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

Mehra served as executive producer and showrunner on the Prime Video series Made in Heaven, along with creating the Prime Video show Big Girls Don’t Cry. — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026

Bentley Kyle Evans serves as director, writer, showrunner and executive producer. — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026

Carlton Cuse and author Brown are co-creators and executive producers of the series adaptation, with the former serving as writer and showrunner. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2026

Speaking with Entertainment Weekly in May, series showrunner and co-creator Ira Parker teased what fans can expected from the show’s forthcoming second season. — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1989, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for showrunner

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