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

Yaga is based on a play by series creator Kat Sandler, who serves as the show’s writer and showrunner, and reimagines the myth of Baba Yaga in a coastal town. — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2026

The plan was confirmed by the revival’s showrunner Aseem Batra at the time of the Season 1 finale in April. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026

Aseem Batra serves as executive producer and showrunner; Mike Royce, Mathew Harawitz, Randall Keenan Winston and Michael Spiller also executive produce. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026

The pilot was scripted by showrunner Lee Eisenberg, from a story by McConaughey, Harrelson and David West Read. — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1989, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for showrunner

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