Five Changes I Would Make to Project Runway

Project Runway is more my wife's thing than mine. However, I've been watching it with her (or at least been in the same room) for quite a few years and consider myself invested in the reality TV series. So, I feel qualified to say the show isn't anywhere near as good as it was when it first aired 22 years ago.

Here are five changes I would make to try to restore it to part of its former glory:

First, bring back Tim Gunn. It's not that I don't like Christian Siriano. I just think Gunn was a considerably better mentor. His critiques and suggestions just seemed more sincere, and the show hasn't been the same since he left. Siriano can still remain as a judge or co-mentor.

More sewing, less drama. Look, I get it, it's reality TV and contestant drama is part of the deal, which is also probably the only reason for team challenges. However, there are times when it feels as though the contestants are cast more for that than actual skill and that hurts the show's credibility.

Get rid of winner immunity. This season has already gone overboard with it by giving six contestants immunity following the first challenge with some arguably slacking off as a result. Instead of taking elimination off the table, give the challenge winners a slight advantage in the next challenge - more time in Mood, more money to spend on material.

Give contestants a say in the elimination. As I said, drama and reality TV go hand in hand. So, how about channeling that into something impactful? Judges determine the bottom three contestants, but the remaining contestants vote on which one goes home with the challenge winner getting an additional vote in case of a tie or being the lone vote once it gets down to the final few.

No established designers. To be fair, none of the contestants are household names. However, there seem to be plenty that are doing OK for themselves when the show is supposed to be about giving someone their big break. My general rule - if one of your outfits has already been worn by a celebrity, you shouldn't be eligible.

____________________________________________________________________

Here are some similar entries:

Psych: Why Henry Spencer is one of TV's Most Underrated Fathers

Eight Television Characters that Should Have had Spin-Offs

Four Television Series That Deserved a Second Season

Gilligan's Island: Five Times Gilligan Wasn't the One at Fault