How do I add multiple versions of the same TV show i.e. aired version, extended version, uncut version?

Plex Media Server Metadata & Adding Files
1

I’m trying to add both the standard and the extended versions of tv show episodes to Plex. I want to be able to have one entry but the ability to play whichever I choose. I’ve searched the forums but haven’t really found anything conclusive. Is it possible to do this? If not how can I add another episode to a series without Plex combining them? Any help would be appreciated.

2

Not sure there is a good way to do what you want. Here’s one way that works.

Put the versions separate folders. Use square brackets (ignored by PMS) to delineate between versions.

/TV Shows
  /ShowName
    /Season 01
      /ShowName - s01e01.mkv
  /ShowName [uncut]
    /Season 01
      /ShowName - s01e01.mkv

Plex will initially combine the different versions.

Using Plex Web, go to the library containing the TV show, mouse over the show icon, click on the three dots in lower right corner, and choose split.

You should see two entries for the show, named the same.

Manually edit the show name to include “extended,” “uncut,” etc. (ex: “ShowName - Uncut”) and lock in the changes (mouse over show icon, select pencil in lower left corner, change title name, click lock to make change persistent, save changes).

Edit:
Use the same approach for movies with theatrical cuts, director cuts, etc.

Note: You can put multiple versions in the same directory. Plex will show them as duplicates and you can choose one using “play version” on the pre-play screen for a specific episode. However, Plex does not show the “original,” “uncut,” etc text (only bitrate & resolution), so there no way to know which version you are choosing.

/TV Shows
  /ShowName
    /Season 01
      /ShowName - s01e01 - original.mkv
      /ShowName - s01e01 - uncut.mkv
2 Likes
3

Thanks for the reply. This will work in the short term but I was hoping for a more integrated solution that makes the library look a little cleaner. I’m guessing that Plex doesn’t offer this functionality. I think it would be a great feature to add. I’m importing the Battlestar Galactica (2003) tv show and they have several extended and uncut versions, as well as the aired version of many episodes. I’d really like them to be in one folder as opposed to many. Thanks again.

4

No it doesn’t and yes it would.

FYI, Plex is picky with TV show organization. Best to follow the recommended structure and naming as close as possible, especially with series that have reboots, special episodes, associated movies, etc.

Things might work OK if you don’t, but you could just as easily be frakked. :scream:

See Organizing Your Media documentation, specifically, Namining & Organizing Your TV Show Files.

5

FordGuy61, You said to use the same approach for movies with theatrical cuts…etc. This may or may not be the same thing, but I couldn’t find where to put it.

What do I do if I have a UHD copy and a Blu-Ray copy of the same movie? Currently, if I play one, both show in the “continue watching” area and have the same play progress bar.

6

I have the same issue. It is a by-product of keeping 4K movies in a separate library.

I do not know a way to avoid that happening. As a consequence, I do not use the Continue Watching area. I go back to the desired library and play from there.

7

if you set your 4k library to a different metadata agent, this won’t happen.

you will need to fix match + refresh all metadata and/or do the plex dance for any existing content

1 Like
8

Good to know. Thanks for the tip!

9

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