Tim Gunn, the beloved Project Runway mentor, has been left out of the showโs revival. The fashion consultant wonโt be joining forces with Heidi Klum when the series returns on Freeform, Disney+, and Hulu.
In a recent interview, Gunn disclosed that he wasnโt extended an invitation to continue his role as mentor to the aspiring designers in the competition series.
Speaking to People, Gunn revealed that he and Klum had been communicating via text messages about the showโs comeback, expressing his enthusiasm to return as co-host. However, when Klum inquired about his contract status, Gunn had to admit he hadnโt received one.
โSo I called my agent and he knew things were going on, but he contacted the executive producers of this new show, and they said, โWe donโt want him.โ And [my agent] said, โWell, heโs done 19 seasons of Runway, 16 with Heidi. The two of them won an Emmy together as hosts, and now youโre going to separate them?โ And they said yes,โ Gunn said.

โSo I wasnโt asked back,โ he added.
Gunn disclosed that his agent was approached about the possibility of the fashion expert making โa small cameo in one episode,โ adding, โWhat do I do? Wave from a bus? As the designers are going into Mood [Fabrics]? Heidi comes to see me at the retirement home and we play croquet? So no thank you. And as Heidi would say, youโre either in or youโre out. And Iโm out. So I wasnโt asked to join.โ
Reflecting on the situation, Gunn shared that he initially felt โdevastated, then kind of humiliatedโ about being excluded, adding, โI thought, how lucky am I to have had the experiences that Iโve had over the last 20 years? This is phenomenal. I stopped the boohooing. I thought, itโs really throwing hubris in the face of an angry God to mourn not being on this new show. So Iโve come to terms with it.โ

Project Runway made its debut in 2004 on Bravo, featuring Klum as host and judge while Gunn served as mentor to the contestants. Together, they became the iconic faces of the franchise, leading the show through its first 16 seasons. Their journey ended when the show transitioned from Lifetime back to Bravo after Season 16.
The showโs essence lies in Tim Gunnโs presence. As a dedicated viewer, I cannot imagine watching without him. Farewell, Project Runway minus Tim Gunn. Youโve failed to make it work. Auf wiedersehen.
Hold on. Somethingโs not adding up. Did the producers skip audience testing to identify the fan favorite? Tim has always been the heart and soul of Runway. Count me out of watching..

The absence of Tim Gunn is deeply concerning. Sources close to the production confirm he was a cornerstone of the showโs success. Industry insiders suggest this decision reflects a broader pattern where new executivesโoften unfamiliar with a showโs core appealโimplement changes that undermine its fundamental strengths.
โTim Gunnโs departure represents a significant loss,โ noted a veteran producer, expressing dismay at the decision to exclude such an integral figure from the series.