showrunner

noun

show·​run·​ner ˈshō-ˌrə-nər 

variants or less commonly show-runner or show runner

plural showrunners also show-runners or show runners

: a person who oversees the writing and production of each episode of a television series and has ultimate managerial and creative control over the series

A showrunner is more than just a producer. He or she is the creator or co-creator of a show and is a writer as well. These people are the guiding lights for a production. They are making decisions about casting, story arcs, as well as the day-to-day issues of getting a show done and ready for air.

—G. Michael Dobbs

Examples of showrunner in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

David Hurwitz serves as showrunner and executive producer. —Lynette Rice, Deadline, 19 May 2025

This podcast offers a deep-dive commentary into the television adaptation, interviewing showrunners and actors about each episode to give fans an even deeper insight into the story and characters. —Chelsea Tobin, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025

Jason Ning will serve as showrunner and executive producer, while Neal H. Mortiz, Pavun Shetty, James Scura and Shemar Moore will executive produce. —Rachel Raposas, People.com, 19 May 2025

Erik Oleson was the executive producer and showrunner via his company Crimethink. —Joe Otterson, Variety, 17 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1989, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for showrunner

• forerunner
• brunner
• gunnar
• gunner
• runner
• tonner