In 2004, reality TV was in, but it was decidedly out in the fashion industry, which was not impressed with televised competitions riddled with bug-eating and bad behavior. Then Project Runway arrived. The Heidi Klum-hosted show was a series unlike any other before it, showcasing true talent and ambition, and launching the careers of designers like Austin Scarlett, Kara Saun, and Christian Siriano. It made reality TV palatable for an elitist industry — and that extends to Hollywood A-list talent, who knocked down Bravo's doors in troves to appear as guest judges on the show.

But the road Project Runway's success wasn’t always so clear. In our latest episode of TV. Watch. Repeat., my co-host Allison Piwowarski and I research the uphill battle Heidi & Co. had trying to be embraced in the fashion community, including its difficulty casting its judges. Plus, we delve into that corn husk dress(!!), the iconic pilot, where the Season 1 contestants are now, and the warm hug of a human that is Tim Gunn.

So, make it work, and listen to the latest episode of TV. Watch. Repeat. on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Auf Wiedersehen!

Read more...

Listen To More 'TV. Watch. Repeat.' Episodes!

Image: Bravo