Showrunner

A showrunner (or colloquially a helmer[1]) is the top-level executive producer of a television series production[2][3][4][5] who has creative and management authority through combining the responsibilities of employer and, in comedy or dramas, typically also the head writer, script and story editor. They consult with network and studio bosses and maintain the artistic vision of the show, with the writers and editors, and select set design, staff, cast members, and each actor's wardrobe and hairstyle. In many instances, the showrunner also created the show, and subsequent seasons could feature different showrunners.^{[citation needed]}

In film, the director has creative control over a film's production, and the executive producer's role is limited to investing. In television production, by contrast, the showrunner outranks the episodic directors.[6]