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
G. Michael DobbsExamples of showrunner in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The veteran writer, director, producer and showrunner has six decades of experience at it.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 29 Nov. 2025
Both artists stressed that the development of producers, showrunners, and directors is just as essential as amplifying on-screen talent.
—Essie Assibu, Variety, 27 Nov. 2025
Ross Duffer, a co-creator and co-showrunner for Stranger Things, revealed the platform's preparation for massive viewership ahead of the sci-fi show's season 5 premiere Wednesday evening.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Nov. 2025
Also executive producing are Max Searle, who serves as co-showrunner; Kevin Hart, Bryan Smiley, and Mike Stein for Hartbeat; Bradley Gardner; Cameron Burnett, and Autumn Bailey-Ford for Prominent Productions; and State Street Pictures.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 25 Nov. 2025
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Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 29 Nov. 2025
Both artists stressed that the development of producers, showrunners, and directors is just as essential as amplifying on-screen talent.
—Essie Assibu, Variety, 27 Nov. 2025
Ross Duffer, a co-creator and co-showrunner for Stranger Things, revealed the platform's preparation for massive viewership ahead of the sci-fi show's season 5 premiere Wednesday evening.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Nov. 2025
Also executive producing are Max Searle, who serves as co-showrunner; Kevin Hart, Bryan Smiley, and Mike Stein for Hartbeat; Bradley Gardner; Cameron Burnett, and Autumn Bailey-Ford for Prominent Productions; and State Street Pictures.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 25 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for showrunner
Cite this Entry
“Showrunner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/showrunner. Accessed 4 Dec. 2025.
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