Show runner - Definition and Overview

A show runner is a person who has had proven success in the television industry, and typically has close ties to executives at various major television networks. Since show runners are often trusted to know how to produce successful shows within time and budgetary constraints, someone seeking to pitch a new show to a network will typically find a show runner to promote it to the network executives for them; if the show is accepted, the show runner will then usually also oversee production, at least initially.