Update: Click here to read our ‘Project Runway’ finale recap!
There’s been a fair amount of blogchatter (some of it right here on PopWatch) about whether or not Bravo is trying to sabotage this season of Project Runway after losing the show to Lifetime. (NBC Universal, which owns Bravo, recently won an injunction that may prevent the show from moving). There was the lack of buildup buzz, the uninspired challenges, the mediocre talent level. But today brings another blow that adds even more weight to the theory that Bravo is throwing its onetime star show under the train: The finale is up against the Presidential debate.
We know, we know. The show had this time slot long before the debates were scheduled. But why is Part 2 of the finale coming right after Part 1? Where’s our reunion episode filled with laughs, tears, and gratuitous Kenley bashing?
A colleague of mine raised the point that much of PR‘s core fan base cares a lot more about wedge heels than wedge issues. But even so, the debates are bound to take a huge bite out of PR‘s live-viewing audience, leaving the show with record low numbers for its send-off from the channel that created it. (If only we could combine the two and have, say, Michael Kors moderate the debates while McCain and Obama try on the designers’ outfits. How can we know if our candidate can handle the American Empire until we see if he can handle an empire waist?)
Your turn, PopWatchers: Is this just a bad coincidence? Or is Bravo really sabotaging the show? And most importantly, which showdown will you watch tonight?
More on ‘Project Runway’:
Who should win ‘Project Runway’: Korto, Kenley, or Leanne?
13 ‘Project Runway’ All-Stars and Their Unforgettable Designs
‘Project Runway’: Nina Garcia, I love your ring!
In my opinion, PR made Bravo!
I will dvr the debate and watch PR live.
Oh, screw the debates. PR’s up against the Phillies (please, PLEASE?) winning a world series berth tonight. I’ve been a devoted fan, but I forgot it was even going to be on. GO PHILLIES!
I also am surprised there is no reunion show. I was looking forward to all the designers ganging up on Kenley and more quotable zingers from Terri. But mostly, I’m glad this season is almost over because it really has not been up to snuff.
Since I’m sure they won’t combine the two (darn!), I’ll have to catch the finale (and Michael Kors) later and watch the debate. I do agree with Jelana though- GO PHILLIES!
Well PR is on at 6pm here and the debate is live at 3pm and replayed at 7pm so its not a big deal for me. I just want my reunion show and to also see who the fan favorite is!!!!
I live in Washington state- the debate will be over at 8:00 and Project Runway starts at 9:00- we’re lucky!
i think bravo has been sabotaging the show, and i’m totally fine with it. harvey weinstein deserves it. project runway would have been cancelled on any other network after the first few episodes of season one flopped, but bravo was smart – they believed in the product and kept rerunning it until people were hooked. bravo made project runway. and the weinstein’s greed will be the death of it.
I’m diehard PR fan but I won’t be able afford by wedges, platforms, or ever flipflops if the economy doesn’t change so I am watching the debate. Also, it replys in NYC on at 11pm so I can watch both.
Also, the biggest loosers in the season of Project Runway is Kenley and Korto. These two women are at the caliber of any season of PR but will suffer because this year’s crop just sucks.
I’m not really interested in the debate – I’m flipping between PR and the Phillies – Go Phils!
If only SNL can make a Project Runway: Presidental edition.
Dude, Sle–I bat from the left just like you, and I’m paying attention to the NLCS. Beat LA!
I do think it’s suspicious the way that Bravo has been handling the show, especially with the absence of the reunion show (which really angered me, since I like it). Last night I watched Project Runway instead of the debates, since I have election fatigue.
Now that Leanne has won, maybe she can afford some shampoo and a haircut, and perhaps something nice to wear.
I will watch the finale in reruns. Last night’s debate was the best of the bunch!