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

Before taking the reins of Sheriff Country after the spinoff was ordered to series off of a Fire Country backdoor pilot episode, Lopez was the creator and showrunner of the ABC/Hulu drama series Promised Land. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 8 May 2026

Rob Doherty serves as showrunner, writer, and executive producer. —Joe Otterson, Variety, 8 May 2026

It was recently reported that Chad Feehan, the series co-creator, departed the series as showrunner. —Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026

For background, Katie Dippold serves as showrunner. —Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1989, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for showrunner

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