Applies to: The guide and programme share a series name but appear to describe different episodes.
The useful distinctions
- A series can contain multiple episodes.
- Episode labels and descriptions provide more specific context than the series name.
- A matching title alone does not prove the requested instalment.
Keep the broad match and narrow mismatch together
The guide may identify the right series while being wrong about the instalment. Preserve both observations instead of declaring the entire service incorrect. Record the episode subtitle, number or a short non-sensitive synopsis detail that actually distinguishes the programme. A series title is useful evidence at the work level, but it cannot establish which episode, special or repeat was transmitted at a particular date and time.
Avoid guessing a numbering repair
Different sources can present episode information differently, and the viewer may have only a partial label. Do not add or subtract a number merely because another listing uses a familiar sequence. Compare the explicit labels and the dated programme identity first. If a subtitle or synopsis clearly disagrees, send that evidence to the source owner. The next task is to reconcile the instalment, not to change the channel association or move the whole guide clock without supporting evidence.
Hypothetical worked example
On 8 November 2026, fictional “Village Stories” appears in both the guide and the picture. The guide’s subtitle is “The Bridge”, but the programme identifies itself as “The Orchard”. The shared series name is still relevant, yet it does not settle the episode. A report containing both subtitles, the service and the dated slot is more precise than saying only that “Village Stories is wrong”.
A focused way to proceed
- Record the series title and any episode subtitle or number shown.
- Compare the dated transmission or a distinctive synopsis detail.
- Report the exact disagreement without inferring a numbering conversion from memory.
When to stop or ask for help
Ask the source owner to reconcile the episode subtitle or explicit numbering for that dated transmission.