Heidi Klum is making a triumphant return to "Project Runway," as confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter. In September 2018, Klum and her former co-host Tim Gunn announced their departure from the show after a remarkable 16-season run together, as "Project Runway" relocated to Bravo. Klum issued a heartfelt statement at the time, bidding adieu with the words, "Auf Wiedersehen" to the series that had honored her with the role of host and co-creator.
Together, the dynamic duo of Klum and Gunn embarked on a new venture in 2020, launching "Making the Cut" as a global fashion competition on Amazon. This unscripted series from Amazon Studios followed 12 ambitious entrepreneurs and designers as they competed for the title of "the next big global phenomenon," with a $1 million prize to invest in their burgeoning businesses.
Klum's return to "Project Runway" marks a shift in the fashion reality show's broadcasting landscape. The show first premiered on Bravo, a channel owned by NBCUniversal, in 2004. Subsequently, it shifted from Bravo to Lifetime, where it flourished for an additional 11 seasons.
In 2016, Lifetime renewed the show for three more seasons in a deal with The Weinstein Co. (TWC). However, amidst sexual misconduct allegations against Harvey Weinstein, TWC declared bankruptcy, voiding the contract, and only season 16 aired as planned. Bravo then revived the series for a 17th season, and now "Project Runway" has found a new weekly home on Freeform, with episodes streaming shortly after on Disney+ and Hulu. The judging panel for the upcoming season and its premiere date have yet to be revealed.
The upcoming 21st season will feature 10 episodes produced by Spyglass Media Group and Alfred Street Industries. The "Project Runway" franchise has been instrumental in launching the careers of designers such as Christian Siriano, Austin Scarlett, Leanne Marshall, Irina Shabayeva, Michael Costello, and Bishme Cromartie.
