It’s the end of the Project Runway world as everyone knows it.
But do viewers out there feel fine?
On Friday morning, Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn dropped a bombshell on the world of reality television:
They will not be returning to Project Runway. Not next season. Not ever again.
The beloeved duo, who have starred as co-hosts and judges on the fashion design competition series since 2004, explained their decision in a pair of statements.
First, let’s hear from Klum:
After 16 incredible seasons, I am saying ‘Auf Wiedersehen’ to Project Runway, a show that I was honored to host and help create.
I am incredibly proud of the show, and it will always have a special place in my heart. I am so appreciative of the dedicated fans, and most of all, I am grateful that we could shine a light on creativity and help launch so many talented designers’ careers.
I’m most excited that my journey with my dear friend and colleague, Tim Gunn, is far from over.
We will be partnering with Amazon for a new show, and we’re excited for everyone to see what we’re designing next!
Indeed, Klum and Gunn will be headlining a program on Amazon Prime Video, proving once again that streaming services are coming for EVERYone on network or cable television.
This is what Gunn had to say:
I am grateful to Project Runway for putting me on a path I never, in my wildest dreams, thought my career would take me!
I am so proud to have been a part of the groundbreaking process that showcased talented young designers as never before.
Most importantly, I am indebted to our incredible fans, they are the heart and soul of what we do, and continue to inspire us to raise the bar in this arena.
I’m excited for them to see what’s next, as I partner with Amazon and Heidi Klum on our next great ‘fashion’ adventure.
Per a press release, Klum and Gunn’s impending series “will be a fresh take in the reality space and will appeal to a global audience who are entertained by competition, storytelling, and authenticity.”
Throughout its 14 seasons on the air, Project Runway has earned 58 Emmy Awards nominations won two awards.
In 2013, Klum and Gunn together earned an Emmy for outstanding host for a reality or reality-competition program; and in 2009, the series won the Emmy for outstanding picture editing for reality programming.
Not only will Season 17 look different because neither Gunn nor Klum will play a role on it…
… but neither will Zac Posen.
“Working alongside Heidi, Nina [Garcia] and Tim as a judge for six seasons of Project Runway was one of the greatest experiences of my career,” the judge said in his own statement today, adding:
“I will cherish the opportunity the show gave me to learn from and grow with my co-judges, the producers, crew and designers. Runway has led to incredible opportunities and I am currently at work on some new projects that I am very excited to share with you soon.
“I wish the show and everyone much success always.”
As of this writing, Nina Garcia, who has been with the show since its premiere in 2004, as the sole remaining judge.
It was announced in May that Project Runway will relocate from Lifetime to its original home on Bravo for all future seasons.
And, according to a new statement from Bravo, “The series will continue its iconic impact with Bravo’s reboot for the next generation of designers and fans. We are excited to announce our new host and mentor very soon.”
But will anyone even tune in again at this point?