Showrunner

Showrunner is a studio management game about creating television shows and meeting the goals set by television and streaming companies. You develop a show from its genre and theme through scripts, casting and filming, while managing staff, your studio and finances. Success can build a following for your show through good reviews and popular characters.

Create your show

Name your show and choose a genre, such as drama, comedy, procedural, thriller or mystery, then choose a theme such as sci-fi, fantasy, medical, office or historical. You can secure a contract with a television or streaming company by meeting its goals.

Write scripts

Build episode scripts by playing scene cards that shape the story structure and affect scores in plot, characters, visuals, comedy, drama and action. Smart choices and strong combinations earn special bonuses, and you unlock more powerful cards over time. You also develop themes for each season to suit your scripts and characters.

Develop characters and cast

Choose an archetype for each character, customise their appearance and look for an actor who fits the role. As characters develop, you select perks that make them more nuanced and unique while providing major boosts.

Hire and manage staff

Hire writers to complete scripts, directors and crew to film scenes, and editors to assemble the final cut. Staff have different stats and classes, with strengths and weaknesses, and gain experience over time. Rotate and rest your team to manage their energy and keep them working at their best.

Manage your studio

Buy items and furniture to personalise and improve the studio, giving staff boosts in the process. Build rooms, upgrade existing ones and raise the studio's reputation while balancing your finances and keeping the studio in the black.

Produce episodes

Once a script outline is ready, your writing team completes the script. Actors, directors and crew film the scenes, and editors put together the final episode. Good reviews and popular characters help your show build a dedicated following and grow its audience.