Heidi Klum Returns to Project Runway After a Decade of Fashion Legacy
Heidi Klum, the iconic supermodel and original host of Project Runway, is officially returning to the beloved fashion competition series, as confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter. This announcement marks a major moment in the series’ history and promises to reignite the excitement of fans worldwide.
Klum, alongside former co-host Tim Gunn, originally departed Project Runway in September 2018 after 16 successful seasons together. At the time, Klum expressed her gratitude and bittersweet farewell: “After 16 incredible seasons, I am saying ‘Auf Wiedersehen’ to Project Runway, a show that I was honored to host and help create.”
Following their departure, Klum and Gunn launched Making the Cut, a global fashion competition series on Amazon Prime Video, in 2020. The unscripted show featured 12 entrepreneurs and designers vying for a $1 million prize to invest in their brands, as they competed to become the “next big global phenomenon.”
The Journey of Project Runway
Klum’s return comes at a pivotal time for Project Runway, a series that has evolved significantly since its debut on Bravo in 2004. After four groundbreaking seasons on Bravo, the series moved to Lifetime, where it ran for an additional 11 seasons.
In 2016, Lifetime renewed the show for three more seasons in partnership with The Weinstein Co. However, following the sexual misconduct allegations against Harvey Weinstein and the subsequent bankruptcy of TWC, the agreement was voided. As a result, season 16 became the final installment to air under that contract.
Bravo reclaimed Project Runway for its 17th season, breathing new life into the franchise. Now, the show is embracing another chapter with its new weekly home on Freeform. Episodes will also stream shortly after their airing on Disney+ and Hulu, ensuring accessibility for fans across platforms.
What’s Next for Project Runway
Season 21 of Project Runway is slated for a 10-episode run, produced by Spyglass Media Group and Alfred Street Industries. While judges and an official premiere date have yet to be announced, the anticipation is already building for what’s expected to be a thrilling season.
The Project Runway franchise has been a launchpad for some of the most talented designers in fashion, including Christian Siriano, Austin Scarlett, Leanne Marshall, Irina Shabayeva, Michael Costello, and Bishme Cromartie. Klum’s return adds even more prestige to a series that has consistently shaped the industry and inspired a global audience.
A New Era for Fashion Television
Klum’s reentry into the Project Runway fold not only reunites her with the series she helped build but also signals a resurgence of fashion television’s golden age. With the show’s fresh platform on Freeform and its expanded streaming reach via Disney+ and Hulu, fans can expect a mix of nostalgia and innovation as Project Runway continues to celebrate creativity and design.
Stay tuned for updates on the premiere date, judge announcements, and exclusive behind-the-scenes details as Project Runway gears up for its highly anticipated return.
