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

Normally, that’s the showrunner or the director. —Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 28 Mar. 2026

This week sees the launch of Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole on Netflix and the author has adapted all nine episodes and serves as showrunner on the series. —Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 27 Mar. 2026

Boston, who serves as showrunner, creator, writer, and executive producer of the series has been ruminating on its terrors and delights for awhile now. —Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 27 Mar. 2026

John Lee Hancock developed the series and served as executive producer and co-showrunner alongside Mark Lafferty. —Joe Otterson, Variety, 27 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1989, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for showrunner

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