Earlier this week, Freeform finally made a major update as it’s nothing to do with their original scripted slate which ran out earlier this year. However, they’ve added yet another reality TV show having kept Project Runway alive from Bravo thanks to a deal struck with Spyglass Media Group (who owns the show’s studio property).
We don’t know when this will be next on air going into Season 21 sometime in 2025 but what we do know that its judges and host will look brand new, so none of them from the Bravo and even Lifetime versions will pop up on Freeform. So does the contestants itself where aspiring fashion designers (both male and female including the fashion models) will also be teen-oriented that will fit best on a cable channel that already has a teen and female dominated audience.
No surprise there when Freeform is trying to fill up some air time trying to be like the USA Network (although USA recently picked up 1-2 new scripted shows though), but also a surprise too for those who have been watching Project Runway for so long.
Yes, the continued Project Runway show will also show up on Disney + and Hulu which is an also a plus when it comes to on-demand content. But the question still remains as to whether or not if Freeform will last that long as a cable channel when the Bravo (two stints) and the Lifetime versions usually last more than a few years? They’re happy with the seasonal marathon specials like 31 Days of Halloween right now & 25 Days of Christmas as well as the 1-2 weekly syndicated blocks while still having to carry a “lifetime” contract with the 700 Club since Freeform is currently homeowner on a property The 700 Club has built that goes back to the 70s-90s.
But seeing how ABC Signature was morphed into 20th Televlsion at the start of this month with streaming also still on the rise, it would still be no surprise if Disney shuts down or sells off Freeform while paying off 700 the $$$ they want.
Maybe Lifetime should’ve come back in the first place since they’re part of the Disney family thanks to A & E Networks and Hearst, but you never know though as maybe FX or FXX would be the perfect cable channel for all things reality and entertainment, as Project Runway would be a great match for them if Freeform is gone within the next 12 months – keep a close eye on this one.