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Dictionary by pitch.dog
Writer-producer roles & credits · Core

Showrunner

Also called: writer-EP

ELI5

The senior writer-producer who leads a scripted series creatively and often operationally.

Used in conversation

“The showrunner wants another pass on the season arc before the room starts.”

Definition

The writer-producer with primary day-to-day creative leadership of a scripted series, typically across writing and production.

Here “Showrunner” means: The writer-producer with primary day-to-day creative leadership of a scripted series, typically across writing and production. The core meaning is stable, but role, authority or workflow changes by context below.

Pitch context

You may encounter this in a series pitch, pilot process, writers' room or commissioning conversation.

Why it matters: Explains how series are structured, staffed, commissioned, produced and released.

Connected terms

  • Series creatorThe creator originates the series; the showrunner leads its continuing creative and production execution. One person may hold both roles.
  • Episode directorThe episode director normally works within the showrunner-led creative system.
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Sources & evidence · 12

Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.