# Start and End Date

## Start Date

The date that the work began airing or began serialization.

If a title releases early but then continues that release in a regular schedule, the start date should reflect that earlier release and the airing episode count should reflect it as well.

If a title was pre-screened at an event, regardless of location, the ***normal*** broadcast date is to be used.

{% hint style="info" %}
For works such as one-shots, standalone movies, and anthologies, both the start and end date should be set to the same day. This gives it a '*Release Date*' label in the main entry.
{% endhint %}

## End Date

The date that the work is confirmed to have finished airing or finished serialization.

![The dates for the 'City Hunter' anime](https://3414154227-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LTDX80AfuQOCIvC1Jdz%2F-LTDXOr6J3huHMb1f6Nw%2F-LTDXX7xCyLnA5sRO7FT%2Frelease_data.png?generation=1544284683041705\&alt=media)


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://anilist2.gitbook.io/submission-manual/submission-form/general/release-data/start-date.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
