Start the signal phrase sentence with the person who originated the idea you're presenting. When using a television source, that person could be anyone from a fictional character to a serious news reporter.
Define the source of the idea or quote. For instance, if you are using a fictional character, you'll need to note the television show that was the source of your idea. If you are using a news source, cite the news program. Italicize or place the TV show name in quotations.
Insert a past-tense verb appropriate to what led the character or figure to their idea or figure. For instance, if you want to use Homer Simpson's rant on money to demonstrate your point, you would use his name, the TV show name and then a past-tense verb before using a quote or idea.
Follow the formula of a subject, the source and a past-tense verb for a proper signal phrase. For example – as Homer Simpson from "The Simpsons" complained, "I can’t take his money. I can’t print my own money. I have to work for money. Why don’t I just lie down and DIE?"
Place the signal phrase information in your paper or article bibliography. When citing television, start with the episode name or number, followed by the TV show name, italicized or in quotation marks. Then, add the writer of the episode or the name of the reporter, if possible, followed by the date the episode originally aired. As an example: Half-Decent Proposal; "The Simpsons"; Tim Long; Feb. 10, 2002.