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. … 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

The series' showrunners, Matt and Ross Duffer, reflected on Eleven's fate in a conversation with Entertainment Weekly last month. —Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Jan. 2026

The third season of the AAPI stand-up comedy showcase comes from creator-showrunner Koji Steven Sakai of Little Nalu Pictures, executive producer Victor Elizalde of Viva Pictures and creator-showrunner Quentin Lee of Margin Films. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Jan. 2026

Naveda serves as creator and executive producer with Bedard as showrunner and executive producer. —Denise Petski, Deadline, 9 Jan. 2026

Spencer Hudnut serves as showrunner and executive producer on the show. —Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1989, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for showrunner

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