Best Showrunner

Winner
Lizzy Weiss, Switched At Birth – ABC Family

In many ways, ABC Family’s “Switched at Birth” is the little show that could. It’s not flashy. It’s relatively unedgy. And many of the characters communicate primarily in sign language. Not exactly a formula for grabbing attention in today’s TV world, which tends to celebrate the dark more than the light. So the fact that creator and showrunner Lizzy Weiss has managed to turn all of this into a winning formula for a TV show geared at a fickle youth audience, well… we’re quite impressed. Weiss’ leadership (and salesmanship) recently convinced ABC Family to renew the show for a 3rd season, and we’re hardly surprised considering how expertly she has guided the storylines as this “two families thrown together” story unfolds episode after episode, season after season. With a cohesive group that includes solid performances by players like Katie LeClerc, Vanessa Marano, Constance Marie, D.W. Moffett and Lea Thompson just to name a few, Weiss would no doubt share credit with the cast. But in the end, it’s the showrunner that keeps the trains running. And Weiss has been an excellent conductor.

Ralph Farquhar, Real Husbands of Hollywood – BET Networks and JSR Productions – Farquhar has guided this show to consistent hilarity, and that’s not easy these days. Under his deft guidance, this show should have a long future.

Vince Gilligan, Breaking Bad – AMC – What can we really say about Vince Gilligan that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. He’s simply one of the best. And with “Better Call Saul” on deck, we can’t wait for the encore.

Steven Moffat, Doctor Who – BBC America – This show may be some five decades old, but lately it has been hotter than ever. And that’s all because of Moffat and his skillful stewardship of this British TV treasure.