'Project Runway': Network change is about the only alteration
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There has been some anxiety among "Project Runway" fans about the show's move to Lifetime and the long, court-ordered delay in getting it on the air.
Add to that the fact that "Runway's" original executive producers decided to stay with Bravo rather than make the jump to Lifetime, and a change in location from New York to Los Angeles, and it's understandable that fans would wonder if their beloved show would be end up being the TV equivalent of acid-washed jeans when it debuts Thursday.
Well, relax. Location change aside, there is almost no discernible change in the show now that it's moved to Lifetime. Which is to say, it's still one of the best-produced competition shows on television.
Meet the "Project Runway" designers
About the only changes I noticed in watching Thursday's premiere (most of it anyway; Lifetime sent out copies that omitted the judges' critiques and verdict) were that the contestants were pre-assigned models at the start, and the workroom at L.A.'s Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising is brighter than the New York digs.
But Tim Gunn is still distinguished and supportive, product placement is still front and center (that's not necessarily a good thing, but we're used to it now) and the designers are still a passionate and eclectic lot. Because we didn't see the full first episode, it's a little tough to get a read on who's going to be a breakout character this season, but there a definitely a few contenders (both positive and negative).
Even one of our gripes about previous seasons -- that the models, despite supposedly being in a competition of their own, were afterthoughts -- is being addressed with the companion show "Models of the Runway."
It is a little strange to watch the first episode and know that it was shot nearly a year ago. And the L.A. driver in me wondered why the show schlepped the contestants halfway across town to the L.A. branch of Mood Fabrics (short answer: product-placement dollars) when the contestants live and work just a few blocks from the city's fashion district.
But those are pretty small complaints. I reserve the right to contradict myself later if the season turns out to be a dud, but based on the evidence at hand, the "Project Runway" fans know and love will be on Lifetime Thursday night.
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i hate Tim Gunn and Heidi what's her name and i wish this whole show would be over. Losing Gunn from our tv's would be no great loss to humanity, that's for sure!
well maybe if she has enough kids, she'll finally get off my tv set.
you all annoy me.
Don't feed the trolls.
wow...what comments
Truth is that no matter how many people rant about shows they dont like there are tons more that wait for it every week! loyal fans like me who admit were worried about the move from N.Y to L.A I am sure were pleasantly surprised last night!L.A and FIDM added to a show that always lives up to its awesome reputation of giving us entertainment and fashion!