Tim Gunn Not Returning for ‘Project Runway’ Revival — Fans React
You won’t see Tim Gunn telling fashion designers to “make it work” on Freeform’s upcoming Project Runway revival. Gunn, who long served as mentor to the show’s contestants, revealed he wasn’t invited to join returning host Heidi Klum in Runway’s new iteration.
In an interview with People about the snub, Gunn said he expressed interest with “not a moment of hesitation” when Klum texted him with word of the revival. “So Heidi and I were texting and texting, and several months later, she sent me a text asking, ‘Are you happy with your contract?’” he recalled. “I’m a truth-teller. I don’t even mince words. I said, ‘Well, I haven’t seen a contract.’”
Gunn’s agent then contacted the executive producers of Freeform’s Project Runway. “They said, ‘We don’t want him,’” Gunn said. “And [my agent] said, ‘Well, he’s done 19 seasons of Runway, 16 with Heidi. The two of them won an Emmy together as hosts, and now you’re going to separate them?’ And they said yes.”
The EPs later offered Gunn a “small cameo,” he said. “What do I do? Wave from a bus? As the designers are going into Mood [Fabrics]? Heidi comes to see me at the retirement home, and we play croquet?” Gunn wondered. “So, no, thank you. And as Heidi would say, you’re either in or you’re out. And I’m out. So I wasn’t asked to join.”
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Gunn said he felt “initially devastated, then kind of humiliated” but has now made his peace with the outcome.
“I thought, how lucky am I to have had the experiences that I’ve had over the last 20 years?” he said. “This is phenomenal. I stopped the boo-hooing. I thought, it’s really throwing hubris in the face of an angry God to mourn not being on this new show. So I’ve come to terms with it. Am I disappointed? Sure.”
The former Parsons School of Design faculty member added that Klum was “really upset” not to have him at her side, though he said he’s “with her in spirit always” and he plans on watching her on the new Runway season.
And Project Runway fans are also really upset, judging from reactions on social media.
“What do you mean, Tim Gunn was not ask[ed] back for Project Runway?” one X user wrote in all caps.
“Let’s be very clear: There is no Project Runway without Tim Gunn,” another user wrote.
Someone else said, “@TimGunn must be in it, or I’m not watching. I know I’m not alone. This is shameful that the producers thought the audience was this stupid to buy a revival without Tim. #ProjectRunway must include Tim! He must be in.”
One X user called the decision “extremely upsetting,” and another fan offered “a polite but firm ‘no, thank you’” to the prospect of a Gunn-less Runway.
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Conversation26 Comments
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G
I’m calling a foul on this one. Tim Gunn has been incredibly loyal to Heidi Klum. If I were Heidi Klum, I would’ve told them to F off. Loyalty is more important than any job.
17
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B
Project Runway made great effort to be size-inclusive, supposedly demonstrating respect and value for all people. But now we see it was/is merely clever PR.
Because they do not value all people as is evident by this age-related snub — the disrespectful move
certainly wasn’t based on talent or experience or popularity.
I hope anyone who values inclusivity and openness understands that Runway does not.
16
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O
I feel sad that he was “initially devastated” about not being asked back. I really love how emotional and authentic Tim was on the show. I don’t wanna see Christian being snappy with the designers. I don’t know if he can bring the same empathy and warmth that Tim brought. And I would’ve did the same thing that Tim did no I’m not making a dumb cameo, what an insult. And don’t be mad at Heidi…for all we know she already signed her contract under the impression Tim was also coming back…
15
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O
Exactly we won’t be back for Project Runway 2025 without Tim Gunn. Get it together, Disney, Hulu and Freeform! We want Tim!
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S
No Tim Gunn No project runway 😤😡😡
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O
Why would you ruin such an excellent pairing. Project Runway with Heidi without Tim??
Does not make sense! Christian is good, but Tim Gunn is talented with class oozing out of his pores.
Of course I\'m going to watch the show...but it will certainly lack the polish and loveability that Tim brings. My college-aged daughters watch Project Runway with me...and they adore Tim Gunn! He\'s their favorite.
I\'m telling you guys....listen to the fans...the show won\'t be as good without Tim Gunn\'s \"make it work.\"
10
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O
I would love to have seen Tim Gunn join Heidi again, for I think he has an insight for his advice to the designers, that his years in the fashion world that Christian cannot mirror. His maturity in the design industry and respect for his advice cannot be availed to Christian, with his few years of experience working within the same industry.
9
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B
I would have loved a Tim and Heidi reboot! I\'m sad that he feels sad about it, because he deserves to be there. I have watched all the Project Runway iterations and love them all, but Tim and Heidi are the OG. No shame, Tim. Watch and enjoy with the rest of us--your grace, style and overall contribution to Project Runway will NEVER be underestimated!
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G
I\'m \"Gunnderstruck\" Love his sensitivity to contestants. Will miss his presence. Good attitude Tim. Your awesome. Ya gotta just \"make it work\" in this world.
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P
Tim had integrity. He had good reasons to leave. He was concerned about the contestants. He really liked working with Heidi. If Tim’s not on there isn’t any reason for me to watch.
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G
Tim Gunn brought a level of compassion and encouragement combined with true knowledge to Project Runway. He complemented Heidi Klum and also tempered some of the artistic egos on the show. These attributes are even more needed today. Most reality shows are about the snarkinesss and the meanness. Tim brought a class that is needed. I’m as far from a fashionista as could be, but watched the show and Tim Gunn was one of the main reasons.
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R
The Producers Should Be More than ashamed of themselves for Snubbing such A Wonderful Man and Mentor as Tim Gunn!!! I won\'t be watching and Heidi should have said an Emphatic NO Without Him on Board!! Love You Tim...
5
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F
I guess I\'ll voice the minority opinion, then. It won\'t stop me from watching the show. I thought he had lost his mojo the last few seasons anyway.
3
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P
Heidi should have said..package deal but she went for the check..shameful
2
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P
Without Tim it is just another of the many and not worth watching..big mistake
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B
I\'m absolutely shocked they\'re bringing back Heidi without Tim! Big mistake! Honestly I think Heidi should have refused to the reboot without Tim. She had the clout. Christian is fine, but he could have returned as a judge. I was excited to hear PR was coming back, but so disappointed Tim isn\'t going to be part of it. SHAME ON FREEFORM!
1
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R
Bring Tim Gunn back! Project Runway. Is not a runway without tim
1
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P
No Tim? Then you can keep that shit.
1
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C
Not bringing Tim Gunn back is the worse decision ever made! Seriously??? I love Christian, but Tim is the Mentor! This is absolutely devastating! How could they make such a stupid decision!
1
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R
If there is no Tim with Heidi, then I\'m not watching. People of all ages related to Tim, young and not young. I love Christian too, but this was to be the original power team back together. I am sooooo disappointed. I was going to subscribe to Hulu just for this. Not now.
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R
Christian is my favorite
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R
Christian is so good at his job ,great for him!
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P
I actually prefer how Tim coached and mentors the designers. He knows when to push hard or find out what is blocking creativity of his mentee. I was looking forward to seeing Tim.. I would have made Christian his own show called After the runway. OR made him a judge.
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C
I think this was the most stupid decision ever made and there have been way too many stupid decisions made.. Tim Gunn is who made Project Runway and Christian Siriano is still wet behind his ears. I don\'t know why we are writing these comments because you all don\'t give a damn what or who we want.
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O
I am a huge fan of the show, so much so that I have watched the Philippines, Canada & Australia versions as well. I was reluctant to watch the show when Klum/Gunn first left, however, I gave it a chance. I will do the same with the new season, but I will miss Mr Make It Work very much. Bless you Tim Gunn for being such a lovely gentleman. I wish you all the best.
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R
We want Tim!
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