What Happened to Project Runway?
Project Runway, the long-running fashion design competition, has navigated multiple network changes and host transitions since its 2004 debut. After moving from Bravo to Lifetime and back to Bravo, the series found a new home on Freeform, Hulu, and Disney+ in 2025, with original host Heidi Klum returning to lead the panel for its most recent seasons, including the 22nd season which concluded in September 2026.
Quick Answer
Project Runway is currently airing on Freeform and streaming on Hulu and Disney+. Its 22nd season premiered on July 9, 2026, and concluded on September 10, 2026, with Jude Mikulenak crowned the winner. The show features original host Heidi Klum, judges Nina Garcia and Law Roach, and mentor Christian Siriano, with Tyra Banks joining as a recurring judge. The series has seen a resurgence in popularity and continues to evolve its format and cast.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline11 events
Project Runway Premieres on Bravo
The fashion competition series, hosted by Heidi Klum and mentored by Tim Gunn, debuts on Bravo, featuring judges Nina Garcia and Michael Kors.
Network Dispute and Planned Move to Lifetime
Producers attempt to move the show to Lifetime, leading to a lawsuit from NBC Universal. Season 6, though intended for Lifetime, ultimately airs on Bravo.
Official Move to Lifetime
After legal battles, Project Runway officially premieres its eighth season on Lifetime, where it remains for eleven seasons, introducing a 90-minute format.
Final Season on Lifetime
Project Runway concludes its run on Lifetime with its 16th season.
Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn Depart
Long-standing host Heidi Klum and mentor Tim Gunn announce their departure from Project Runway to develop a new show, 'Making the Cut,' for Amazon. Judge Zac Posen also leaves.
Return to Bravo with New Hosts
Project Runway returns to Bravo for its 17th season. Karlie Kloss takes over as host, and Season 4 winner Christian Siriano becomes the new mentor. Nina Garcia remains as a judge, joined by Brandon Maxwell and Elaine Welteroth.
Season 20 Airs on Bravo
The 20th season of Project Runway, an All-Stars edition, airs on Bravo, marking its last season on the network before its next transition.
Acquisition by Disney/Freeform
Freeform and Spyglass Media Group finalize a deal for Project Runway to move to the Disney-owned network, with streaming rights for Hulu and Disney+.
Season 21 Premieres with Heidi Klum's Return
Project Runway Season 21 premieres on Freeform, Hulu, and Disney+, featuring the return of original host Heidi Klum, alongside Nina Garcia, Law Roach, and mentor Christian Siriano.
Season 22 Premieres with Record Cast
The 22nd season of Project Runway debuts on Freeform, Hulu, and Disney+, featuring a record-breaking 22 designers and Tyra Banks as a recurring judge.
Season 22 Finale: Jude Mikulenak Wins
Jude Mikulenak is crowned the winner of Project Runway Season 22 in the finale episode, earning a $200,000 prize, an Elle magazine spread, CFDA mentorship, and PR representation.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Project Runway first captivated audiences when it premiered on Bravo on December 1, 2004, quickly establishing itself as a groundbreaking reality competition series focused on aspiring fashion designers. Hosted by supermodel Heidi Klum and mentored by Tim Gunn, alongside judges Nina Garcia and Michael Kors, the show gained a loyal following for its creative challenges and dramatic eliminations.
A significant turning point occurred in 2008 when the show became embroiled in a legal dispute over its move to Lifetime. While Season 6 was initially intended for Lifetime, a lawsuit by NBC Universal (Bravo's parent company) forced it to remain on Bravo until July 2010. Season 8 ultimately marked its official premiere on the Lifetime Network, where it continued for eleven seasons until 2017, bringing new sponsors, prizes, and a slightly altered format, including an extended 90-minute runtime.
The show faced another major shift in September 2018 when Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn announced their departure to launch a new fashion competition, 'Making the Cut,' on Amazon. Following this, designer Zac Posen also left the judging panel. Project Runway then returned to its original network, Bravo, for Season 17 in March 2019. This iteration saw supermodel Karlie Kloss take over as host, with Season 4 winner Christian Siriano stepping into the mentor role. Nina Garcia remained as a judge, joined by Brandon Maxwell and Elaine Welteroth.
In October 2024, a new era began as Freeform and Spyglass Media Group closed a deal for the show to return on the Disney-owned network, with streaming available on Hulu and Disney+. This move aimed to 'refresh' the iconic series for a new generation. The 21st season premiered on July 31, 2025, marking the highly anticipated return of Heidi Klum as host and head judge, alongside Nina Garcia, Law Roach, and Christian Siriano as mentor.
As of September 11, 2026, Project Runway has successfully completed its 22nd season. The season premiered on July 9, 2026, on Freeform, Hulu, and Disney+, featuring a record-breaking 22 designers and introducing Tyra Banks as a recurring judge. The finale, which aired on September 10, 2026, saw Jude Mikulenak crowned the winner, receiving a $200,000 cash prize, a spread in Elle magazine, mentorship with the CFDA, and professional representation. The show continues to be a prominent platform for aspiring designers, maintaining its relevance through cast changes, network shifts, and evolving competition formats.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Project Runway made different choices?