Project Runway (2004)

If you loved it before, you'll love it again. "Auf"-ully good.

Finally, cable's hit design show is back, still the best and most flamboyantly entertaining of TV's skill-based competitions.

As usual, high-voltage drama ensues, including a big tear-down when one designer is given the completely wrong measurements for the model who will wear his gown.

Tim Gunn still motherhens the designers, the dramatic arcs feel familiar (one designer is a recovering addict, another gave up a career as a surgeon), and--wonders to behold--there's even a branch of the fabric store Mood in Runway's new Los Angeles home.

Whichever the case, or whatever combination of the two, watching these 15 aspiring fashion designers compete for their big break is more fun than a new Victoria's Secret catalogue.

The instantly addictive series has something else most reality shows -- even the really good ones -- don't have: demonstrations of distinctive creativity. [7 Dec 2005]

Love the show. Some very fascinating designers. I don't always agree with the judges but not everyone always does. There are so many times I thought someone should have gone and they kept them. I wonder if any of the past contestants have children that have been on the show or are leaning in that direction.

I've watched this show since its inception. I just have to say that comments from Law Roach to the contestants are purposefully mean and degrading. I've never seen this program as a vehicle to demean people who are developing their creative platform. I prefer a show with positive critiques that help people move forward not reduce them to tears. Law Roach should be side lined and replaced.

I don't like the concept of one day challenges and time constraints. It would be more fun to see what people can create with a week to work.

Disappointing is the closest word I can use to describe the show this season. The static judges panel has no variety or appeal. Nina seems like a totally different person, like the others have squashed her spark. The set is awkward looking. There is just no personality to the episodes. I expect to hear this is the last season, which makes me sad.