Project Runway returns to Bravo, result of Weinstein Company bankruptcy

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After nearly a decade on Lifetime, Project Runway is now returning to Bravo, where the show started out in 2004.

At the NBCUniversal upfront presentation in New York, Andy Cohen announced that Project Runway is returning to Bravo, after previous show owner Harvey Weinstein moved the show to Lifetime in 2008.

Project Runway surprise announcement

According to Deadline, Andy Cohen made the announcement on Monday, surprising fans who have been concerned that the show would not survive the Weinstein Company bankruptcy.

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Project Runway is coming back where it all started, it’s coming home on Bravo,” Cohen proudly announced.

As Project Runway was owned by Weinstein’s Company, A+E determined that Harvey Weinstein’s actions were a breach of their contract.

Lantern acquired Weinstein Company after the bankruptcy hearing on May 8. This sale includes Project Runway through season 18 and possible spin-offs.

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Who’s in and who’s out?

Although it is assumed that Heidi Klum, Tim Gunn, Zac Posen and Nina Garcia will return to the show, it is not clear whether the more recent Lifetime production crew, Bunim-Murray, will jump to Bravo to insert their influence. When Project Runway was on Bravo, the show was produced by Magical Elves.

In addition, there has not been any information on whether JCPenney will return as a fashion partner this season, or if the show will obtain new contracts now that it is no longer owned by the Weinstein Company.

Project Runway will film season 17 soon.
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY – JULY 12: Project Runway hosts Tim Gunn, Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia, and Zac Posen attend the Project Runway Season 15 Cake-Cutting Celebration on July 12, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Project Runway) /

Bravo years considered the best

For many, Project Runway has been synonymous with season 4 winner, and greatest success,  Christian Siriano.

Christian Siriano is the most famous Project Runway winner.
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 24: Fashion designer Christian Siriano attends the 2018 Time 100 Gala at Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 24, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Ben Gabbe/Getty Images for Time) /

When Project Runway jumped to Lifetime starting with season 6, the show changed dramatically. One of the critiques by fans was that the production was greatly changed. The focus was off of the creativity and more on the catty drama. Designers were better known for their tantrums, not their aesthetic.

Since joining Lifetime, the challenges became shorter, with 2-day challenges a rarity. As the years went by, there were fewer and fewer Bravo designers on Project Runway All Stars. The appearance of a Bravo designer always commanded extra respect. Sadly, the most recent season, 6, there were no Bravo designers, and many fans saw this as a negative sign.

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Are you excited about Project Runway moving to Bravo? Do you think this will revive the show? Please share your opinions and expectations below.