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

Once again, showrunner and co-creator Craig Mazin is reframing an action typically seen as good and right as, potentially, bad and wrong. —Ben Travers, IndieWire, 4 May 2025

Ricky Kirshner and Glenn Weiss are executive producers and showrunners for White Cherry Entertainment. —Paul Grein, Billboard, 1 May 2025

The series is created by Aaron B. Koontz and Luke Boyce, who serve as showrunners and executive producers. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 1 May 2025

Directed by Jake Schreier (Robot & Frank, Paper Towns) and scripted by Eric Pearson (Thor: Ragnarok, Black Widow) and The Bear showrunner Joanna Calo, the film's story and starry ensemble aim to prove heroes can have emotional depth as well as superhuman strength. —Sharareh Drury, People.com, 29 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1989, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for showrunner

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