The TVDB
Whilst not actually a part of TV Rename; The TVDB or more specifically The TVDB’s database provides the data (using its API) supplying TV Rename with the relevant details about the shows it’s monitoring.
If the API is down TV Rename will not be able to add shows to your library or perform updates to it.
The quickest way to check is to follow the link below which will give you the current status of the API along with other useful information.
http://www.isitdownrightnow.com/api.thetvdb.com.html
If you are having trouble with a particular show it may well be the show name that is causing the problem.
“Doctor Who” for example, can variously be called “Dr. Who” or “Dr Who” in the filenames which aren’t recognised by TV Rename.
In a case like this it is a good idea to visit The TVDB to check how they name the show.