showrunner

Showrunner is a television industry term for the person who has overall creative authority and day-to-day operational responsibility for a scripted series. In practice, the showrunner is usually the head writer and an executive producer, and is often the central figure shaping the series’ creative vision. The term came into widespread use in the United States during the late 20th century to describe this role.

The showrunner’s duties include developing the series bible, overseeing the writing room, approving scripts, and shaping the tone, themes, and character arcs. They also supervise casting decisions, guide directing choices, and coordinate with network or studio executives. On the production side, they manage schedules and budgets, oversee post-production, and serve as the primary liaison between the creative team and producers, networks, and studios.

The exact title and scope can vary by series and region. Some shows designate the top creative authority as the showrunner, while others use “executive producer” to describe the same function. The role is demanding and central to a show’s identity, with turnover able to influence or alter its direction and tone.

Notable examples of showrunners include Shonda Rhimes (Grey’s Anatomy), Vince Gilligan (Breaking Bad), and the duo David Benioff and D. B. Weiss (Game of Thrones). The term remains most common in American and Canadian television, though similar leadership roles exist in other markets under different titles.