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

Robertson and Cowles served as the showrunner and producer, respectively, on the 2022 Roku Channel series Swimming with Sharks, which starred Kiernan Shipka, Donald Sutherland and Diane Kruger. —Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025

The Molyneux sisters served as executive producers and showrunners. —Joe Otterson, Variety, 4 Oct. 2025

Wright serves as writer, executive producer, and showrunner. —Denise Petski, Deadline, 3 Oct. 2025

As such, Netflix has characterized the third season of the hit show, which stars Charlie Hunnam in the titular role, as its most harrowing yet, but director and co-showrunner Max Winkler doesn't agree with that characterization. —Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1989, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for showrunner

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