What Is a Rundown? Meaning and Example for Live Shows
In live production, a rundown is the ordered list of a show's segments, with timing and the cues each one needs. It is the same idea as a run of show, and the term is common in broadcast, streaming, and podcasting. Crews follow the rundown to keep the show on time and on cue.
What a rundown includes
A rundown lists the show's segments in running order, each with a start time, a duration, and the cues it needs. Broadcast rundowns often add a script or package column, streaming rundowns add scenes and overlays, and event rundowns add talent and AV. The columns change by show, but the spine is always the same: what happens, when, and what everyone does about it.
| Segment | Start | Duration | Cue | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cold open | 0:00 | 1 min | Roll intro | Title card |
| Headlines | 0:01 | 3 min | Camera 1 | Two anchors |
| Segment A | 0:04 | 6 min | VT package | Field report |
| Interview | 0:10 | 8 min | Camera 2 | Guest at desk |
| Weather | 0:18 | 3 min | Wall graphic | Chroma key |
| Close | 0:21 | 2 min | Roll credits | Outro music |
Rundown vs run of show vs agenda
A rundown and a run of show are the same document under two names. An agenda is the public-facing version, the schedule attendees see. The rundown is the working version the crew runs from, with cues and timing the audience never needs to see.
Who uses a rundown
Broadcast and news teams, streamers and live podcasters, and event producers all build rundowns. The format is the same everywhere: segments in order, with the timing and cues to run them.
A live rundown, not a printed one
A rundown only works if everyone is reading the same one. NextShow keeps the rundown live: build it in the browser, share one View link with the crew and an Edit link with your producers, and mark the active segment as the show runs. Every open link follows along, so the booth, the floor, and the remote guest all see exactly where the show is.
Questions
What does rundown mean?
In live production, a rundown is the ordered list of a show's segments with timing and cues. Outside production the word means a quick summary; in broadcast, streaming, and events it is the working document the crew runs the show from.
Is a rundown the same as a run of show?
Yes. A rundown and a run of show are the same document under two names. Rundown is the common term in broadcast and streaming; run of show is more common in corporate and live events.
Who uses a rundown?
Broadcast and news teams, streamers and live podcasters, and event producers. The format is the same everywhere: segments in order, with the timing and cues to run them.
