showrunner

noun

show·​run·​ner ˈshō-ˌrə-nər How to pronounce showrunner (audio)
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
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.
The showrunner revealed that the upcoming fourth season will mark a creative reset, introducing a fresh narrative while keeping the ensemble cast intact. Kennedy French, Variety, 4 Apr. 2026 So does Your Friends & Neighbors showrunner Jonathan Tropper, who conceptualized and installed the device for the show. Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 4 Apr. 2026 Created by bestselling author Jonathan Tropper, Your Friends & Neighbors is produced by Apple Studios, with Tropper serving as showrunner, director and executive producer. Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026 Barnow, who serves as showrunner, executive produces with Jost and Jeff Grosvenor of No Notes Productions and Rachel Kaplan (La Brea) of Absecon Entertainment. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for showrunner

Word History

First Known Use

1989, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of showrunner was in 1989

Cite this Entry

“Showrunner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/showrunner. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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