Parts vs Seasons: TV Show Formats
Understanding SIMKL's Use of TVDB for TV Show Structuring
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
SIMKL relies on TVDB (TheTVDB.com) as its primary metadata provider for TV shows
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
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.
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:
Anime Seasons1. Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) – Spain
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: https://simkl.com/tv/701594/money-heist
2. Stranger Things – USA
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
(Upcoming)
Expected to follow similar split (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
3. Lupin – France
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)
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
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
5. The Glory – South Korea
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
6. Arthdal Chronicles – South Korea
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
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:
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.
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.
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