Tim Gunn Is Out! And He’s Just as Shocked as You Are
Tim Gunn will not be returning to Project Runway alongside Heidi Klum; his shock, disappointment, and support for the show's next chapter.
The reality television series about fashion, “Project Runway,” has been a staple since it first aired in 2004. Allowing aspiring fashion designers the ability to show off their work, the show uses creative challenges and a panel of judges to find its winner each season. Having launched the careers of various designers (like Christian Siriano, Leanne Marshall, Michael Costello, and Mondo Guerra) over the years, the series has been a celebrated part of television history for how it authentically portrays the inner workings of the fashion industry.
In a recent interview with People, Tim Gunn told the magazine that he will not be returning to the show when it comes back. Gunn, who co-hosted the series alongside famous fashion model Heidi Klum, for 16 seasons explained that she reached out to him about returning to the show. He said, “Heidi sent me a text saying, ‘There’s talk about bringing Project Runway back with us, with you and me, and would you do it?’ And I said, ‘Would I do it? Of course, there’s not a moment of hesitation in me.'”
But after that, Gunn goes on to explain that an official offer to appear in the new version of “Project Runway” never came saying, “Several months later, she sent me a text asking, ‘Are you happy with your contract?’ I’m a truth-teller. I don’t even mince words. I said, ‘Well, I haven’t seen a contract.’ And she said, ‘You haven’t?'” Gunn notes that he went to his agent wondering what happened and learned the producers of the series decided not to have him appear in the show’s upcoming season.
After having been such an integral part of “Project Runway” for so long and learning he was ousted, Gunn said, “I was initially devastated. I was so sad. I was so upset. I was kind of humiliated.” Choosing to be the bigger man, Gunn explained that he had come to terms with what had happened and would remain supportive of Heidi Klum returning to the show, “I will be watching and cheering from the sidelines.”
The new season of “Project Runway” is set to premiere later this year, but no exact date is known. With the show commencing a new era it will continue to find and foster the newest design talent, giving its viewers a look into the exciting world of fashion.
For its 2025 release, the former Bravo TV series will move to Freeform network. As episodes air weekly, they’ll appear the next day on streaming platforms Disney+ and Hulu. Hopefully, the series will be just as successful without Tim Gunn, but only time will tell. Will you be watching Season 21 when it airs?