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

Definition of showrunner

: 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. He or she is the creator or co-creator of a show and is a writer as well. These people are the guiding lights for a production. 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

The Walking Dead returns in October with new showrunner Angela Kang. — Rachel Cavanaugh, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Walking Dead': Why a Daryl-Aaron Romance Is a Good Idea (Opinion)," 26 June 2018 In addition to the exit of fellow TWD original Chandler Riggs and, possibly, Lauren Cohan, Angela Kang is taking over the reigns from longtime showrunner Scott M. Gimple. — Aurelie Corinthios, PEOPLE.com, "Farewell, Rick Grimes: The Walking Dead's Andrew Lincoln to Exit Series in Season 9," 30 May 2018 Jane Goldman and GoT author George R.R. Martin are listed as creators of this new series, with Goldman serving as the showrunner. — Amanda Mitchell, Marie Claire, "HBO Just Dropped a Ton of Juicy 'Game of Thrones' Prequel Details," 8 Jan. 2019 Joss Whedon, who created the WB series, is set to executive produce, with Monica Owusu-Breen as showrunner. — Jill Robi, Glamour, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer Is Coming Back With a Black Female Lead—and I'm Here for It," 27 July 2018 While the project doesn’t yet have a network attached, series creator Joss Whedon will be serving as an executive producer, and Monica Owusu-Breen will be taking the reins as showrunner and head writer. — Karen Han, Vox, "The 7 biggest highlights of Comic-Con 2018," 23 July 2018 Joss Whedon, the creator of acclaimed TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Firefly, has been announced as showrunner for a new HBO series titled The Nevers. — Sam Machkovech, Ars Technica, "Joss Whedon will return to sci-fi TV with HBO’s The Nevers," 13 July 2018 Previous Trek showrunner Rick Berman strongly supported the choice in a tweet. — Darren Orf, Popular Mechanics, "Where Is Star Trek Boldly Going?," 10 Sep. 2018 At the Summer Television Critics Association Press Tour Panel on Monday, Riverdale showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and CW President Mark Pedowitz discussed the possibility of a spinoff for the series. — Carolyn Twersky, Seventeen, "Stop What You're Doing! There's a SECOND "Riverdale" Spin Off in the Works," 7 Aug. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'showrunner.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.