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This is the agony and ecstasy of Peak TV.

For the most prolific writer-producers, nine-figure deals are now commonplace. Scratching into that upper echelon, however, seems nearly impossible when U.S. scripted output is poised to surge past 500 series. But in a room full of screams for attention, these are the voices that cut through.

The Hollywood Reporter’s annual rundown of TV’s 50 most influential creators includes those EPs with the Netflix gold — congratulations again, Ryan Murphy — but also accounts for talent making an impact with infinitely smaller resources.

In corner offices or writers rooms, they all have one thing in common: Everybody wants to be on their team. See the most powerful TV showrunners of 2018 below.