Tim Gunn is Back! Project Runway Premieres Tonight

Project Runway is back! I am excited that its back. I'm not someone who was mad about Bravo developing a rival show, nor did I think Fashion Show was that bad. Here's the thing. Project Runway wants me to take their side in this? Or more accurately, their production company and Lifetime? Please! That's like saying it was okay for the Baltimore Colts to sneak off in the middle of the night and relocate the team to Indianapolis. I'm not going to praise sneaking away and being greedy. Not gonna happen. Are you telling me ABC wouldn't be supremely pissed that NBC stole away Grey's Anatomy? That's what this is. So, I don't blame Bravo. And for anyone who is thinking, who are the Colts? Broaden your horizons a bit, that's football!

But here we are, Project Runway starts its run on Lifetime. And I'll admit, I'm concerned. Let's run down why, shall we.

1. Commercials.

Is it just me or does this season seem extremely lackluster going by the previews? I hope I'm wrong, but I haven't seen one preview that contains smack talk, a hint of a fight or argument, just basically no drama. And I'm like, huh? And I feel like something should make it into the previews to sort of get people excited for the normal drama that unfolds during Project Runway.

2. Move to LA. and Too Many Celebrities.

There look to be more Hollywood guest judges than ever. Which may be because most notable designers aren't based in LA. UGH! I do not want this show to go more Hollywood. I do think the reputation would suffer for that (last season's increase was criticized as well). The designers are the best guest judges. Its a mistake to move this show away from the mecca of the fashion world and the location of Fashion Week.

Thus far I've see Lindsey Lohan, Christina Applegate, and Nicole Kidman all making appearances this season and I doubt the list ends there. Too Hollywood! This isn't exactly Sarah Jessica Parker presenting a challenge for the designers to design something within a tight budget for her line offered at Target.

4. Lifetime=Changing Demographic

I think its a problem to fit PR into the Lifetime mold and not have Lifetime roll with the punches where PR is concerned. You already have a contingent who are banning the move to Lifetime. So, I think it would be a problem to just diminish the dramatic side. The producers are the same. But the network is different and they approve and edit what goes on as well. And Lifetime doesn't have a show airing at midnight showing swimmer's asses, cursing, and drinking on TV (Watch What Happens).

I am skeptical that Lifetime can create the same online community that Bravo did, and the commercials with everyone yelling and the Lifetime website don't make me think differently about that. Having said all that, I hope its the PR I know and love, but man do those previews leave me wondering if this is going to be an off season.

And along with that, Lifetime features a completely different demographic than Bravo. And plain and simple, Lifetime is not the network of young trendsetters. I hope that the show is not tamed down to work better with Army Wives and Disease of the Week movies. But I fear it may be and it won't be the same appealing show we know and love.

So, we'll see. I do see it as a problem that there is no drama in the commercials. And I'm not talking knock down drag out fights. That's not something that happens on PR. I haven't heard one catty comment, which for PR is what drama is (you know of the "that's a hot tranny mess "variety). Words are the weapon, commentary is what contributes to the drama and there's been none in the commercials.


I'm skeptical, but I'm hoping when I tune in tonight, its going to be the same Project Runway I know and love. But first, don't forget to watch the All Star Project Runway that airs before the season premiere. Its got several favorite designers returning (Daniel V, Mychael, Korto, Chris) and a heinous one as well (I'm talking to you, Jeffrey!).