SXSWORLD

2 8 SXS W O R L D | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0 | SXSW.COM Jen Flanz Jen Flanz Unseen and Unsung Showrunners Make Television Happen By Britt Hayes If asked, most people probably wouldn't be able to define the job of a television showrunner. So, what is it? "Basically, as the showrunner, you have to deliver the show," says Karey Dornetto, executive producer and showrunner of the new Comedy Central series Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens. Liz Tigelaar, showrunner of the upcoming Hulu series Little Fires Everywhere, based on the best-selling novel by Celeste Ng, describes her position as "a lot like being the boss of a company, over- seeing all departments and making sure they are working in unison." But it's more complex than merely being the boss. Dornetto says she's responsible for choosing writers for each episode, ensuring scripts are delivered on time, working as a liaison between the network and the writers, and hiring a line producer — who hires all the people neces- sary to produce a TV show. It is, in uncomplicated terms, a big deal. Jen Flanz, showrunner of The Daily Show With Trevor Noah, has a dif- ferent perspective on her position. "I see my most important job as a showrunner to always be thinking of the show holistically. To me, that means listening to every idea for content, every plan on how to exe- cute, every individual ambition, and every gripe — and then assessing each in relation to how it will influ- ence the greater good of the show." Tigelaar, who has also produced Nashville and Casual, compares being a showrunner to mother- hood. "If the show is my baby, I try to guide it and steer it in the right direction," she says. "But I also have to be able to let go and let it happen. I try to empower people, to make everyone feel ownership,

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