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

But by coincidence, fate or the shrewd (and very unlikely) influence of the series’ showrunners, McBee’s sentencing has been pushed back a couple of months and won’t happen until Season 2 has run its course. —Mike Hendricks july 6, Kansas City Star, 6 July 2025

While not much is known about season 13 yet, the showrunner has shared a few clues on what fans might be able to expect next from the Hallmark series. —Francesca Gariano, People.com, 5 July 2025

While much of the popularity of the program is derived from its ability to inspire online debate, even the showrunners have noticed an uptick in the nastiness of the commentary. —Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 3 July 2025

New showrunner, official return dates Austin has certainly had its share of McConaughey and Harrelson sightings during filming. —Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1989, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for showrunner

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