RUNNING THE SHOW BOOK

A BLUEPRINT FOR TELEVISION MASTERY.

In my showrunner book, I aim to transform writers into leaders.

It’s a straightforward, no-nonsense guide for people who want to run shows. Here, You’ll learn essential strategies to command confidence and creativity.

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"Legitimate wisdom."

A wonderful ride through the raging waters of creating television. It’s a book full of sharp insights, great advice, and legitimate wisdom.
J.J. Abrams, Executive Producer, Director
"A gift."

An insightful, entertaining, insider's look at the entire process of showrunning written by one of the foremost practitioners of the craft. Jeff Melvoin's book is a gift to anyone who's ever considered pursuing a career in television or wondered what a showrunner actually does!
John Wells, Executive Producer, Director
"A great teacher."

’What's it like being a showrunner?’
‘How do I break into writing television?’
‘What are writing staffs like?’
Doesn't matter what the question is--from now on, anyone asks, I'm just giving them a copy of Jeff's book.
‘All television is personal’ according to Jeff, so I'll get personal. I always knew Jeff was a great teacher--the appendix alone is more valuable than any class I ever took. I also know he's a great drama writer--just look at his credits. I find it annoying that he's so funny. It pains me to say, but it's rare that a book this educational is so damn entertaining.
Bill Lawrence, Executive Producer, Director
"Great advice in every chapter."

Running The Show is as valuable to would-be showrunners as it is fascinating to veterans. Jeff Melvoin offers that rare combination: up-to-the-moment accuracy about a changing television landscape and an insightful historical perspective. There's great advice in every chapter.
Michelle & Robert King, Executive Producers,
"A powerful and necessary read."

There’s no one in the field who has mentored as many young writers and contributed more to this generation of showrunning than Jeff Melvoin. A powerful and necessary read.
Veena Sud, Executive Producer

about RUNNING THE SHOW book

MY BOOK DISTILLS four DECADES OF SHOWRUNNING INTO ONE ESSENTIAL GUIDE.

Running the Show is a candid account of virtually everything I’ve learned from 40 years of television writing and producing.

It cuts to the heart of showrunning, unpacking 'how-to's with the substance of a seasoned veteran and the frankness of a friendly mentor. The book is designed to answer the two questions I most often encounter: how did I carve my path and how can you pursue your own?

In these pages you’ll find guidance on everything from hiring your team through mastering the art of editing.

The wisdom here is not just my own but has been culled from a broad range of industry leaders I’ve known and worked with over the years, letting you determine what advice best suits your personality, experience, and leadership style.

Running the Show is mentorship in print, a constant companion for those who choose the relentless and rewarding pursuit of storytelling in television.