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Tim Gunn’s Departure from ‘Project Runway’: The End of an Era in Fashion Reality TV
Feb
For nearly two decades, Tim Gunn has been synonymous with Project Runway, serving as a mentor, guide, and voice of wisdom for aspiring designers. His partnership with Heidi Klum helped elevate the reality fashion competition to global success, winning awards and inspiring millions. However, Gunn recently confirmed that he will not be returning to the series alongside Klum, marking a significant shift in the show’s trajectory.
This article explores Gunn’s history with Project Runway, the circumstances of his departure, his response to the decision, what this means for the franchise, and the future of fashion reality television.
Tim Gunn and ‘Project Runway’: A Legacy of Mentorship and Excellence
Tim Gunn joined Project Runway in 2004 as the design mentor, offering contestants constructive criticism, support, and his signature catchphrase, “Make it work.” Over the course of 16 seasons, Gunn’s presence became a pillar of the series, distinguishing it from other reality competition shows.
His mentorship went beyond technical critiques—he provided emotional guidance, helped contestants navigate high-pressure challenges, and championed a respectful, educational approach to reality TV.
Some of Gunn’s most memorable moments on Project Runway include:
- His unwavering honesty—never sugarcoating feedback but always offering solutions.
- The Tim Gunn Save, an opportunity he was given in later seasons to prevent a contestant from elimination.
- His genuine investment in contestants’ careers, often advocating for talent beyond the competition.
In 2013, Gunn and Klum won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program, a testament to their incredible chemistry and impact.
Their partnership extended beyond Project Runway, as the duo later launched Amazon Prime’s Making the Cut in 2020, further proving their dominance in the fashion reality TV landscape.
However, after more than 20 years in the industry, major changes were on the horizon.
The Unexpected Departure: Why Tim Gunn Won’t Return
In early 2025, Heidi Klum expressed interest in returning to Project Runway, which had undergone several format changes and network shifts since her and Gunn’s departure.
Naturally, fans assumed Gunn would return alongside her. According to Gunn, Klum personally reached out to discuss reuniting on the show. He was excited about the possibility and awaited a contract offer from the production team.
However, months passed with no formal discussions. Eventually, Gunn’s agent informed him that the new executive producers had decided to move forward without him.
In a candid interview, Gunn admitted to feeling “initially devastated” and “kind of humiliated” by the decision. After dedicating so much of his career to the series, the sudden exclusion was an unexpected blow.
Heidi Klum, who had actively advocated for his return, was reportedly deeply upset by the producers’ choice.
Despite this disappointment, Gunn chose to focus on gratitude rather than resentment, acknowledging the incredible opportunities he had experienced during his time on Project Runway.
“I thought, how lucky am I to have had the experiences that I’ve had over the last 20 years?” Gunn shared in reflection.
While fans may be heartbroken over his departure, Gunn’s graceful acceptance of the decision highlights his professionalism and enduring influence in the fashion world.
How Gunn’s Exit Will Change ‘Project Runway’
Tim Gunn’s absence will undeniably reshape Project Runway’s format and tone.
The show, which originally aired on Bravo before moving to Lifetime and later Freeform, has already undergone several transformations. Now streaming on Hulu and Disney+, Project Runway continues to evolve in an era of digital entertainment.
However, Gunn’s departure presents some major challenges and opportunities for the franchise:
Challenges:
- Loss of the Show’s Emotional Core: Gunn’s mentorship was a fundamental reason why Project Runway stood out in the reality TV landscape. Without him, the show risks losing its educational and nurturing aspect.
- A Shift in Contestant Dynamics: Many designers flourished under Gunn’s guidance. His absence may lead to a more cutthroat or impersonal competitive environment.
- Fan Disappointment: Longtime viewers associate Gunn with the heart and soul of the series. Some may choose to stop watching in protest of his exclusion.
Opportunities:
- A New Mentorship Style: The show has an opportunity to introduce a fresh perspective with a new mentor, potentially modernizing the competition’s approach.
- Expansion into Different Audiences: With a new format and Heidi Klum’s return, Project Runway may attract younger viewers who are unfamiliar with Gunn’s legacy.
- More Industry Connections: If the producers bring in guest mentors from different areas of fashion, it could provide contestants with diverse networking opportunities.
While Gunn’s absence will undoubtedly leave a void, Project Runway now faces the challenge of reinventing itself for a new era.
What’s Next for Tim Gunn?
Despite this career shift, Tim Gunn remains a respected and influential figure in the fashion and television industries.
Potential Future Endeavors:
- A New Fashion Show: Given his success with Making the Cut, Gunn may pursue another fashion competition series, possibly on a streaming platform like Netflix or HBO Max.
- Writing and Public Speaking: As an author and fashion educator, Gunn could focus on publishing books, hosting lectures, or launching an online fashion education program.
- Mentorship and Industry Consulting: Gunn’s knowledge and experience make him a highly sought-after mentor in the fashion world. He may take on behind-the-scenes consulting roles for emerging designers.
- Guest Appearances on Other Fashion Programs: While he won’t return to Project Runway, Gunn may appear as a guest judge or mentor on other fashion-related TV shows.
Given his reputation for elegance, intelligence, and professionalism, it’s unlikely that Gunn will disappear from the fashion scene. Instead, this may be the beginning of a new chapter in his already remarkable career.
Conclusion: The End of an Era, But Not the End of Gunn’s Influence
Tim Gunn’s departure from Project Runway marks the end of a significant era in reality television. His influence on the series—and the fashion industry as a whole—cannot be overstated.
While his absence will be deeply felt, Gunn’s legacy lives on through the countless designers he has mentored and the standards of excellence he set for fashion competitions.
As Project Runway embarks on a new chapter, only time will tell how the show adapts without him. Meanwhile, fans can rest assured that Tim Gunn’s contributions to fashion and television are far from over.
Though he may no longer be advising contestants on Project Runway, one thing remains true: Tim Gunn will always “make it work.”
From thedragonfashion