Original Host and Early Seasons
Project Runway premiered on Bravo in 2004 with supermodel and television personality Heidi Klum as the primary host and executive producer. Klum anchored the show through its initial run on Bravo, guiding designers through weekly challenges while maintaining the series' focus on fashion competition and industry exposure Forbes. Her role combined on-camera hosting duties with behind-the-scenes influence over casting, judging panels, and the overall tone of the series.
The original Bravo run lasted 17 seasons, concluding in 2018, during which Klum became synonymous with the franchise. The show established a consistent format featuring a rotating panel of industry experts, including designers Nina Garcia and Michael Kors, alongside Klum's leadership as host Forbes. This era defined the series' brand and set viewership records for reality fashion programming.
Network Transition and Revival
After Bravo, Project Runway moved to Lifetime for seasons 18 through 20, with Heidi Klum continuing as host. The network transition in 2018 brought changes to production logistics while retaining the core competition structure Deadline. Klum remained the central figure throughout this period, maintaining continuity for viewers during the franchise's shift between networks.
The show was later revived and returned to Bravo in 2024 for a new season, again with Heidi Klum serving as host. This revival marked the series' return to its original network after a multi-year hiatus, with Klum reprising her role as the primary host and executive producer Deadline. The 2024 season featured a refreshed judging panel and updated production values while preserving the established format.
Current Hosting Status and Franchise Overview
As of the latest available public information, Heidi Klum remains the host and executive producer of Project Runway across all seasons and network iterations. The franchise has produced over 20 seasons, multiple spin-offs, and international adaptations, with Klum as the consistent on-screen host throughout The New York Times. The series continues to air on Bravo following its 2024 revival, maintaining Klum's central role in the show's identity.
Project Runway has been produced by various production companies over its history, including Magical Elves and Bunim/Murray Productions, with Heidi Klum serving as a key executive figure. The show's longevity and brand recognition are closely tied to Klum's hosting tenure, which spans from the 2004 premiere through the current 2024 season The New York Times. The franchise remains active with new seasons and continued presence on Bravo.