, 2022 (Episodes 8–9)
#### Key Difference * All episodes belong to **Season 4**, but Netflix split the release into **two Volumes** for pacing and hype. * Episodes in Volume 2 exceeded 90 minutes, making them feel cinematic. **Show Details:** [**https://simkl.com/tv/548312/stranger-things**](https://simkl.com/tv/548312/stranger-things) *** ### 3. **Lupin – France** | Release Type | Structure | Notes | | ------------ | --------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- | | Netflix | 3 Parts | Each released separately as Part 1, 2, and 3 | | SIMKL / TVDB | 3 Seasons | Labeled as Seasons, even though Netflix refers to them as “Parts” | #### Season Format * **Part 1**: 5 episodes (2021) * **Part 2**: 5 episodes (2021) * **Part 3**: 7 episodes (2023) * Part 4: *(Coming soon...)*
#### Key Difference * Netflix refers to each drop as a new **Part**, but SIMKL and TVDB catalog them as **Seasons**. * Each Part continues the same overarching story without a reboot or cast change. **Show Details:** [**https://simkl.com/tv/1318438/lupin**](https://simkl.com/tv/1318438/lupin) *** ### 4. **Tale of the Nine Tailed – South Korea** | Release Title | Structure | Notes | | ------------------------------------- | ----------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ | | *Tale of the Nine Tailed* (2020) | 16 episodes | Original story in a modern-day setting | | *Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938* (2023) | 12 episodes | Prequel arc with returning characters and historical setting | | SIMKL / TVDB | 2 Seasons | Grouped as Season 1 and Season 2, despite prequel format | #### Season Format * *Season 1* = 2020 original * *Season 2* = 1938 timeline (prequel arc) #### Key Difference * Although marketed as a **prequel** with a fresh tone, tracking platforms treat it as a direct **Season 2**. * Title change may confuse viewers who expect a new series entry. **Show Details:** [**https://simkl.com/tv/1411060/tale-of-the-nine-tailed**](https://simkl.com/tv/1411060/tale-of-the-nine-tailed) *** ### 5. **The Glory – South Korea** | Netflix Labeling | Structure | Notes | | ---------------- | ---------------------- | ----------------------- | | Part 1 | 8 episodes (Dec 2022) | Setup arc | | Part 2 | 8 episodes (Mar 2023) | Conclusion arc | | SIMKL / TVDB | 1 Season (16 episodes) | Combined under Season 1 | #### Season Format * *Season 1* = Part 1 + Part 2 (no split distinction in metadata) #### Key Difference * Netflix released as **two distinct parts**, but it’s officially a single season. * SIMKL users won’t see “Part 1/2” labels, which may cause confusion in watch progress. **Show Details:** [**https://simkl.com/tv/1752934/the-glory**](https://simkl.com/tv/1752934/the-glory) *** ### 6. **Arthdal Chronicles – South Korea** | Title | Structure | Notes | | --------------- | ------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Season 1 (2019) | 18 episodes, split into 3 Parts | Marketed as Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 (each with subtitle names) | | Season 2 (2023) | 12 episodes | Titled *The Sword of Aramun*, recast lead actor, different arc | | SIMKL / TVDB | Season 1 & Season 2 | Season 2 treated as continuation, despite time gap and cast change | #### Season Format * *Season 1* = 3 internal narrative arcs released as continuous drops * *Season 2* = Years later, different actor, new tone but same universe #### Key Difference * Marketed almost like a reboot, but grouped linearly as Season 2 on SIMKL. * Viewers expecting a standalone story may be confused by returning elements. **Show Details:** [**https://simkl.com/tv/998178/arthdal-chronicles**](https://simkl.com/tv/998178/arthdal-chronicles) *** ### 7. **Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy – USA** | Platform | Structure | Notes | | ------------ | ----------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Netflix | 3 separate titles (6 episodes each) | Each installment (Siege, Earthrise, Kingdom) is treated as an individual title on Netflix. | | SIMKL / TVDB | 3 Seasons, 18 episodes | Grouped under one series: *Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy* as Seasons 1–3. | #### Season Format Breakdown * **Season 1** = *Transformers: War for Cybertron – Siege* (6 episodes, 2020) * **Season 2** = *Transformers: War for Cybertron – Earthrise* (6 episodes, 2020) * **Season 3** = *Transformers: War for Cybertron – Kingdom* (6 episodes, 2021)
#### Key Difference * On **Netflix**, each part is released as a **standalone title** under its own card and page. * On **SIMKL**, they are combined under one series and labeled as **Season 1, 2, and 3**. * This disconnect means SIMKL cannot detect your progress automatically if you're only watching *Siege* on Netflix — since *Earthrise* and *Kingdom* are technically “different titles.” #### Notes * This trilogy is a clear example of how **marketing splits titles for brand identity**, while metadata platforms merge them for continuity and episode tracking. * Viewers may believe they’re watching different series, but SIMKL treats them as one. **Show Details:** [**https://simkl.com/tv/1275048/transformers-war-for-cybertron-trilogy**](https://simkl.com/tv/1275048/transformers-war-for-cybertron-trilogy) *** ### 8. Disenchantment – USA Netflix’s animated fantasy sitcom **Disenchantment**, created by Matt Groening, wraps up with **three (3) official seasons**, but those are delivered as **five (5) parts** released over time—each part being a batch of 10 episodes. In total, the show has **50 episodes**. | Platform | Structure | Notes | | ---------------- | -------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Netflix** | 5 Parts, 50 episodes | Each part contains 10 episodes. Netflix uses a “Part” structure instead of seasons. | | **SIMKL / TVDB** | 3 Seasons | Grouped under three seasons, combining the 5 parts into broader seasonal blocks. | *** **Season Format Breakdown** * **Season 1** = *Part 1* (10 episodes, 2018) + *Part 2* (10 episodes, 2019) * **Season 2** = *Part 3* (10 episodes, 2021) + *Part 4* (10 episodes, 2022) * **Season 3** = *Part 5* (10 episodes, 2023) | Part | Season | Episodes | Originally released | | ---- | ------------ | -------- | ------------------- | | 1 | **Season 1** | 10 | August 17, 2018 | | 2 | **Season 1** | 10 | September 20, 2019 | | 3 | **Season 2** | 10 | January 15, 2021 | | 4 | **Season 2** | 10 | February 9, 2022 | | 5 | **Season 3** | 10 | September 1, 2023 | *** **Key Difference** * On **Netflix**, the show is split into 5 distinct **Parts**, each with 10 episodes, with gaps between release dates. * On **SIMKL** and TVDB (Aired Order), the series is grouped as **3 Seasons**. Each season comprises 1–2 Netflix Parts. * This can lead to confusion while tracking. For example, someone watching *Part 4* on Netflix may expect it to be Season 4 on SIMKL, but it's actually listed under **Season 2**.
**Notes** * This case highlights how streaming services define content by **release rhythm (parts)**, while metadata platforms prioritize **broadcast structure (seasons)**. * Users relying on trackers like SIMKL may see unexpected season numbers that don’t align with Netflix UI. **Show Details:** *** ## Series Continuity vs Splitting: Why TVDB’s Approach Works Better for Tracking One of the most important philosophical differences between TVDB and TMDB is **how they define what constitutes a “single TV series.”** This distinction has major implications for long-term tracking, statistics, and watch history integrity. * **TVDB prioritizes narrative and production continuity.** * **TMDB often prioritizes branding, marketing titles, or platform presentation.** While both approaches can look reasonable in isolation, only one scales well for long-term TV tracking. #### Series Continuity vs Splitting, Real-World Examples | Series | TVDB Representation | TMDB Representation | Why TVDB Groups It | Tracking Impact if Split (TMDB) | | ------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **The Haunting** |

Single anthology series
• Season 1: Hill House
• Season 2: Bly Manor

|

Split into two separate shows
• The Haunting of Hill House
• The Haunting of Bly Manor

| TVDB treats *The Haunting* as one show because Netflix officially renewed it as an **anthology series**, not as separate productions. The creative intent, branding, and renewal lineage all point to a single evolving series, similar to *American Horror Story*. | Watch history is fragmented into two unrelated entries. Users appear to have watched “two different shows” instead of completing Season 2 of the same series. Stats, completion rates, and continuity are broken. | | **Monster** |

Single anthology series
• Season 1: Dahmer
• Season 2: Menendez
• Future seasons: new cases

| **Split by case title** (each season listed as a new show) | TVDB groups all seasons under *Monster* because each season is part of the same **true-crime anthology framework**, renewed as a single franchise with different subjects per season. | Franchise-level tracking becomes impossible. Each new case resets progress and stats, making it unclear that the user is following the same ongoing series. | | **American Horror Story** |

Single anthology series
Each season has a subtitle and standalone story

| **Not split** (treated as one show) | This is the canonical example of how anthology TV has always been handled. Despite radically different stories each season, production and renewal continuity defines it as one series. | Splitting would destroy over a decade of viewing history, invalidate stats, and make long-term tracking unusable. | | **Fargo** |

Single anthology series
Each season tells a new story in a shared universe

| Usually kept together, but often debated | TVDB follows official renewal and franchise continuity. Each season is a new chapter, not a new show. | If split, users lose a clear sense of progression through the series and long-term completion metrics become meaningless. | | **True Detective** |

Single anthology series
Standalone seasons under one title

| Usually kept together | TVDB recognizes that anthology does not mean “separate shows.” Renewal history and franchise identity define series boundaries. | Splitting seasons would artificially inflate show counts and fragment user watch history across unrelated entries. | TVDB prioritizes **narrative and production continuity**, not marketing titles. This approach is far more reliable for long-term tracking. *** ## Why This All Matters for Viewers While these structural differences might seem minor, they can create significant confusion for viewers — especially those who rely on tracking platforms like **SIMKL**, **MyAnimeList, IMDB**, or **MyDramaList** to monitor their progress and organize their watchlists. Here's how it affects your viewing experience: | Concern | Impact | | ------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Progress Tracking** | You may mark "Part 2" as complete on Netflix, but SIMKL or IMDB shows it as "Season 1", causing missed progress. | | **Episode Discovery** | Specials, prequels, or side stories may be listed as “Season 0” or not grouped at all. | | **Continuity Confusion** | Anthologies or rebooted sequels might appear under the same season, even if their tone, timeline, or cast differ. | | **Watch Stats & History** | Misaligned data affects your completed percentage, history accuracy, and viewing habits. | {% content-ref url="../../../core-features/content-tracking/tracking-content/progress-tracking" %} [progress-tracking](https://docs.simkl.org/how-to-use-simkl/core-features/content-tracking/tracking-content/progress-tracking) {% endcontent-ref %} These challenges become even more noticeable with **international series**, where naming conventions differ by region, platform, and language. *** ## Tips for Viewers Using SIMKL and Other Trackers To minimize confusion and keep your watchlist accurate, here are a few practical tips: #### 1. **Check the Air Dates** Use episode air dates to match what you've watched on Netflix, Disney+, or Viki with what's on SIMKL. This is especially useful when "Part 2" is really Season 1, Ep 9 onward. #### 2. **Read Episode Descriptions** SIMKL pulls metadata from TVDB, including descriptions and titles. Use those to locate matching episodes when “Part” and “Season” labels don’t align. #### 3. **Look at Specials / Season 0** Many side stories, prequels, or one-off episodes are listed under “Season 0”. Don’t miss them, they may be essential (*e.g., Kingdom: Ashin of the North*). #### 4. **Know That Different Shows Have Different Logic** * *Stranger Things* uses **Volumes** * *Money Heist* uses **Parts** * *K-Dramas* may change **title and time period** entirely\ Always assume naming on Netflix or TV may not match tracking platforms. *** ## Understanding the TV Format Globally! As global TV becomes more fragmented across regions, formats, and platforms, understanding **how content is structured** and how it's **tracked differently,** is more important than ever. Whether you're watching *Money Heist* split into five Parts, or a K-Drama like *Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938* that changes tone and timeline mid-series, these aren't just stylistic choices. They're deliberate structural shifts shaped by: * Platform strategies * Cultural viewing habits * Production cycles * Global distribution norms By knowing how SIMKL (and its source TVDB) interprets these releases, you’ll be better prepared to manage your watch history, avoid confusion, and enjoy a smoother viewing journey. > **Remember:** Seasons and Parts aren’t always the same, but your favorite episodes are all there.\ > Stay informed. Track smart.