Show Runners
Overview
Introduction
Show runners manage the day-to-day operations of a television series (which can include those produced for network and cable television and streaming channels such as Netflix, Paramount+, Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon). They manage every aspect of the show—from preproduction to post-production. Show runners are a type of executive producer but have ultimate authority over other executive producers, as well as the show’s director or directors, writers, and actors. They report directly to studio executives. A show runner may or may not be...
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Producers working in the motion picture and video industries earned annual average salaries of $130,620 in 2023, according to the Department of Labor. Those employed by media streaming distribution services, social networks, and other media networks and content providers earned $109,010. Radio and television broadcasting stations paid producers average annual salaries of $71,710. But the aforem...
Work Environment
A career as a show runner can be rewarding. They are paid millions of dollars a year to pursue their creative dreams, and some show runners (such as Shonda Rimes, Kenya Barris, JJ Abrams, Ava DuVernay, and Greg Berlanti) have become as famous as directors (and some also work as directors). This is all great, but there are many challenges in this career. Because they oversee the daily operations...
Outlook
Employment for producers and directors is expected to grow faster than the average for all careers through 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The DOL says that “the volume of TV shows and movies, especially on online and streaming platforms, will continue to create opportunities for producers and directors. Additionally, strong demand for video advertising across platforms m...