Tim Gunn, the beloved Project Runway mentor, has been left out of the show’s revival. The fashion consultant won’t be joining forces with Heidi Klum when the series returns on Freeform, Disney+, and Hulu.
In a recent interview, Gunn disclosed that he wasn’t 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 show’s comeback, expressing his enthusiasm to return as co-host. However, when Klum inquired about his contract status, Gunn had to admit he hadn’t received one.
“So I called my agent and he knew things were going on, but he contacted the executive producers of this new show, and they said, ‘We don’t want him.’ And [my agent] said, ‘Well, he’s done 19 seasons of Runway, 16 with Heidi. The two of them won an Emmy together as hosts, and now you’re going to separate them?’ And they said yes,” Gunn said.
“So I wasn’t asked back,” he added.
Gunn disclosed that his agent was approached about the possibility of the fashion expert making “a small cameo in one episode,” adding, “What 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, you’re either in or you’re out. And I’m out. So I wasn’t asked to join.”
Reflecting on the situation, Gunn shared that he initially felt “devastated, then kind of humiliated” about being excluded, adding, “I thought, how lucky am I to have had the experiences that I’ve had over the last 20 years? This is phenomenal. I stopped the boohooing. I thought, it’s really throwing hubris in the face of an angry God to mourn not being on this new show. So I’ve come to terms with it.”
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 show’s essence lies in Tim Gunn’s presence. As a dedicated viewer, I cannot imagine watching without him. Farewell, Project Runway minus Tim Gunn. You’ve failed to make it work. Auf wiedersehen.
Hold on. Something’s 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 show’s success. Industry insiders suggest this decision reflects a broader pattern where new executives—often unfamiliar with a show’s core appeal—implement changes that undermine its fundamental strengths.
“Tim Gunn’s departure represents a significant loss,” noted a veteran producer, expressing dismay at the decision to exclude such an integral figure from the series.
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