Trouble matching show with IMDB only

Plex Media Server Metadata & Adding Files
1

Server Version#: 1.42.2.10156-f737b826c
Player Version#: Web, but I presume all
<If providing server logs please do NOT turn on verbose logging, only debug logging should be enabled>

I’m trying to add a show to my tv library. The show only has an IMDB page, it is not listed in TVDB or TMDB.
The show: Italy. Cities, Squares, Cathedrals

Year released 2023, IMDB id# tt36831600 IMDB page Italy. Cities, Squares, Cathedrals (TV Mini Series 2023–2025) - IMDb

Directory: Italy. Cities, Squares, Cathedrals (2023) {imdb-tt36831600}/Season 01

Episode 1 named Italy. Cities, Squares, Cathedrals (2023) - S01E01 - Florence.mp4

What I see: Shows up in my tv shows but is not matched to anything. No posters, no episode titles, no air dates, no episode synopsis.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit that the IMDB page for this show is pretty thinly fleshed out, but the basics seem to be there. I’ve tried most of my tricks to get this to match but so far nothing has worked. If it is any help, jellyfin is having just about as much trouble.

Log collected after a Plex dance attached.

Plex Media Server Logs_2025-10-11_16-12-47.zip (4.0 MB)

2

That seems to be the main issue.

3

That is my guess too but I’ve seen several posts now stating that IMDB matching is now supported.

4

While you can use the IMDb ID for matching, it does not mean that metadata are taken from the IMDb by Plex.

5

Then it seems pointless to support IMDB matching. In any other case, I’d point it someplace that has more reliable metadata.

Guess I can create some nfo files…. Oh wait, Plex still is dragging its feet on supporting that

6

If you have the ambition to create nfo files, why not create a TMDB entry for the show and fill it in for the benefit of everyone? Once it exists you might get others contributing, too.

1 Like
7

I guess I will begrudgingly thank you for nudging me into doing this. :smiley: I was under the impression there was a lot more process and headache to adding stuff to TMDB. That was not the case at all. I got this particular show added and its now matching on my server.

I say begrudgingly because now I’m in the process of adding/updating other shows that were problems for me, lol! So you got me started on a bunch of other work. :smiley:

1 Like
8

I am having the same problem with a pbs show.

Fork & Hammer Fork & Hammer | PBS

I have tried both the naming conventions {tvdb-470786} & {imdb-tt37965240}

Doing the dance and the hokie pokie in between. Plex agent will not match.

9

I believe it is too new.
I added a test folder to my server and like you, it does not match. I also have jellyfin on this server and it did match.
I don’t think Plex uses IMDB for tv show matching at all. Given that the TVDB record was created Nov 23 and last modified 12/8, I don’t think it has be ingested into the plex agent db yet. I’d say give it another week and it should get matched.

10

It was modified yesterday by me. I created it originally on Nov 23rd. and been waiting patiently for the scrub.

11

I know its frustrating. Why some metadata gets ingested quickly and some lingers… I don’t have any kind of answer for that other than “be patient”. None of us like that answer, I’m waiting on some changes I made a few days ago to get picked up. I know I just have to wait.

1 Like