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

Written by producer and co-showrunner Cassie Pappas, the finale finds all the major players uniting at a secluded gas terminal for an exchange. — Derek Lawrence, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026

Parsons explains that the opening scene was the perfect entryway for conversations with showrunner Oren Uziel. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026

Michael and Horatio Hirst are the exec producers, showrunners and writers. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026

Park spoke about the genesis of the show, how her early career as an actor impacts her as a showrunner, and the prospect of a second season. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 18 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1989, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for showrunner

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