'Project Runway' catwalk leaps to Lifetime!

"Project Runway" is taking a catwalk — with the Weinstein Co. — and trotting over to Lifetime Networks.

This new partnership moves the top reality series, "Project Runway," from Bravo to the top network for women, Lifetime Television.

The change will partner "PR" supermodel host Heidi Klum, Liz Claiborne Inc. chief creative officer Tim Gunn and the Weinstein Co. with Lifetime for five years.

"Fashion is about change, so we’re looking forward to saying hello to Lifetime, our new fashionable home for our fashionable series," Klum said. "We're excited to bring 'Project Runway' to the No. 1 network for women."

Gunn adds, "Lifetime and I will definitely 'make it work' together. I am very excited to be part of the Lifetime family."

Not everyone is thrilled with "Runway's" new home.

NBC Universal, Bravo's parent company, filed a lawsuit today in New York state Supreme Court to try to disrupt the series moving to Lifetime.

Sour grapes?

Lifetime's press release has dismissed the suit as being without merit, acknowledging that NBC did not "compete for the right to have 'Project Runway.' "

"We believe that this lawsuit is without merit. While good for the market for lawyers, it is always unfortunate when parties try to win in court what they have lost in the marketplace," said David Boies, counsel to the Weinstein Co.

So far, only four "Runway" seasons have aired on Bravo. Casting is underway for Bravo's contracted Season 5, which, if the network follows its past pattern (late summer/early fall air dates), might air at the same time as Lifetime's Season 6. Are you as confused as I am?

Anyway, according to Weinstein Co. sources, despite the network shift, there are no planned changes in the structure or format of the show.

But unfortunately, "Runway" fans will have to reprogram the TiVo for Season 6, which starts this November. And they may have to make room on the TiVo hard drive for two seasons at once!

Photo: WireImage

Comments

[boidiva02]

Wow, this is a shock to me, i can't believe that the show would want to leave "Bravo" i am just stunned.

[Sammy!!]

THIS IS DUMB. they need to keep it on bravo.

[Renee]

I don't mind the change... not all basic cable setups carry Bravo... in fact, most places I've lived that only have basic cable do NOT have Bravo and have made it impossible to watch Runway at its scheduled time, forcing me to watch reruns or somebody's DVR of it. Lifetime is virtually always one of the channels I have at my disposal... so it will be nice to be able to keep up with the show without breaking my budget or my schedule.