Show runner
From Free net encyclopedia
A vocabulary term generally in use within the United States television industry, the show runner is the person responsible for the day to day operation of a television series. Another term for this in some production companies is line producer. This is rarely shared between two or more people. This role is often given to the series' creator(s); however, if the show's distributor (e.g., the network, studio, etc.) feels that the creator isn’t experienced enough to handle running the show, they will hire someone that they know has the experience to shepherd the show through production.
Creatively, they will decide the direction that the series will take. If they are not the actual originator of the show, this will usually be done in concert with the creator. They will have to plan out the individual episodes and how they relate to the season in production as well as the series as a whole.
Based on feedback from the studio and the network that is the primary purchaser (unless the show is in syndication), the show runner must tailor the series to fit their scheduling and market demands. Along with this, they have to fit the episodes into a season budget that will fluctuate based on which markets the show has been sold into (an even greater factor for syndicated series).
While they are hired by the studio or network, the show runner’s role is as the final arbiter on the creative and financial decisions for the show; it is their mandate to fit them within the parameters specified by their employer.