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
But when a great concept meets a skilled showrunner, the results can be magnetic, as with these outstanding spooky series.
—David Faris, TheWeek, 23 Jan. 2026
Kelley serves as showrunner on Season 2 alongside Erica Lipez.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 23 Jan. 2026
In the Netflix version of The Hunting Wives, showrunner Rebecca Cutter gave the Sapphic fish-out-of-water story a MAGA glow-up.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2026
Max Searle will also executive produce and serve as co-showrunner.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 22 Jan. 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.
David Faris, TheWeek, 23 Jan. 2026
Kelley serves as showrunner on Season 2 alongside Erica Lipez.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 23 Jan. 2026
In the Netflix version of The Hunting Wives, showrunner Rebecca Cutter gave the Sapphic fish-out-of-water story a MAGA glow-up.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2026
Max Searle will also executive produce and serve as co-showrunner.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 22 Jan. 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 30 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
