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Entertainment • Television

Project Runway

Project Runway is an American reality television series focused on fashion design competitions.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Project Runway is an American reality television series focused on fashion design competitions. It premiered on Bravo in 2004 and later aired on Lifetime and Freeform; the series has also generated international adaptations.

Format

Project Runway features designers competing in timed challenges that test creativity, construction, and the ability to work within constraints. Each episode ends with runway judging and elimination based on the panel’s evaluations.

Broadcast history

The series premiered on Bravo in 2004 and later moved to Lifetime after its early seasons. In 2025, it aired its twenty-first season on Freeform, extending the show’s long-running television presence.

Hosts and judges

Heidi Klum served as the show’s host for more than a decade, and the series has also featured fashion-industry judges and mentors such as Tim Gunn in its broader presentation.

Franchise and adaptations

Project Runway became a television format franchise and inspired numerous international versions. The format’s core structure has been adapted in more than 30 countries.

Key facts

  • The series centers on designers competing in weekly fashion challenges.
  • Heidi Klum hosted the series from 2004 to 2017.
  • Bravo aired the first five seasons before Lifetime took over for eleven seasons.
  • The franchise has produced more than 30 international adaptations.
  • The series returned in 2025 for a twenty-first season on Freeform.
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Canadian context

Project Runway has aired in Canada through television distribution and has been relevant to Canadian viewers interested in fashion design competitions and reality television, though the series is an American production.[1]

Frequently asked questions

What is Project Runway about?
It is a fashion design competition where contestants create garments under time, theme, and materials restrictions, then present them on the runway for judging.
When did Project Runway first air?
It premiered on Bravo on December 1, 2004.
Who created Project Runway?
The series was created by Eli Holzman.
Who hosted Project Runway?
Heidi Klum hosted the show from 2004 to 2017.
Which networks have aired Project Runway?
The series began on Bravo, later aired on Lifetime, and its twenty-first season aired on Freeform.
Has Project Runway had international versions?
Yes. The format has inspired more than 30 international adaptations.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Runway
    Supports: Premiere date, creator, host history, network history, and international adaptations.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Runway_season_21
    Supports: Twenty-first season airing on Freeform in 2025.
  3. Project Runway Fandom — https://projectrunway.fandom.com/wiki/Project_Runway
    Supports: General competition format and elimination structure.
  4. Bravo — https://www.bravotv.com/project-runway
    Supports: Official series description and revival-era judges/mentor information.
  5. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0437741/
    Supports: Premiere date and country of origin.
  6. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/project-runway
    Supports: Premiere date, network, host, and general format.