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)

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

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.

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

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:

1. Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) – Spain

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: https://simkl.com/tv/701594/money-heist

2. Stranger Things – USA

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

3. Lupin – France

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

4. Tale of the Nine Tailed – South Korea

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

5. The Glory – South Korea

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

6. Arthdal Chronicles – South Korea

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

7. Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy – USA

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

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.

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)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Disenchantment_episodes

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: https://simkl.com/tv/751558/disenchantment

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:

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.