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Showrunners: The Art of Running a TV Show

Film · 2014

“Showrunners” is the first ever feature length documentary film to explore the fascinating world of US television showrunners and the creative forces aligned around them. These are the people responsible for creating, writing and overseeing every element of production on one of the United State’s biggest exports – television drama and comedy series. Often described as the most complex job in the entertainment business, a showrunner is the chief writer / producer on a TV series and, in most instances, the show’s creator. Battling daily between art and commerce, showrunners manage every aspect of a TV show’s development and production: creative, financial and logistical.

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01

The people who made it

26 of 28

Behind the camera

  1. Des Doyledirector · writer
  2. John Murphyeditor

On screen

  1. Steven S. DeKnightlead actor
  2. Ronald D. Moorelead actor
  3. Joss Whedonlead actor
  4. J.J. Abramslead actor
  5. Hart Hansonsupporting actor
  6. Chris Downeysupporting actor
  7. Jonathan Nolansupporting actor
  8. Javier Grillo-Marxuachsupporting actor
  9. Damon Lindelofsupporting actor
  10. Jane Espensonsupporting actor
  11. Anthony LaPagliasupporting actor
  12. David Nevinsguest actor
  13. Janet Tamaroguest actor
  14. Mike Royceguest actor
  15. Ali LeRoiguest actor
  16. Greg Plagemanguest actor
  17. J. H. Wymanguest actor
  18. Kurt Sutterguest actor
  19. Michelle Kingguest actor
  20. Bill Pradyguest actor
  21. Shawn Ryanguest actor
  22. Robert Kingguest actor
  23. Terence Winterguest actor
  24. Jeff Pinknerguest actor
03

From the people who made Showrunners: The Art of Running a TV Show

1
  1. The Quiet Girl2022 · FilmStrong· 1 shared
04

Through the cast

199
  1. DollhouseJoss WhedonSteven S. DeKnight2009 · TV seriesStrong· 3 shared
  2. Much Ado About NothingJoss Whedon2013 · FilmStrong· 1 shared
  3. no artwork
    The Great BeyondJ.J. Abrams2027 · FilmStrong· 1 shared
  4. Buffy the Vampire SlayerJoss WhedonSteven S. DeKnight1997 · TV seriesStrong· 3 shared
  5. FireflyJoss Whedon2002 · TV seriesStrong· 2 shared
  6. Jupiter's LegacySteven S. DeKnight2021 · TV seriesStrong· 1 shared
  7. Battlestar GalacticaRonald D. Moore2003 · TV seriesStrong· 1 shared
  8. LostJ.J. AbramsDamon Lindelof2004 · TV seriesStrong· 5 shared
  9. AngelJoss WhedonSteven S. DeKnight1999 · TV seriesStrong· 4 shared
  10. Spartacus: House of AshurSteven S. DeKnight2025 · TV seriesStrong· 1 shared
  11. SpartacusSteven S. DeKnight2010 · TV seriesStrong· 1 shared
  12. Battlestar Galactica: The PlanRonald D. MooreJane Espenson2009 · FilmStrong· 2 shared
  13. HelixRonald D. Moore2014 · TV seriesStrong· 2 shared
  14. Pacific Rim: UprisingSteven S. DeKnight2018 · FilmStrong· 1 shared
  15. Battlestar Galactica: RazorRonald D. MooreJane Espenson2007 · FilmStrong· 2 shared
  16. CapricaRonald D. Moore2010 · TV seriesStrong· 2 shared
  17. Person of InterestJonathan NolanJ.J. Abrams2011 · TV seriesStrong· 3 shared
  18. Battlestar GalacticaRonald D. Moore2004 · TV seriesStrong· 2 shared
  19. Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along BlogJoss Whedon2008 · TV seriesStrong· 1 shared
  20. The NeversJoss WhedonJane Espenson2021 · TV seriesStrong· 2 shared
  21. In Your EyesJoss Whedon2014 · FilmStrong· 1 shared
  22. BackstromHart Hanson2015 · TV seriesStrong· 1 shared
  23. Forever YoungJ.J. Abrams1992 · FilmStrong· 1 shared
  24. OutlanderRonald D. Moore2014 · TV seriesStrong· 1 shared
  25. SerenityJoss Whedon2005 · FilmStrong· 1 shared
  26. Star Trek Into DarknessJ.J. AbramsDamon Lindelof2013 · FilmStrong· 2 shared
  27. FelicityJ.J. Abrams1998 · TV seriesStrong· 1 shared
  28. AliasJ.J. Abrams2001 · TV seriesStrong· 2 shared
  29. Regarding HenryJ.J. Abrams1991 · FilmStrong· 1 shared
  30. The Cabin in the WoodsJoss Whedon2012 · FilmStrong· 1 shared
  31. Alien ResurrectionJoss Whedon1997 · FilmStrong· 1 shared
  32. VirtualityRonald D. Moore2009 · FilmStrong· 1 shared
  33. FringeJ.J. Abrams2008 · TV seriesStrong· 3 shared
  34. Star Trek: GenerationsRonald D. Moore1994 · FilmStrong· 1 shared
  35. Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.Joss Whedon2013 · TV seriesStrong· 2 shared
  36. Super 8J.J. Abrams2011 · FilmStrong· 1 shared
  37. The FinderHart Hanson2012 · TV seriesStrong· 1 shared
  38. WestworldJonathan NolanJ.J. Abrams2016 · TV seriesStrong· 2 shared
  39. Buffy the Vampire SlayerJoss Whedon1992 · FilmStrong· 1 shared
  40. Mission: Impossible IIRonald D. Moore2000 · FilmStrong· 1 shared
  41. Star Trek: First ContactRonald D. Moore1996 · FilmStrong· 1 shared
  42. For All MankindRonald D. Moore2019 · TV seriesStrong· 1 shared
  43. Star Wars: The Legacy RevealedJ.J. AbramsJoss Whedon2007 · FilmStrong· 2 shared
  44. LeverageChris Downey2008 · TV seriesStrong· 1 shared
  45. The AvengersJoss Whedon2012 · FilmStrong· 1 shared
  46. BonesHart Hanson2005 · TV seriesStrong· 2 shared
  47. Avengers: Age of UltronJoss Whedon2015 · FilmStrong· 1 shared
  48. Star Wars: The Force AwakensJ.J. Abrams2015 · FilmStrong· 1 shared
  49. Star TrekJ.J. AbramsDamon Lindelof2009 · FilmStrong· 2 shared
  50. Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan's HopeJoss Whedon2011 · FilmStrong· 1 shared
  51. Taking Care of BusinessJ.J. Abrams1990 · FilmStrong· 1 shared
  52. Mission: Impossible IIIJ.J. Abrams2006 · FilmStrong· 1 shared
  53. Gone Fishin'J.J. Abrams1997 · FilmStrong· 1 shared
  54. Leverage: RedemptionChris Downey2021 · TV seriesStrong· 1 shared
  55. Toy StoryJoss Whedon1995 · FilmStrong· 1 shared
  56. Joy RideJ.J. Abrams2001 · FilmStrong· 1 shared
  57. Titan A.E.Joss Whedon2000 · FilmStrong· 1 shared
  58. Star Wars: The Rise of SkywalkerJ.J. Abrams2019 · FilmStrong· 1 shared
  59. Ultimate Wolverine vs. HulkDamon Lindelof2013 · FilmStrong· 1 shared
  60. Three Kinds of Close EncountersJ.J. Abrams2017 · FilmStrong· 1 shared
  61. Atlantis: The Lost EmpireJoss Whedon2001 · FilmStrong· 1 shared
  62. Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: SlingshotJoss Whedon2016 · TV seriesStrong· 2 shared
  63. BrainDeadMichelle KingRobert King2016 · TV seriesStrong· 2 shared
  64. PrometheusDamon Lindelof2012 · FilmStrong· 1 shared
  65. Philip K. Dick's Electric DreamsRonald D. Moore2017 · TV seriesNotable· 1 shared
  66. Mrs. DavisDamon Lindelof2023 · TV seriesNotable· 1 shared
  67. Almost HumanJ. H. WymanChris Downey2013 · TV seriesNotable· 2 shared
  68. Justice LeagueJoss Whedon2017 · FilmNotable· 1 shared
  69. Star Wars: Greatest MomentsJ.J. Abrams2015 · FilmNotable· 1 shared
  70. EvilMichelle KingRobert King2019 · TV seriesNotable· 2 shared
  71. Warehouse 13Jane Espenson2009 · TV seriesNotable· 1 shared
  72. WatchmenDamon Lindelof2019 · TV seriesNotable· 1 shared
  73. The LeftoversDamon Lindelof2014 · TV seriesNotable· 1 shared
  74. The PrestigeJonathan Nolan2006 · FilmNotable· 1 shared
  75. ArmageddonJ.J. Abrams1998 · FilmNotable· 1 shared
  76. For the Love of SpockJ.J. Abrams2016 · FilmNotable· 2 shared
  77. The Good WifeMichelle KingRobert King2009 · TV seriesNotable· 3 shared
  78. Outlander: Blood of My BloodRonald D. Moore2025 · TV seriesNotable· 1 shared
  79. Batman: Caped CrusaderJ.J. Abrams2024 · TV seriesNotable· 1 shared
  80. ElsbethMichelle KingRobert King2024 · TV seriesNotable· 2 shared
  81. The HuntDamon Lindelof2020 · FilmNotable· 1 shared
  82. Ultimate Wolverine vs. HulkDamon Lindelof2013 · TV seriesNotable· 1 shared
  83. TomorrowlandDamon Lindelof2015 · FilmNotable· 1 shared
  84. The Dark Knight RisesJonathan Nolan2012 · FilmNotable· 1 shared
  85. The Dark KnightJonathan Nolan2008 · FilmNotable· 1 shared
  86. RoswellRonald D. Moore1999 · TV seriesNotable· 1 shared
  87. Star Wars: The Last JediJ.J. Abrams2017 · FilmNotable· 1 shared
  88. Star Wars: Evolution of the Lightsaber DuelJ.J. Abrams2015 · FilmNotable· 1 shared
  89. The Good FightMichelle KingRobert King2017 · TV seriesNotable· 2 shared
  90. Marvel's DaredevilSteven S. DeKnight2015 · TV seriesNotable· 1 shared
  91. InterstellarJonathan Nolan2014 · FilmNotable· 1 shared
  92. CarnivàleRonald D. Moore2003 · TV seriesNotable· 1 shared
  93. BelieveJ.J. Abrams2014 · TV seriesNotable· 1 shared
  94. World War ZDamon Lindelof2013 · FilmNotable· 1 shared
  95. Lisey's StoryJ.J. Abrams2021 · TV seriesNotable· 1 shared
  96. The PeripheralJonathan NolanGreg Plageman2022 · TV seriesNotable· 2 shared
  97. Star Trek: The Next GenerationRonald D. Moore1987 · TV seriesNotable· 1 shared
  98. RevolutionJ.J. Abrams2012 · TV seriesNotable· 1 shared
  99. The AbandonsKurt Sutter2025 · TV seriesNotable· 1 shared
  100. 11.22.63J.J. Abrams2016 · TV seriesNotable· 1 shared
  101. Rizzoli & IslesJanet Tamaro2010 · TV seriesNotable· 1 shared
  102. The Science of InterstellarJonathan Nolan2014 · FilmNotable· 1 shared
  103. SmallvilleSteven S. DeKnight2001 · TV seriesNotable· 1 shared
  104. AlcatrazJ.J. Abrams2012 · TV seriesNotable· 1 shared
  105. Castle RockJ.J. Abrams2018 · TV seriesFaint· 1 shared
  106. The ShieldShawn RyanKurt Sutter2002 · TV seriesFaint· 2 shared
  107. Lovecraft CountryJ.J. Abrams2020 · TV seriesFaint· 1 shared
  108. Marvel: 75 Years, from Pulp to Pop!Joss Whedon2014 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  109. Cowboys & AliensDamon Lindelof2011 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  110. Presumed InnocentJ.J. Abrams2024 · TV seriesFaint· 1 shared
  111. TarantellaJonathan Nolan1989 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  112. Everybody Hates ChrisAli LeRoi2005 · TV seriesFaint· 1 shared
  113. Mad DogsShawn Ryan2015 · TV seriesFaint· 1 shared
  114. FalloutJonathan NolanJane Espenson2024 · TV seriesFaint· 2 shared
  115. The Bastard ExecutionerKurt Sutter2015 · TV seriesFaint· 1 shared
  116. POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever SoldJ.J. Abrams2011 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  117. One Day at a TimeMike Royce2017 · TV seriesFaint· 2 shared
  118. Infinitely Polar BearJ.J. Abrams2014 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  119. Sons of AnarchyKurt Sutter2008 · TV seriesFaint· 1 shared
  120. The PallbearerJ.J. Abrams1996 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  121. Challenger: The Final FlightJ.J. Abrams2020 · TV seriesFaint· 1 shared
  122. Music by John WilliamsJ.J. Abrams2024 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  123. All Star SupermanAnthony LaPaglia2011 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  124. Last ResortShawn Ryan2012 · TV seriesFaint· 1 shared
  125. CloverfieldJ.J. Abrams2008 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  126. The MexicanJ. H. Wyman2001 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  127. The MuppetsBill Prady2015 · TV seriesFaint· 1 shared
  128. 10 Cloverfield LaneJ.J. Abrams2016 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  129. A Good MarriageAnthony LaPaglia2014 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  130. Morning GloryJ.J. Abrams2010 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  131. Head of StateAli LeRoi2003 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  132. The AuditionTerence Winter2015 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  133. DebrisJ. H. Wyman2021 · TV seriesFaint· 1 shared
  134. The Eichmann ShowAnthony LaPaglia2015 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  135. OverlordJ.J. Abrams2018 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  136. VinylTerence Winter2016 · TV seriesFaint· 2 shared
  137. The Dark Crystal: Age of ResistanceJavier Grillo-Marxuach2019 · TV seriesFaint· 1 shared
  138. Mission: Impossible - FalloutJ.J. Abrams2018 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  139. Boardwalk EmpireTerence Winter2010 · TV seriesFaint· 1 shared
  140. Mission: Impossible - Rogue NationJ.J. Abrams2015 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  141. SpeechlessRobert King1994 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  142. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the HorseJ.J. Abrams2022 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  143. LouJ.J. Abrams2022 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  144. The Cloverfield ParadoxJ.J. Abrams2018 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  145. One Good CopAnthony LaPaglia1991 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  146. He Said, She SaidAnthony LaPaglia1991 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  147. The Big Bang TheoryBill Prady2007 · TV seriesFaint· 1 shared
  148. Mission: Impossible - Ghost ProtocolJ.J. Abrams2011 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  149. Star Trek: Deep Space NineRonald D. Moore1993 · TV seriesFaint· 2 shared
  150. Mayans M.C.Kurt Sutter2018 · TV seriesFaint· 1 shared
  151. SpielbergJ.J. Abrams2017 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  152. So I Married an Axe MurdererAnthony LaPaglia1993 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  153. Your HonorMichelle KingRobert King2020 · TV seriesFaint· 2 shared
  154. Vertical LimitRobert King2000 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  155. ReminiscenceJonathan Nolan2021 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  156. Sweet and LowdownAnthony LaPaglia1999 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  157. Poker FaceChris Downey2023 · TV seriesFaint· 1 shared
  158. Autumn in New YorkAnthony LaPaglia2000 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  159. Annabelle: CreationAnthony LaPaglia2017 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  160. The NestRobert King1988 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  161. $9.99Anthony LaPaglia2009 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  162. The Night AgentShawn Ryan2023 · TV seriesFaint· 1 shared
  163. Down to EarthAli LeRoi2001 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  164. Red CornerRobert King1997 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  165. NitramAnthony LaPaglia2021 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  166. Once Upon a Time in WonderlandJane Espenson2013 · TV seriesFaint· 1 shared
  167. TimelessShawn Ryan2016 · TV seriesFaint· 1 shared
  168. MediumJavier Grillo-Marxuach2005 · TV seriesFaint· 1 shared
  169. Marvel Studios: Building a Cinematic UniverseJoss Whedon2012 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  170. RivieraAnthony LaPaglia2017 · TV seriesFaint· 1 shared
  171. Without a TraceAnthony LaPaglia2002 · TV seriesFaint· 1 shared
  172. S.W.A.T.Shawn Ryan2017 · TV seriesFaint· 1 shared
  173. Dead Man DownJ. H. Wyman2013 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  174. Once Upon a TimeJane Espenson2011 · TV seriesFaint· 1 shared
  175. SouthpawKurt Sutter2015 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  176. Heroes and DemonsDamon Lindelof2012 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  177. Star Trek BeyondJ.J. Abrams2016 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  178. Industrial Light & Magic: Creating the ImpossibleJ.J. Abrams2010 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  179. Cowboy BebopJavier Grillo-MarxuachJeff Pinkner2021 · TV seriesFaint· 2 shared
  180. Florida ManAnthony LaPaglia2023 · TV seriesFaint· 1 shared
  181. LantanaAnthony LaPaglia2001 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  182. FoundationJane Espenson2021 · TV seriesFaint· 1 shared
  183. DiaboliqueJ.J. Abrams1996 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  184. FROMJeff PinknerJavier Grillo-Marxuach2022 · TV seriesFaint· 2 shared
  185. The Dark TowerJeff Pinkner2017 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  186. ZooJeff Pinkner2015 · TV seriesFaint· 1 shared
  187. Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside StoryJ.J. Abrams2025 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  188. The Wolf of Wall StreetTerence Winter2013 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  189. Tour de PharmacyJ.J. Abrams2017 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  190. RoseanneJoss Whedon1988 · TV seriesFaint· 1 shared
  191. no artwork
    Jumanji: Open WorldJeff Pinkner2026 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  192. PearsonChris Downey2019 · TV seriesFaint· 1 shared
  193. Jumanji: The Next LevelJeff Pinkner2019 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  194. Lucky LouieMike Royce2006 · TV seriesFaint· 1 shared
  195. Cutthroat IslandRobert King1995 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  196. Marvel Studios AssembledJoss Whedon2021 · TV seriesFaint· 1 shared
  197. Everybody Loves RaymondRay RomanoMike Royce1996 · TV seriesFaint· 2 shared
  198. Get Rich or Die Tryin'Terence Winter2005 · FilmFaint· 1 shared
  199. The 5th WaveJeff Pinkner2016 · FilmFaint· 1 shared