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

Season 15 also welcomes a new showrunner, Victor Teran, who replaces Andrea Newman after 14 seasons. — Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 29 July 2026

Taylor Elmore is attached to serve as executive producer and showrunner. — Joe Otterson, Variety, 29 July 2026

Executive producers include Dempsey and showrunners Aaron Zelman and Glenn Kessler. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 28 July 2026

Hulu Announces Two Family Guy Specials Hulu, 2026 At the Family Guy San Diego Comic-Con panel, executive producer and showrunner Rich Appel revealed that Family Guy Halloween and Holiday specials are coming to Hulu this year. — Rick Ellis, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1989, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for showrunner

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