1. Direct responsibility for the day-to-day creative output of a scripted TV show that has aired for at least one full season (unless he or she also had another show on the air).
2. How prolific the showrunner is: Those with more shows on the air were more likely to be included.
3. Nielsen ratings, especially relative to other shows on the same network.
4. Emmy attention and critical praise.
5. Professionalism and reputation among studio and network executives.
No wonder Ball made the list! Also making the cut was Vince Gilligan (Breaking Bad), the guys behind Glee and American Horror Story, and Shonda Rhimes (Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice). To view the complete list click here.
Source: Hollywoodreporter.com – Top 50 Power Showrunners 2011
Photo Credit: HBO, Inc.