“‘Project Runway’ is coming back where it all started, it’s coming home on Bravo,” said Andy Cohen during the NBCUniversal upfront presentation. After spending the last nine years on the Lifetime network the fashion design competition series is returning to the network where it originally aired from 2004-2008. And it’s due in part to the Harvey Weinstein scandal.
“Runway” was produced by The Weinstein Company, and after the sexual harassment and assault allegations against Harvey Weinstein came to light A+E Television Networks, Lifetime’s parent company, terminated its contract for the show. Lantern Entertainment is moving to acquire Weinstein assets, including “Runway,” so the move to Bravo is contingent on that deal going through.
This isn’t the first time there has been drama around a “Runway” network switch. When the show originally moved from Bravo to Lifetime it sparked litigation between the production companies, which was settled when TWC agreed to pay NBCUniversal a fee for moving to show over to its new home.
Frances Berwick of NBCUniversal said about “Project Runway‘s” return to Bravo, “We are beyond excited to reboot ‘Project Runway’ at the network where it all began. Leaning into the creative process in an entertaining way has always been part of Bravo’s DNA, and ‘Project Runway’ perfectly captures that.”
“Project Runway” has aired for 16 seasons to date, and if all goes according to plan the show will be back on Bravo for its upcoming 17th season. To date the series has won two Emmys, including Best Reality Host for Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn in 2013. It has also been nominated for Best Reality-Competition Program for the last 13 years in a row, which makes it the second most nominated show in that category, behind “The Amazing Race” with 15 bids.
What do you think of “Runway’s” sudden return to its original network?
