Showrunner

The Showrunner is the senior creative + production authority on a TV drama series. Combines Writer / Screenwriter (lead writer / scribe of the series voice) and Executive Producer (creative + budget accountability across the run) responsibilities.

The role is well-established in US television and has become standard practice on UK + Irish drama series in recent years.

What the role does

• Authors the series voice + key creative decisions
• Leads the writers' room for series writing
• Approves directorial assignments across the season
• Sets the overall production approach
• Reports to the commissioning broadcaster / streamer + production company executives on the series's creative + production trajectory
• Coordinates with Line Producer on schedule + budget

Position

Reports to broadcaster + producer. Operates above the Line Producer on creative authority but works closely with the line producer on operational execution.

Career progression

Long-arc career — typically reached from writer + executive producer background with multiple TV credits.

Related guild / professional body

• WGI / WGGB on the writer side
• SDGI on the directing side where the showrunner directs episodes