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
G. Michael DobbsExamples of showrunner in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Marshals showrunner Spencer Hudnut was among the top donors.
—Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 25 May 2026
Baywatch is co-produced by Fox Entertainment and Fremantle with Matt Nix (Burn Notice, The Gifted) serving as showrunner and executive producer.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 24 May 2026
The showrunners took the pitch to their partners at NBC, nabbed a pilot order and started assembling the rest of the cast.
—Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026
All three are executive producers and co-showrunners, with Judge also attached to direct.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for showrunner
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 25 May 2026
Baywatch is co-produced by Fox Entertainment and Fremantle with Matt Nix (Burn Notice, The Gifted) serving as showrunner and executive producer.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 24 May 2026
The showrunners took the pitch to their partners at NBC, nabbed a pilot order and started assembling the rest of the cast.
—Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026
All three are executive producers and co-showrunners, with Judge also attached to direct.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for showrunner
Cite this Entry
“Showrunner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/showrunner. Accessed 31 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
