THIS is why:
""In a stunning network hop, Lifetime announced Monday that The Weinstein Co. has signed a five-year deal with the femme-centric cabler to take over the show - cable’s top-rated reality skein - effective this November. sixth season will premiere on Lifetime in November.
According to Lifetime prexy/CEO Andrea Wong, the two sides first started talking in January, and signed the deal on Feb. 7. As part of an overall programming agreement with the Weinstein Co., Lifetime will pick up a movie package from the company, and develop other projects (including, perhaps, a “Runway” spinoff).
Lifetime’s announcement came just as NBC U was filing suit against TWC. Peacock claims Weinstein didn’t give NBC U proper notification that another party had made an offer for “Runway,” and that as a result, the sale to Lifetime is invalid. What’s more, NBC said the Weinstein Co. had continued to conduct “sham negotiations” with the Peacock after Feb. 7.
"They’ve been sold stolen goods,” an NBC U insider said of the Lifetime deal.
Suit also alleges that TWC had been negotiating a package deal for "Runway" in which the show would move from Bravo to another NBC U property, most likely the NBC broadcast net. In addition, Peacock would be forced to buy a package of TWC movies, with a total package price of $150 million.
"NBC has continuing legal rights related to ‘Project Runway,’ including a right of first refusal to future cycles of the series, which The Weinstein Company unfortunately has refused to honor,” a NBC U spokeswoman said. “NBC Universal regrettably had no alternative but to bring legal action to enforce its rights to this program, including the right to decide whether it is in the best interest of the company to continue to air the show under the proposed financial terms."
Plans are still underway for Bravo to air season five of “Runway.” According to the suit, the Weinstein Co. asked Bravo to launch the season in July, rather than in the fall. In a concession to the Weinsteins, NBC/Bravo said it agreed to do so.
Now, with Lifetime slated to air its "Runway" in November, that would mean three cycles of the show would air in 2008.
In a statement, Weinstein counsel David Boies said he believed the lawsuit was "without merit."
"While good for the market for lawyers, it is always unfortunate when parties try to win in court what they have lost in the marketplace," Boies said.
The show’s defection to Lifetime was announced Monday by Wong and Weinstein Co. co-chairmen Harvey and Bob Weinstein.
"'Project Runway' is one of the best television programs on the air today on broadcast or cable,” Wong said. “I am a huge fan. All my friends are huge fans. Having watercooler movies, dramas, and reality shows like ‘Project Runway’ is what Lifetime Television is all about. We welcome The Weinstein Company, Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn to the Lifetime family for many walks down the runway to come."
In a statement, the Weinsteins thanked NBC and Bravo for helping nurture the show into a hit, but said “having Lifetime’s unique cable reach will ensure that the show will continue to grow and expand in the years to come." "Lifetime is one of the strongest cable networks in the industry, with great leadership and a true commitment to original programming," the Weinsteins said. "We are very excited for the many new opportunities that will now be provided to ‘Runway’ and its fans and look forward to premiering the sixth season in November 2008.""
We honestly don't know what to think about this. We're huge fans of Bravo and they've been very good to us, not to mention we have many relationships with the people over there. We can't help but think this isn't good news.On the other hand, we get two seasons of the show this year, so that's a definite plus. On the other, OTHER hand, it's somewhat notable that Michael and Nina aren't mentioned in the press release and we wouldn't be a bit surprised if they don't follow the show over to LifeTime.
The idea of Lifetime doing spinoffs of the show just smells like ""Project Runway, L.A." to us. Not sure how we feel about that one either.
We just don't know. One of the many reasons we love the show is because it was on Bravo, the most gay-friendly cable network around. While Lifetime certainly isn't UNfriendly to the gays, we can't help but fear for our baby.
What do you bitches think?
[Illustration: Project Rungay - Photos: Bravotv.com/Mylifetime.com]
270 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 1 – 200 of 270 Newer› Newest»Considering this is one of the shows that brought Bravo to the forefront, I was really shocked to hear it was leaving. There must have been some VictorYA version of drama on the business side of PR to make them change channels. (or very big $!)
I think it sucks. I don't know what's going on behind the runway, so to speak, but Bravo's replay techniques have been lauded (and since copied) as what really made PR a hit. They've been behind the show and its promotion as far as I can see and I think it sucks that the production company is pulling it to Lifetime.
Oh. My. God. This is BIG. I don't know what to make of this news.
In my opinion, for what it's worth, Nina and Michael are an essential component to the shows success. I watched some of the PR Canada and thought the judges were too bitchy. I'm worried. Please don't mess this show up Lifetime!
Wow, I didn't see this one coming! I am fearful of changes that will diminish the show we have all come to love, and I am stunned that Bravo is losing as big a "bread and butter" show as this. Despite the usually crummy web page, they offered a lot of support. I'm just very afraid of the unknown.
Bravo has always been a solace for me when I want to escape the "commercial' broadcast channels, ABC, CBS, NBC et al. Those networks do not seek quality shows, but prefer rating grabbers ( Big Brother, The Apprentice...)
What a disappointment.
#1 This is HUGE.
#2 I am very disappointed for I've come to really like Bravo.
#3 Somehow, I'm not surprised. After much acclaim and a few years under its belt, NBC has decided to air its Monk series on NBC rather than USA, another NBC U owned station.
#4 I think NBC U doesn't know what they want/ don't want and is grasping at straws.
#5 Although I will certainly watch PR for the 2 series on Bravo this year (yay), I can't say that I'm eager to see the show bastardized on Lifetime.
I am afraid, very afraid.
Still trying to digest this one. Something doesn't smell right to me, as I'm sure that Bravo would have bent over backwards to keep this jewel.
I saw this story earlier, but didn't want to hit the panic button just yet.
So, maybe they will be able to award more than 100,000, but at the same time, will we still have our ultra marathons? which quite frankly...are a comfort to me when I'm doing things I don't want to do.
Still trying to wrap the brain around this baby, but I will say this, I don't for the life of me know where Lifetime is on my cable dial. Guess that will change?
I don't understand how it would be physically possible to have Season 5 -- for which they're casting right now -- air beginning in July, and then have Season 6 begin in November? What are they going to do, cast Season 6 for Lifetime while Season 5 is being filmed for Bravo? Film Season 6 while Season 5is being aired? How can that work? It doesn't make sense to me, and I don't believe for a minute that Season 6 will actually begin in November.
Especially given the lawsuit. Which isn't going to be resolved in five minutes, I promise. After all, if NBC prevails against the Weinsteins and gets the show back, then Lifetime will probably sue. Or they'll be dragged into this lawsuit. It could take months, if not longer.
What a mess.
Donna L
Donna
OK, #1. you guys will still be in, right?
#2. Marathons? have to have them.
How long before Meredith Baxter Birney comes on the show as a very special guest judge?
Wow, this is stunning news! I just can't imagine this show living on that network.
My guess is that Nina and Michael weren't mentioned simply because their individual contracts haven't been negotiated yet -- with "yet" being the operative word.
Ditching La Nina and MK would be ratings suicide!
shit, nothing stays the same, and Cheyl Ladd to judge the "dress the second wife" challenge, FUCK!
It's the beginning of the end.
TWO "seasons" of PR a year would make sense, three would be pushing it. I don't know how they'd manage unless they do, as you say, the L.A. version -- which would suck. Although, upping the quality of L.A. fashion week would be kind of nice. Still, makes you wonder what will happen.
OhNoOhNoOhNoOhNo
Can't possibly be good news. I appreciate Bravo's original programming and just can't see how it will fit the 'ladies' channel......
Well, knowing that my life would have a little less Andy Cohen in it definitely goes a long way toward easing the pain (sorry, boys, I know you're tight with him, but he really needs to stay on the other side of the camera).
I'm not as rattled by this news as many may be. For one thing, I don't know who controls the production budgets, TWC or Bravo, but maybe that would improve with Lifetime. How often do we complain about the obviously stingy budget?
And after watching -- and adoring -- PR Canada, I'm convinced this is an almost judge-proof format. Up North, you only really had two strong non-designer personalities in the cast -- Iman and Brian Bailey (the mentor). The other judges were weak and it didn't bother me in the least. What makes the show work is watching creativity in action. As long as we still get that, I think the show will survive. OK, that and keeping Tim in the equation. And if not Tim, I could see Uncle Nick doing a bang-up job in that role, too.
Uh-oh, I just had a weird thought: What if it does become a bicoastal, two-cycle season with Tim as the mentor for the NY cycle and Nick as the mentor for an LA-based cycle?
Not Lifetime — home of the horribly acting!
Why change a good thing? I don't understand this. Is this REALLY true!? It can't be!!!
This is bad. Real bad. Lifetime is the home of some of the worst crap on cable tv. I can see terrible challenges, like "dress the teenage pregnant crack whore and her estranged mom" coming down the pipeway. Or "dress that shitty show about female doctors". And if Nina and Michael don't follow, that's not good, either. They're a huge part of the show. I feel like they get the tone and concept of the series. And it's a huge slap in the face to Bravo, which pretty much made it the hit it is with their marathons and hype. Baaaaad news, kids.
Lest we forget Bravo nursed this show to health in season one - whereas other cable networks would have cancelled it, Bravo built up huge momentum (through their own marketing efforts, not Weinstein) and made the show into a success.
I will also go on record saying the Weinstein Brothers are shady, greedy and cannot be trusted. As someone who was worked on a (going on) 4 season ongoing sponsorship and prize give away and the show, I can attest to many occasions where Weinstein has tried to usurp Bravo's operations and negotiations and make their own extra side money with bogus fees for integrations and branded challenges. Also one of the Weinstein brothers is Harvey, who is the brainchild of TMZ.
NBCU has a very, very good chance of winning this.
Isn't it appropriate that your viewing of a doc about the fucked-up-ness of the fashion industry was interupted by news of the fucked-up-ness of TV/movie biz.
So -- I'm confused. Did Bravo agree to a Summer Season for Five without knowing that Six would be showing in November on another network?
When are they shooting Six?
NBC is so lame. They should've bought the package and put PR on primetime (with some kind of tie-in deal with Bravo programming)
BTW, Weinstein has got one of the most prominent lawyers working for them. It's gonna be a magnificent fight!
I wonder what Magical Elves think. Did they get a bigger chunk of dough?
Tim and Heidi get any more money out of it?
I feel for the folks at Bravo and do not -- generally -- have a great feeling about this.
OTOH -- What's Lifetime's website like?
-- desertwind
Wasn't there some kind of dustup
between the Weinsteins and Bravo
over Tim Gunn's show? Maybe the
chickens are coming home to roost -
sashaying down the catwalk in Christian's elegant feather dress.
I Think I'm going to throw up. And that Christian should bitch slap some sense into the people over at lifetime to make them realize that they aren't capable of handling all the Fierceness that is Project Runway.
I don't have a problem with an LA version -- or a Dallas version or a Miami version or an Atlanta version -- in other words, a warm weather-oriented version. I have often thought that the hammerlock NY has on fashion is to the detriment of the rest of the country where there are palm trees and no one wears tweed or layers or even boots very much.
It's not "changing a good thing" -- it's capitalism and money-making. Obviously Project Runway is seen as a huge money maker which is worth fighting over. That is good.
Heidi, I'll bet, would prefer Los Angeles to NY since I believe Seal is more LA-centric.
I think it'll be interesting to watch the evolution of whatever will happen. Weinstein may be despicable but he has an excellent track record of producing watchable product. The W Bros are probably casting about for a new project they can glom onto and mold since they've been forced out of Miramax by Disney.
A good cat fight over major moola is always enjoyable to watch from afar. And god knows that NBC will be easier to go toe-to-toe with than Disney. What yumminess.
Maybe someone can mention to one of the Weinstein's what an excellent eye and steadfast perspective Wendy Pepper would bring if they should be looking around for staff for their new project.
Three seasons in one year is bad news; its just overexposure for everyone involved. There are so many shows like The Amazing Race and Survivor that have back to back seasons and in my opinion, it dilutes the brand.
I`m afraid the wrangleing over this is going to last a looooong time, so we won`t have PR on EITHER channel! (neither channel? Which is proper English?)
Kzspot
PS -- And once again, Jay's success (the film & publicity & new plans & site etc, etc.) gets overshadowed by a turn in The Marketplace.
It's so unfair.
-- desertwind
That sucks big time. Lifetime television isn't hip enough for that type of show. I'll stop watching it.
Lifetime + Project Runway = HORRIBLE MATCH!!!!
Epic suckage =(
My satellite package doesn't include Lifetime
I'm trying to be optimistic about this, but I agree with everyone who is asking why they would want to change a good thing.
I'm just hoping that (somehow) the network swap will make the show better. Somehow.
If they do an LA verson of the show, I will check it out, this season about lost me.
Apparently the Weinstein's felt Bravo wasn't kissing enough ass & showed NBC/Universal they weren't the only game in town. Quick note: Harvey Weinstein is EVIL. Check out http://stopdarthweinstein.chris-marquette.com/ for further proof. Having been in a few scrapes like this before, I suggest waiting for a determination whether or not TWC violated their contract w/ NBC/U by not allowing NBC/U first refusal to renew. W/ the right sweetening of the pie, TWC/PR may not go anywhere.
While we're waiting...
Time for PROJECT TLO!
You guys HAVE to get your own Bravo show now!
Emma P.
I don't think it will affect the show, even though I hate Lifetime with a passion. A network is a network. We will just be subjected to more tampon and douche commercials.
But if they do change the show, then I just won't watch. God knows anything would be better than those horrid, cry-fest, lifetime movies with washed up actresses. Lifetime movies are like afterschool specials for menopausal women. My Mom loves lifetime, enough said.
I don't know which is scarier. A switch to Lifetime or a protracted legal battle. Hopefully season 5 won't be affected, but prolonged litigation could keep PR in limbo for a long time.
I'm very sad...the show will not be the same. Don't leave us Tlo!!!!!
Babies...
I just had gooten run reading about this stuff chez Uncle Nick and I was going like bollocks, bollocks and bollocks!
I really think moving it from Bravo to Lifetime is going to affect the feel of the show, the level of people participating and yes, how gay friendly it is.
Not that gyno and gay-centric are mutually exclusive because they certainly are not but it is a different sensibility. I can say that from the perspective of being a gay man living somewhat satisfactorily in the body of a zaftig woman of colour....
I don't know this whole thing really....
They do crap like this in pharma all the time and it is very scary and frankly all the wheelings and dealings have affected that industry for the worst. I hope that is not the case for the show, because I LOVE the heck out of it and I have met people I LOVE because of it.
As far as the spinoffs, it really depends on what they try to do with them.. I mean there is already a "local" PR franchise with PR Canada and Project Catwalk.. There is a very limited fashion industry outside NYC and LA.. What would they do PR Peoria?
PR Fort Worth?
Now, if they went with MY idea of a plus-size Project Runway or a menswear PR that could work because they are both underserved and growing markets...
Love ya babies and thank you for the hot chismes ( gossip in Mexican Spanish).
Love,
Milla
"nso said...
I don't know which is scarier. A switch to Lifetime or a protracted legal battle. Hopefully season 5 won't be affected, but prolonged litigation could keep PR in limbo for a long time."
I thought the same thing. Hopefully this will not affect Season 5. I don't want to have to wait another year for a new season.
OH HELL NO.
Bravo - Young + Older Artistic Creative Audience
Lifetime - OLD DOWDY DRAMATIC GREY PROGRAMMING.
like seriously, c'mon bitches. let's get real. i don't even want to watch it anymore. & three seasons in one year is kind of cheap....can anyone say America's Next Top Model?
I'm faintly hoping NBC's lawsuit to prevent the show's move to Lifetime will be successful.
I just don't think this is a good demographic fit at all. Bravo targets a young, hip, urban, fashionista market. Lifetime targets....well, bland, boring, and suburban. I looked at Lifetime's schedule today and it was all reruns of Grey's Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, Reba, Will & Grace, and the Golden Girls. Not that those aren't nice shows, but they're very much the touchy-feely sort of thing that networks think all women love. I just do not see how Runway fits in among all that. At all.
Someone suggested to me that the issue is that Bravo is not carried by all cable systems - I guess Time Warner only offers it as part of its top-tier service package, for example, while Lifetime is on pretty much all of them. So on that level I can understand this, however the New York Times piece on this story does say that NBC was likely to move the show either to its USA network, or to the main NBC network itself in order to reach more people. I would MUCH rather see it on NBC than on Lifetime.
Darlings,
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! I make fun of Lifetime Television for Women. That's something my mother watch, I can't watch that...no freaking way!
Sad, sad news, the show won't be the same.
SHIT! All the contestants are going to be idiot housewives.
They'll be replacing Heidi with Valerie Bertinelli, and replacing Tim with Tom Bergeron. And they'll tone down (eliminate) the Gay so as not to offend the hillbillies in the flyover states.
R.I.P. P.R.
--GothamTomato
Me no likey. Lifetime - branded firmly as the female-in-peril network - what does PR have to do with that, for heaven's sake? Talk about the least fab network!!
FWIW I doubt I would be at all interested in PR Dallas, PR Miami, PR Chicago, PR Kansas City, Missouri, etc. Bringing the varied views from around the country to NYC has been one of the fun things of the show. Who cares about comparing Miami resortwear with Miami resortwear? Trust me, I loved Uli's work, but 4 Ulis in a finale just isn't as interesting as an Uli, Laura, Jeffrey and Michael finale.
Smells like a step downward for our fab PR; what a shame. Boo Weinsteins!
They're replacing the fabulosity of Bravo's viewers with a less sophisticated, older crowd. That's definitely the end of the show, at least for me.
I think Oprah is going to ride in at the last possible minute and buy ALL those bitches out and air everything on HER network.
Its all a little strange- like I feel like we aren't getting the whole story.
Time will tell I guess.
BTW Tlo you are now an integral part of the Runway Viewing Experience and don't think for a minute Those in Power don't know that. If anything THEY'D better hope YOU are interesting in costinuing to blog about the show.
he hillbillies in the flyover states.
That is racist and offensive. In this day and age, saying that is akin to saying n*gger. It is offense, and it steretypes people. Being from the south, we have to fight for respect because people like you perpetuate stereotypes and myths. Step back and look how bigoted that is. However, I'll bet you won't and will try to make some offhand remark instead of apologizing.
"BTW Tlo you are now an integral part of the Runway Viewing Experience and don't think for a minute Those in Power don't know that. If anything THEY'D better hope YOU are interesting in costinuing to blog about the show."
I second that. They fucking need the support of blogs like yours.
You should read the part where Heidi and Tim said they were excited about the move. Sellouts.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/04/07/project-runway-ditches-br_n_95494.html
QUOTE: "I don't think it will affect the show, even though I hate Lifetime with a passion. A network is a network. We will just be subjected to more tampon and douche commercials."
If so,I can hardly wait to the see the product-placement challenges.
I'm sad. I don't even know what station lifetime is. :( I love me some bravo...lifetime...meh!
"Anonymous said...
QUOTE: "I don't think it will affect the show, even though I hate Lifetime with a passion. A network is a network. We will just be subjected to more tampon and douche commercials."
If so,I can hardly wait to the see the product-placement challenges."
That's making me sick ; - (
Very disappointing news. Whatever, this show is over anyway.
WTF are these Weinstein characters DOING?
Oh, I've bitched and moaned about Bravo and the producers in the past, but I never wanted PR to switch networks. And to Lifetime, holy shit!
What you will have is less of the wonderful gay-friendly culture that spices up the show now, and more of the soccer mom mentality which dominates the suburbs in gt's "flyover states." Get ready for denim jumpers, pleated khakis, and mom jeans.
Folks, this could be the death knell for our beloved PR. Enjoy S5 while it lasts...
I was totally flabbergasted. I agree with other commentors that something is really odd. Wouldn't Bravo do every thing to keep PR?
Also agree that The Duchess and neenagahcia are must haves. Without them, it woudldn't be right.
Disappointing, indeed. I just hope and pray that this blog remains an intergral part of the great PR machine. They'd be fools to change any aspect of the show or format of this amazing blog to accommodate the so-called Lifetime viewership.
For now, I'm willing to remain open, but the minute I hear anything about the "Jaclyn Smith Collection" or the "Joan Rivers Collection" replacing the Bluefly wall, I am so outta here.
- edina -
Lifetime For Victims, huh? I foresee a lot of exciting new challenges!
Episode 1: Come home to find your husband/wife/partner has taken everything and run off with your best friend. Design an outfit using only the shredded remains of your dignity.
Episode 2: Someone has stolen your identity, destroying your credit rating and your reputation. Design a special outfit for your dinner date with the only FBI agent who believes in you.
Episode 3: Working in teams, consult with guest family members, and then design a three-piece collection intended to help an actual amnesiac regain her memory.
Episode 4: Following a boating accident, you become hooked on a potentially deadly combination of Alize and painkillers. Abandon everything to go on a weekend-long bender, during which time you design a fantasy couture gown. There is no budget; you must barter, beg, or steal supplies.
Episode 5: Contestants are divided into teams, which must design an outfit for the teams' designated teenager:
Team 1's teenager has joined a cult.
Team 2's teenager has been taken by a parent to live in a repressive foreign country.
Team 3's teenager spends all summer at performing arts camp.
Etc.
"Anonymous said...
he hillbillies in the flyover states.
That is racist and offensive. In this day and age, saying that is akin to saying n*gger."
The only thing I see here that is offensive is your non-sensical stretch, for no reason other than to use the n-word. Those two words cannot be equated in any way, shape or form, and it is ignorant to try to claim they can be.
But let me guess; you must be the same 'anonymous' poster who claimed it was racist to not like tatoos.
--GothamTomato
Saw you guys in the second screening and wonder why you sit so far and everyone and isolate yourselves. lol.
Wow, hard news. I don't quite like the sound of this one and I wonder why Bravo will sell the show and forego advertising revenues. The duchess is quite replaceable but Nina is crucial to the show. I would think it would do good if it's broadcasted on NBC, but lifetime isn't quite the step up. I would still watch it either way.
brooklyn bomber - inspired!
This is bad mojo. Definite bad mojo.
"Brooklyn Bomber said:
Etc."
Great list. I'd add...
Episode 6: Prison jumpsuit make-overs for women who have killed their abusive husbands. Winning model prisoner gets a date with guest judge, Alan Dershowitz.
Episode 7: Create an evening gown out of milk cartons with missing children pictured on the sides. Wendy Pepper to be the guest judge and will force tears when she sees that one designer has drawn moutaches on the little faces.
Episode 8: Design a new lab coat for the forensic pathologist investigating what killed Project Runway.
And BTW: All the models will be girls who were switched at birth and are looking for their birth parents.
--GothamTomato
GothamTomato
11:19 PM
I was right. You can't see your own bigotry. You cannot apologize or admit that is wrong. Hillbilly is offensive. I knew you would try to change the subject or make some snide comment. Just admit that is not PC and apologize. You stereotyped others and refuse to see that. It's no use. You can't change a leopards spots.
agnes gooch said...
Well, knowing that my life would have a little less Andy Cohen in it definitely goes a long way toward easing the pain (sorry, boys, I know you're tight with him, but he really needs to stay on the other side of the camera)
Amen, Agnes. (mad-eye-Moody's pretension was grating beyond words)
Lifetime...hmmm, tapping fingers...Lifetime. ?
no, no...this is a bad idea. I can't see anything Edgy, Forward or ....ermm...remotely Fashionable about Lifetime. (apologies to fans of)
I've always viewed Lifetime as Soapy. Am I wrong?
As long as they don't mess with it, I'm VERY happy about this. My cable company doesn't air Bravo in my area and I haven't gotten to see it since just before Jeffrey won. Though I kept up with it here, it just wasn't the same.
I will definitely NOT be watching PR on Lifetime. Love the show but hate Lifetime.
Interesting:
"Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn have both made deals and will be making the network move. Both released statements with Heidi saying, 'Fashion is about change, so we're looking forward to saying hello to Lifetime, our new fashionable home for our fashionable series.' Tim Gunn added, 'Lifetime and I will definitely 'make it work' together.'
Judges Nina Garcia and Michael Kors are still in talks to remain a part of the show."
Heard there is some new CEO at Lifetime--this would be a smart move for them, but I think they are getting the bad end of the deal, if it goes through. PR won't make it successfully to PR6 anyway--the show has started jumping the shark, and its popularity will just move it further down that road.
Mark my Words. Noone but the most hardy will be watching by PR6 and lifetime won't be laughing.
I agree with so many of the perspectives written already. Lifetime is NOT the place for PR. TLC? One of the other Discovery Channel or the Scripps Network (they do HGTV and Food Network), perhaps, but LIFETIME? I mean, I know that Lifetime seriously needs a boost, but by taking somebody else's crown jewel? Puleeze! I think PR will lose a LOT of viewers by switching networks, and yeah, NBCU definitely has a case, I'm sure. The whole feel of the show would change. You should be reading this conversation on other boards-- viewers are outraged!!
Project Runway belongs on Bravo!! Lifetime sucks ass.
Anonymous said...
GothamTomato
11:19 PM
I was right. You can't see your own bigotry. You cannot apologize or admit that is wrong. Hillbilly is offensive. I knew you would try to change the subject or make some snide comment. Just admit that is not PC and apologize. You stereotyped others and refuse to see that. It's no use. You can't change a leopards spots.
I, for 1, will boycott this blog if Gotham Tomato refuses to apologize. When I think of all of the enslaved, lynched h*word folks who have suffered generations of oppression I don't know how I'll sleep @ night.
Anon.
Stop bothering reasonable people.
It's obviously the only act of value you're capable of.
Emma P.
What the...???
I thought that Lifetime just has those sappy woman victim of the week movies!!
Not PR!! It seems like it may get diluted in the cool aid.
Bad move on the Weinstein brothers’ part. Project Runway is a Bravo show and I bet so many people will be tune out simply because it will now be on Lifetime
This can not be good for Project Runway. Lifetime will so fuck it up. Bravo was perfect for Runway, the network is refreshing and always ahead of the curve. Lifetime will just turn the show into a personality contest and lose the quality of design that the contestants had to offer. Not happy about this.
EW! I refuse to watch Lifetime Television. How could NBC and Bravo let that happen?
Lifetime must be thrilled to gain a program that is not about homicidal suburban moms out to sleep with their teenage cheerleader daughter's boyfriend - who has an eating disorder.
Some more:
"To sum up, the lawsuit accuses The Weinstein Co of "deception" among other choice words and claims NBC since teaming up with the producers in 2003 had the right to 5 cycles of the show as well as a right of first refusal to acquire additional cycles, plus rights of first negotiation and first refusal with respect to spin-offs of the program. NBC claims TWC didn't honor those rights and "never intended to negotiate in good faith". The complaint seeks to stop Project Runway's move to Lifetime in violation of its rights and is demanding a preliminary and permanent injuction, as well as compensatory damages for breach of agreement.
According to the complaint, negotiations to resolve some disputes and plan for the new Project Runway deal began in January 2007 at a meeting at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills between Weinstein, NBC Uni cheif Jeff Zucker and NBC Entertainment and NBC Uni television co-chairman Marc Graboff. Out of that conversation, an agreement was reached that NBC had right of first refusal to license future cycles of Project Runway for airing on any non-Bravo NBCU platform.
NBC says Weinstein "threatened to take future ocycles of the program to a competing TV network unless plaintiffs agreed to pay many millions of additional dollars to TWC to acquire a 'package' that included television rights to second-tier TWC films". A source told me, "These were not blockbuster titles. Instead they were ones no one has ever heard of, such as I Could Never Be Your Woman, The Gathering, Enclosing The Ring.
It was during this meeting that, according to the lawsuit, Harvey weinstein gave Jeff Zucker his word that TWC would honor NBCU's right of first refusal in exchange for concessions, "going to far as to assure Mr. Zucker with words to the effect of: "You can only have in your life five true friends and I consider you one of my five friends. And I'm telling you I will not embarrass you."
This and other points were committed to writing on January 15th, 2007, and emailed to the Weinstein's agent on the show, Jim Wiatt, CEO of the William Morris Agency. "Harvey gave Jeff his word that, should he or TWC sell or license Runway to another network (other than a network which Harvey or TWC owns or controls) NBC Universal will have a first refusal right to acquire the series for NBC, USA or another non-Bravo platform."
In response, TWC confirmed by an email sent by the agent on February 22nd, 2007, "Harvey intends to live by the terms of the letter you sent to Jim Wiatt on 1/19/07."
According to the complaint, negotiations resumed in earnest starting September 2007 through April 2008. But NBC didn't find out until last Friday that Weinstein had signed a "secret package deal" with Lifetime for Project Runway back on February 7th, 2008, which also incliuded not only the TV rights to the TWC movies but also spin-off rights to Project Runway. Yet Weinstein continued "sham negostiations" with senior management throughout February and March of this year for Project Runway."
I read that the fifth season will air on Bravo most likely in the summer or early fall, with the sixth season premiering on Lifetime sometime in November. That's fucked up.
Did Weinstein have a beef with Bravo or just with its parent NBC/Universal?
Man. There is bound to be a LOT here we have no idea of.
Stupid fuckin' suits.
-- desertwind
All this backstabbing and deception from TWC is not surprising. The Weinstein bros have a timeshare in hell.
I will not be watching the show. I HATE Lifetime Television for Stupid Women.
It sucks for all of us. I'm a fabulous girl, I can't be watching Lifetime. Are they for real?
BC fucking ruined Bravo!!
G-tomato - I'd say the stretch from the bigot-seeker is stretching the term fly-over country to include the south. I guess southerners just feel mostly overlooked and have to throw their little tantrums every once in a while to prove to the rest of us that they's still here. But what an insanely silly thing to try to build up a good tantrum over. I hereby withdraw my nomination for a PR Atlanta.
Project Runway on Lifetime? Are you kidding me?
"NahnCee said...
G-tomato - I'd say the stretch from the bigot-seeker is stretching the term fly-over country to include the south. I guess southerners just feel mostly overlooked and have to throw their little tantrums every once in a while to prove to the rest of us that they's still here. But what an insanely silly thing to try to build up a good tantrum over. I hereby withdraw my nomination for a PR Atlanta."
Can we stay focus here, girls? Jesus, Mary and Joseph!
I hate it!! I have to think about this. I love PR but I can't picture myself actually watching such a lame network.
As a fan of the show I am a bit upset. The cool factor just went down like 185 notches. No longer will young fashionistas be watching the show.
thats too bad, people won't watch lifetime for Project Runway. it's going to be the start of the end.
The good thing (if there is any) is that the move to Lifetime will allow more people to see the show. That's a good thing for you, Tlo! : )
Let's all have a reality check here for just a second....
People generally watch shows, not networks. At least those who know how to change a channel or have Tivo. Who really cares what channel it is on? -- as long as the network does not harmfully impact the content, which is left to the producers. (This may be the real area of concern as many of you have expressed....)
I'm not defending Lifetime. Yes, its dreck. But let's remember that when PR first aired, so was Bravo. Bravo was the home of bad movies, ballet telecasts, and interminable re-runs of "Inside the Actors Studio". Absolutely none of the current programming that Bravo now touts as hip, young, fashion-centric and gay friendly. Many of these shows (Top Chef, Shear Genius, etc.) were created in the wake of the success of Project Runway and Queer Eye to appeal to the same viewers. I suspect that Lifetime is trying to reposition its demographic and programming exactly the way stodgy old Bravo did over the past five years.
Lifetime sucks!!!!!!
"Big Girl's Panties said...
Let's all have a reality check here for just a second....
People generally watch shows, not networks. At least those who know how to change a channel or have Tivo. Who really cares what channel it is on? -- as long as the network does not harmfully impact the content, which is left to the producers. (This may be the real area of concern as many of you have expressed....)"
I hope you're right : )
As long as everything remains the same this could help PR’s ratings. I’m almost positive that Lifetime is in more geographical areas than Bravo. People who were unable to watch the show will now be able to.
Who cares???? it’s the same show no matter what channel it’s on.
Now Heidi can say with confidence that Project Runway is the chance of a lifetime!
As others have mentioned already, I don't understand how they are going to do S6 in November what about S5?
Simultaneous broadcasting?
Many cable companies do not carry Bravo, so perhaps it is a good move.
"The Lifetime press release announcing the shift indicated that Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn would remain on the show but failed to say whether Nina Garcia or Michael Kors would also come over with it."
WE WANT NEW JUDGES!!!!
Like all change, it scares me. Im not looking forward to any "spinoffs". I hope Michael and Nina come back.
Maybe this is what Tim was talking about in that interview.
This is sucks. Weinstein is evil. I won't be surprised if Michael Kors is dropped and Harvey makes his wife Georgina Chapman (Marchesa)one of the judges.
The show is this close to jumping the shark.
One possible bright side--PR might get put back on iTunes!
The decision to pull PR from iTunes was an NBC call, part of NBC's ridiculous notion that apple should charge 4.99 for each TV episode!
TWC seemed not to have a problem with iTunes, so I could see Lifetime agreeing to put it back.
That would be pretty awesome in my view, since I have to go to my buildings gym to watch anything that's on cable.
Anonymous said...
I, for 1, will boycott this blog if Gotham Tomato refuses to apologize. When I think of all of the enslaved, lynched h*word folks who have suffered generations of oppression I don't know how I'll sleep @ night.
Anon, are you serious? I've read ProjectRunGay since it's conception, and for a long time GothamTomato has been a TLo supporter, commenting on most of the blog entries with her own sense of fabulousity and humor. Who's worth more as a fan: someone who's always supported TLo? Or someone who makes ambiguous jabs?
Lets be realistic: do you deny that GT had a point? Would the show be watched by people offended by The Way of the Gay? I'm both a lesbian, and originally from South Carolina. Why are YOU so offended. You say that you can't sleep thinking of all the poor people subjected to hate crimes and bigotry? So stop being a bigot yourself, and spend your time helping them instead of fueling the fires with your own hatred.
After I first read about this in the afternoon, I thought perhaps it could be a ruse to get NBC to move PR to NBC itself instead of Bravo. However, with Tim and Heidi already making nice with the new network, it sounds like a done deal.
C'mon boys, you have pull there, find out the real deal.
I can't say I'm excited about this move. I love Bravo; I watch it more than other other network. I look forward to the re-airing of previous seasons and the marathons.
I think we should tie this in to the name the contest contest and vote to see how long before Tracey Gold shows up as a guest judge.
Crap, Crap, Crap.
I'm shocked and amazed at all the shallow tools here saying they will refuse to watch their favorite show based on what channel it is on and that channels other content.
HELLO!!! SHALLOW AND RIDICULOUS MUCH??
This could be good for the show.
YEAH, BRAVO IS SO COOL AND HIP WITH BULLSHIT TRASH SHOWS LIKE HOUSEWIVES, WORKOUT, MATCHMAKER, MAKE ME A SUPERMODEL. THE DANCE SHOW!!!
LMAO.
Those shows are scraping the bottom of the barrel.
They are trash and the brain children of morons like ANDY COHEN, who if he had his way Bravo would be all trashy, vapid, reality crap akin to Flavor of Love.
Bravo has practically ruined every decent show they started.
Top Chef was fantastic the first season.
Andy and his ilk have since ran that show into the ground with a follow up 2nd season more sleezy and disgusting than The Real World on MTV.
Then the 3rd and so far 4th seasons are as boring as season 4 of PR was.
Bravo is famous for taking a winning formula and mucking it all up. Did anyone watch the UK supermodel marathon the other day?
Now that was a decent show, Bravo's U.S. version is the biggest suckfest i've ever seen. I couldn't get thru one episode.
Look at Design star om HGTV compared to Top design, ETC. OTHER NETWORKS DO QUALITY REALITY BETTER THAN BRAVO.
You guys are just being sheep and refusing to see the truth.
I hope they don't make the show any worse over at Lifetime. I doubt they will.
The programming may be B movies but there is no trashy. sleezy, mean-spirted, vapid, reality dramas on that channel so far.
LIFETIME if you read these comments please keep up the marathons. Not all of us have DVR's.
I hope Lifetime still runs the rebroadcasts.
I work nights and do not get home until 1:30 am.
I love wednesday nights after work because i know it will be rebroadcast at 2 or 3 am and i can watch after work before bed.
Alos Bravo is no on ON DEMAND, but Lifetime is.
I think it would be so awesome if PR came to ON DEMAND. I could watch whenever i want.
I do not have DVR and refuse to pay the extra 20 a month plus 75 bux installion Comcast wants.
I do not watch enough Tv to bother with that.
Comcast gets enough of my money already.
Yup do rebroadcasts or ON DEMAND episodes and i have zero complaints.
This is the beginning of the end, I'm afraid. Especially if they don't bring Nina and Michael with them. I remember reading somewhere (here perhaps?) awhile ago that Heidi was considering someone else to replace Nina, but I thought that it was pure internet rumor. Now I'm thinkin there was some truth to that after all. Hmmm.
I'm going to withhold judgment, but I will be really sad if my favorite show jumps the shark.
i just don't understand the timing. if casting is happening now then filming can start at soonest end of may, editing starts end of june, show starts in july. it just seems way too rushed.
Hmm...
Anonymous said...
I, for 1, will boycott this blog if Gotham Tomato refuses to apologize.
Mmmkay.
Bu- bye now.
*sigh* Well, it was good while it lasted. Way to ruin a good thing, Harvey.
Lifetime??? Why would anyone ever think that we would want our beloved show to be trapped on a network that smells like old lady?
Project Runway and Bravo are inseparable pop culture brands. It just won't work someplace else. The magic will be gone, and something that was once special will now become something that provides a better lead-in for Golden Girls reruns. What utter crap.
Chill out a little, people. Bravo does not make the show. If Lifetime wants to change its programming from endless reruns of The Golden Girls and maybe grab some younger viewers, more power to them. While we may be disgusted at Lifetime's current definition of "television for women", let's not deceive ourselves. If PR isn't television for women, I don't know what is.
I know I'm a little late to the game here, but my $0.02 on this is that PR had already started slipping. Maybe a network switch with possibly some judges would be a good thing for the show. I think that a lot of people want things to stay the way they are, but the quality of the show is just gonna get worse and worse as time goes on without any shake-ups.
I also have to say that, like other commenters have noted, I don't really know why this is such a big deal since people watch shows, not networks.
Lifetime is a soulless bitch!
*Gasp!* Is all I can say...partially because I didn't really understand most of that...
Oh kittens, this is sooo not good....
Lifetime= Dowdy, inconceivable network.
I understand WHY Lifetime would want PR, boosting ratings, "female friendly" subject matter, etc., but something tells me that the whole switch is just going to take the edge off the show.
And if Nina doesn't renew her contract, whatever will I do without TLo's fabulous and downright genius screencaps of her?
If PR is a brand, Weinstein & Co. just cheapened it. Not that they didn't try already with the endless product placements & plugs this past season.
Ugh. The show can say goodbye to it's ratings demographics.
And I hate the whole idea of Lifetime: to me there is no such thing as "women's" entertainment. There's just good entertainment and BAD entertainment. And the latter is primarily what's on it now.
I just hope they don't censor it in any way. Do they say bitch on Lifetime?
I have only three words in response to this:
HOT
TRANNY
MESS!
I am simultaneously shocked and appalled. But then consider that if they moved it to broadcast NBC, the network that is getting slaughtered in the ratings, TWC would probably not be happy with that either. We especially should have seen something like this coming considering the source, TWC. For an example just read about the controversy that happened when Shakespeare in Bed beat out Elizabeth for the 1998 Oscars. Head of Miramax? Harvey Weinstein. Then let's not forget why Jay McCarroll turned down the 100 grand because of the seemingly malicious clause in the contract. Clearly nothing is more important here than the bottom line. I don't blame Bravo, after they lost Queer Eye, Project Runway was their flagship blazing the way for Top Chef. Now I need to see who produces that show. Lord help us if this defection results in a decimation of the Bravo network we all know and love.
Overall, I think it sucks. I never watch Lifetime, and I'm supposedly in their prime demographic. There will be too many changes and probably none for the better.
The ONLY good thing I can think of is that Lifetime is available in more cable markets than Bravo, so more people will get a chance to watch it, but it won't matter much if they ruin the show.
OhLo. I am a girl who hates the Lifetime channel. In my opinion, they are not diverse. Every movie I have ever seen on that channel has the same plot with the same bad actors. They seem like a bunch of man-haters to me. I would love to see PR stay on Bravo. Bravo may need to cough up some more coin in order to keep the show, however.
PR was a perfect match to Bravo and its programming. I hate to see them part company. As for Lifetime, I'm still pissed off at them for not committing to another season of "Blood Ties". So this gives me yet another reason to loathe the Cry and Die Channel.
Lifetime TV is an inane showcase for smaltzy reruns, and even smaltzier "original" movies.
I love Bravo, but refuse to watch the vapid "Housewives" series. UGH
Why doesn't Bravo send THAT one to Lifetime???
-----StkrShock
Brooklyn BOmber, that was killer. Laughed my ass off.
Nice follow up, GT.
And the comments re: Cheryl Ladd, Jaclyn Smith and that LifeTime stalwart, Meredith Baxter Birney, were exactly what I was thinking. Can it be long before Nancy McKeon and Valerie Bertinelli are thrown into the PR mix?
Hopefully LifeTime is looking to make the channel a bit hipper with shows like this and won't mess with the formula. I am cautiously optimistic.
Oh, late to the party but here I go nonetheless. I haven't read any of the other opinions yet.
First off, break out the popcorn and have a seat in the front row. This fight is looking to be good.
Second: NBC/GE vs the Weinsteins. It's the TV equivalent of Godzilla vs Mothra! I don't care who wins - they're all a bunch of bastards. Pass the popcorn, will you?
Third: Lifetime??? OMG, what will the challenges be? Design a romantic but he-manly outfit for Scott Bakula? (no offense Scott - I really like you - you're just the only Lifetime movie lead that comes to mind)
Fourth: Two! Two! Two seasons in one!
Fifth: No Nina or Michael? Well, we've all been saying that they need new judges, right?
Conclusion: Jury's out, but as they say, "Watch what happens!"
Am I the only one who thought it was obvious that anon was being facetious about not reading the blog if Gotham Tomato didn't apologize?
Remarks about the lynching and oppression of "h*word" folks gave it away.
Hope Laurie (who is going to watch PR even if they air it as a segment of Fox News. Well, maybe not then.)
Buffy moved from the WB to some bizarro-world netowrk I didn't even know existed on my cable dial. It was the never the same after that. This doesn't bode well.
Oh, calm down, people! Does anyone really think that the Weinsteins are going to screw up a money-making show?
And those of you getting on your high horses and declaiming that you will refuse to watch the show if it's on Lifetime, well, you might want to think about what you'll look like once you've cut off your noses to spite your faces.
Thanks, guys. Gotham, loved your follow up. The Pepper/Milk Carton eppy -- oh, my!!!
Lilithcat said...
Oh, calm down, people! Does anyone really think that the Weinsteins are going to screw up a money-making show?
Yes! What a ridiculous idea! Producers screwing up a good show! Who ever heard of such a thing?
Lifetime. Ugh. "Television for terrified women" is what we call it in our house. I can't help but think this bodes ill for the show, given how Lifetime seems to conceptualize women and what they want to see.
"Lilithcat said: And those of you getting on your high horses and declaiming that you will refuse to watch the show if it's on Lifetime, well, you might want to think about what you'll look like once you've cut off your noses to spite your faces."
That would be Michael Jackson. Though he's actually more E! True Hollywood Story than Lifetime.
And actually Bravo does have more than it's share of drek (like those realpulsive Housewives of NY & OC shows). Those shows seem more in keeping with Lifetime than PR does.
--GothamTomato
And someone cue the jumping shark...
herdgirl72
"Bill said: Hopefully LifeTime is looking to make the channel a bit hipper"
As opposed to the current hip-replacementer.
We'll see. On the plus side, if it turns into a typical Lifetime mess, it'll give Tlo and the rest of us more fodder to snark about. And the truth is, most of the fun in watching the show, even now, is in this blog.
-GothamTomato
"Nodakerina said... I can't help but think this bodes ill for the show, given how Lifetime seems to conceptualize women and what they want to see."
Exactly, and these people telling us to calm down, it's just a different channel, same show, don't get that.
One great thing about Bravo is that it's one of the most liberal, independent-minded channel out there and that is crucial for a show about fashion or creativity.
I hate Lifetime. I won't abandon the show unless it really changes for the worst, but I am not happy to see the switch. Bravo always seemed like the perfect home for PR.
"anon said: You can't change a leopards spots."
As a Leopard, I find that extremely offensive.
--GothamTomato
Gotham Tomato said, "The only thing I see here that is offensive is your non-sensical stretch, for no reason other than to use the n-word. Those two words cannot be equated in any way, shape or form, and it is ignorant to try to claim they can be.
But let me guess; you must be the same 'anonymous' poster who claimed it was racist to not like tatoos.
--GothamTomato"
11:19 PM
Hi Gotham. While I agree that the "anon" you were responding to is not very bright and only proves your point about "hillbillies" I must admit I was also offended by your original statement. I normally enjoy the wit you bring to the discussion and I do not mean this as an attack in any way. However I live in one of the "flyover" states. I am not a hillbilly or a moron and I love fashion, art, music and literature. I am quite literate and extremely liberal as are many other people who live here. Perhaps prior to making snap judgements about an entire segment of the population you should get to know some of us (and ignore the idiots.) :)
Wrong. Moving to lifetime = PR suicide. That is all.
Designers, your next challenge is to dress a 70s or 80s TV star who has appeared in one or more Lifetime Original Movies and update their look from that era.
Lisa Whelchel
Nancy McKeon
Tracey Gold
Joanna Kerns
Meredith Baxter Birney
Valerie Bertinelli
Roma Downey
Lindsay Wagner
Jaclyn Smith
Cheryl Ladd
Notice, designers, that these are all white women over 40. Do the best you can. Your budget is $10.
Guest judge: Rip Taylor
Bottom line is - do they think that famous designers (for example, the guest judges) want to be associated with freaking Lifetime Television?
Oh say it ain't so - it's so .... I am totally torn about this and frankly it sucks!
Rebekah in MN
First of all -- what a tempest in a teapot. It's only television. I know, I know, it's our favorite show, but IT'S ONLY TELEVISION.
Second -- how about a little open mindedness. Remember, the only show Bravo had going for it when it first ran PR was Inside the Actors Studio. It may turn out okay -- perhaps even improved.
Third, to paraphrase a screen legend, hang on folks, it's going to be a bumpy ride. I'm with my sister on this one -- break out the popcorn!
(gt sister -- forgot my password again!)
I have to say my heart sank when I read this news yesterday. Lifetime is such a dull network. I somehow don't see people like Sarah Jessica Parker and Posh being willing to guest star on a show that is on Lifetime instead of Bravo. Ugh. Lifetime will ruin this show that I love so. And as much as I love it, I don't want to see it more than once a year. That is part of what makes me love it so much. I get so excited once I hear it is time for PR to start again. Anything more is overkill. I hope the evil Weinsteins don't win this fight.
I can only imagine that Nina and Michael will be replaced by Valerie Bertinelli and Meredith Baxter-Birney.
No, no and a thousand time no! This would be very bad. I can't imagine PR without Nina and Michael. Spin offs - also a big no.
The Weinsteins need to have "We don't fix what ain't broke" tattooed across their butts! That way when people are kissing their asses, someone can read the phrase and remind them!
I hate Lifetime and all those other crap that they call "television for women." WTF? I just think that lifetime will ruin my favorite show.
"...hip-replacementer." Good one, Gotham Tomato.
Seriously, I do think you're onto something regarding the only fun in watching the show would be coming to this blog. Sure, it'll be bloody brill and fun, but how long could that last? I'd sure hate to see it turn into just another "Why I Hate Blah-blah" blog.
Like I said earlier, I'm no fan of Lifetime, but am willing to go with the flow (or "trickle" in this case since most posters here seem to be jumping ship) and watch and see what happens.
- edina -
Brooklyn Bomber, Gotham, you rule.
Once again, comments on this blog have me wiping coffee off of my monitor.
As for the move to Lifetime, well, let's just say I'm ostensibly part of their target demographic, but the channel is most certainly not programmed in as a 'favorite'.
I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
May be a repost -- my comment didn't seem to make it through. If it later does, I'll delete one.
---
To Gotham Tomato:
I'm not technically offended by your post, at least not as much as "anonymous" was. You get used to people dismissing you because of where you live when you live in Kentucky. Some might not think that calling the entire middle of America "hillbilly" is offensive, but by using such a derogatory term (and yes, it's derogatory as used) to describe, well, EVERYONE BETWEEN NY AND LA, isn't the point to completely make fun, dismiss and belittle those different than you? Is that kind of belittling dismissal something you're proud of?
Is it ever a good idea to paint a huge chunk of the population with such broad stereotypical strokes for the sake of (questionable) snark or comedy? If you really think that, ask Jay Leno to give you his "gayest look" to find out how that's gone over for him.
I've met plenty of men and women in NYC who are quite homophobic, just as I've met plenty in the heartland who aren't. There are openminded "hillbillies" (see Holly on "Make me a Supermodel," George Clooney, etc) just as there are closeminded, idiotic "coastal elites" (see the Connecticut Bush clan, Brandon Davis, etc.)
As to my thoughts on the show's move, Big Girl's Panties said it all above.
davy
a proud, gay, Kentuckian... but "hillbilly?" Puh-leaze.
Sorry, to double-post, but just saw td's "challenge." Absolutely hilarious! And sadly enough, spot on.
this is absolutely awful, PR is going to lose a huge part of their user base because of this move. Lifetime SUCKS!
I suggest you GT haters create a blog called wehategothamtomato.blogspot.com where you can express your feelings in every shape and form and leave us alone to discuss what matters. It's getting old.
Very bad news. I don't watch Lifetime at all. Be prepared for the tampon and/or denture cleaning tablets challenge.
As far as the show moving to Lifetime, it's a'ight. Not what I would've wanted, but I'm not a Weinstein. Shows move to other networks all the time, but it's usually after they're in syndication. Heck, The Nanny, a show cuurently on Lifetime (yes, I sometimes watch LT) and my local CW affiliate, was a CBS show.
Remember the original American Gladiators that ran for seven seasons? It was originally run on the USA network, I believe (and that is the major reason, I also believe, why the new AG is taping a second season). Then it was on TNN/Spike, and now it's being rerun on ESPN Classic. Let's see, that's NBC-owned USA, then CBS-owned TNN/Spike, and now ABC-owned ESPNC. That's three major media conglomerates in less than 20 years (AG debuted in '89).
Believe me, after watching TV for almost all of my life (15+ years, but who's counting, and I'm 22 y.o.), it still hurts when a move like this happens, but you gotta take it as it comes.
What's so great about TV is that you want the best for the shows you watch (for me: WNTW, TPIR, PR, Judge David Young), and the very worst for the shows you don't (Reba, Idol, The Steve Wilkos Show).
Yeah, this is pretty much going to be a hot mess. Lifetime censoring/requesting show changes to fit their own audience demographic is likely, IMHO. I'm pretty sure this would happen no matter what other channel the show was moving to, actually; it's just that Lifetime is such a drastic change.
People are saying that Bravo was a boring station until recently, but at least it was an arts station!
I think the show would fundamentally change and not necessarily for the better. Look at what TBS did to Sex and the City.
It'll be interested to see what changes are made. I personally love the show as it is. Thank God Bravo still has Top Chef, Top Design, and Shear Genius.
What a shame! NBC executives must be real aliens, from another planet, to trust and rely on the word of Harvey Weinstein for anything. Weinstein has made a career of lying to people he deals with.
Hello to all,
Off topic and this is all about Hillbillies...so anyone not interested can ignore the rest...
I love you G Tomato! but....
I am proud to say I am fabulous and fashionable gay, with two advanced degrees (one in science; one in arts), an artist, a PUNK musician, a writer as well as a proud, big ol' HILLBILLY in a surprizingly diverse and beautiful "fly-over state". I live here by choice and have turned down numerous opportunities to move to NY, LA and London.
My grandparents live on a mountain all by themselves that you have to drive up a twisting "hogtrail" to get to their completely self-sufficient farm. We all sit on the porch after supper and a hard day of working on the farm and make music. *Everyone* knows how to play an instrument from 3 to 93, so it gets to be a big 'ol innergerational get down. My partner is also a very welcome part of all this because he is "family" to everyone there.
I've lived in New York, London and LA for a while in a misguided attempt to "make it" I left after too many folk would hear my speaking voice and to my face use words like "ignorant", "stupid" and "hick" without knowing a thing about my background or education level and while there were some nice people in NY and great things to do - it never could come close to beating the nice, generous, sincere, honest and hard-working folk on that mountain top. These folk would welcome you without knowing a thing about you into their home for supper with open and non-judgemental arms and leave it up to you to personally prove your worth or unworth.
So for all who think the previous *anon* poster was overreacting to GT, as someone who has been very unwecolmed in citified places for being too country:
It's easy to use words without thinking and hard to use actions to overcome and prove otherwise.
~Zombiebirdhouse
who is very happy to live in
AWHRRRR-KUHNNNNN-SAUWWWWW
and not Noo Yawk.
Well, let's not forget that (as someone said somewhere else, I forget where) Lifetime bought the rights to televise the show, not produce it. They can't change things that easily.
Beautifully stated, Zombiebirdhouse. It's heartbreaking to know intolerant, ignorant name-calling still goes on in this day and age.
Wow, I guess I'm the only tacky bitch here who likes Lifetime. Seriously, Golden Girls reruns? Made for TV movies starring washed up 80s sitcom stars? That is what I like in my cable TV.
"La Nina said...
Wow, I guess I'm the only tacky bitch here who likes Lifetime. Seriously, Golden Girls reruns? Made for TV movies starring washed up 80s sitcom stars? That is what I like in my cable TV."
Yeah, I watch it too...but to make fun of it; for the same reasons you do, but I don't think that would go well with a show that's supposed to be glamor about, sophistication and fashion-forward. I know the 80s are back but did they have to go that far? LOL.
gigi said, I somehow don't see people like Sarah Jessica Parker and Posh being willing to guest star on a show that is on Lifetime instead of Bravo.
I can only hope that you are right. SJP was bad enough, but the choice of Posh to judge the finale, of all things, was simply appalling.
Anonymous said...
I, for 1, will boycott this blog if Gotham Tomato refuses to apologize. When I think of all of the enslaved, lynched h*word folks who have suffered generations of oppression I don't know how I'll sleep @ night.
Anon, are you serious? I've read ProjectRunGay since it's conception, and for a long time GothamTomato has been a TLo supporter, commenting on most of the blog entries with her own sense of fabulousity and humor. Who's worth more as a fan: someone who's always supported TLo? Or someone who makes ambiguous jabs?
Lets be realistic: do you deny that GT had a point? Would the show be watched by people offended by The Way of the Gay? I'm both a lesbian, and originally from South Carolina. Why are YOU so offended. You say that you can't sleep thinking of all the poor people subjected to hate crimes and bigotry? So stop being a bigot yourself, and spend your time helping them instead of fueling the fires with your own hatred.
Darling,
I WAS BEING SARCASTIC!
Did you read what followed?
I admonished "Anon" to stop bothering reasonable people!
I ABSOLUTELY ADORE GT!
Urbane, witty, knowledgeable.
To equate the term "hillbilly" to the N word is ridiculous in the extreme!
Being of African/Asian descent, having been called the latter, being denied specific jobs in the entertainment industry & being given such reasons as, "black girls don't write Sci Fi" et al, I know this 1st hand!
That's the best explanation I can muster in a swamped workday.
Do w/ it what you will.
Emma P.
Lots of work for lawyers.
I think getting too worked up over this is a bit premature. These things happen all the time in Hollywood. Companies sue each other all the time over things like this. Look at what New Line and Peter Jackson have been going over the last few years...and they're still making the Hobbit together. Likely the Weinstiens are using this to get a better deal with NBC and poor Lifetime is being led along.
As someone who's spent the last 25 years litigating commercial cases involving breach of contract claims not so different from those that NBC is making here, I think that if NBC's factual allegations are anywhere close to the truth, it has a very good chance of getting a preliminary injunction blocking the move.
In which case, even apart from the fact that the filming/scheduling issues appear to make the idea impossible as a practical matter anyway, don't hold your breath about the show airing in Lifetime in November. And all you people hysterically proclaiming that you won't ever watch Lifetime, no way, nohow (you're that embarrassed? what, somebody's going to see you and think you're a middle-aged housewife?) can calm down.
A lot of the complaints seem faintly misogynistic to me. Oh my God! I can't watch a woman's channel! There might be tampon ads; ewwww, how icky! Please, grow up already.
And I knew that *somebody* would use the phrase "hot tranny mess." Figures.
Donna L.
I am NOT reading all 170 comments, but honestly I feel like this is a HUGE mismanagement on TWC's part. Not that they've been managing the franchise well, anyways. Morons.
My thoughts are:
1) Lifetime was willing to pay big bucks to the Weinsteins, Heidi and Tim. Why? Maybe because they are trying to change their format and PR would be the jewel in that new format. Makes them smart.
2) My guess is that viewership to the moribund cry and die shows is down and they need to do something.
3) I read recently that Golden Girls is being moved to the WE network. So, another hint that Lifetime is making some changes.
4) Bravo was NOT the hip, multicultural, gay friendly channel it is now when PR first aired. They became that through their programming. Lifetime is clearly looking to follow suit.
5) Bravo/NBC is known to be cheap and they are certainly controlling as far as marketing and scheduling the programs. Perhaps Lifetime will throw more bucks at the show, although I agree with whoever said that I wouldn't want to see PR more than once a year.
6) "Stars" like SJP or Posh Spice will go where ever they need to to shill their own brand or products. That's just business. QVC and HSN weren't cool once upon a time, but now many respected designers sell on those channels.
7) Carson Kressley's "How to Look Good Naked" just aired on Lifetime. It was a pretty good show - miles ahead of TG's show on Bravo - and Carson was no less himself than he was on Queer Eye.
8) Do we know how many seasons Lifetime has licensed? If it doesn't work, then I'm sure Bravo/NBC would be happy to welcome it home.
just my random thoughts.
Just tell me that Lifetime airs more unique commercials per hour than Bravo and I'm good.
Also, if Bravo needs to fill a slot in its programming schedule, I suggest "Project Rungay: Philadelphia."
Think "Talk Soup" + "Good Day Philadelphia" and schedule it for the day after "Project Runway" airs (hey, will Wednesdays at 10 now be a memory too for PR?).
Recap the prior night's episode with special guests (Jay, Laura, Jay, Sweet P., Jay).
Either that or "Tom & Lorenzo: The Show." Bring your favorite blog to life. Raid the MGM vault for the occasional Musical Monday and go from there.
Guests: Jane Russell and anyone else who's still alive and available.
"anon said: You can't change a leopards spots."
As a Leopard, I find that extremely offensive.
--GothamTomato
Now THAT was funny.
I loved reading your post, Zombiebirdhouse. Lovely!
Gigi said, I somehow don't see people like Sarah Jessica Parker and Posh being willing to guest star on a show that is on Lifetime instead of Bravo.
I don't get this. If you're a celebrity with a line of clothing or a show or something else to promote, you're going to say, "I'm too hip for Lifetime" ??? That doesn't make sense to me.
Ugh. Lifetime? Gross. Next thing we know Loni Anderson will be a guest judge. Bravo has done a fabulous job in every aspect with PR and I can't imagine what a horrible direction it would take on the burning bed network.
Lifetime SUCKS!!! I can't even picture myself watching that channel.
Cool off, bitches! What's the big difference between Lifetime Television for Women and Bravo Television for Homos? It's the same show just a different channel. Who cares? Besides, maybe now I can finally get the episodes again on iTunes.
What have we learned today boys and girls?
1. Being witty and urban in most instances does not give one license to group and lump whole groups of people unlike yourself into one Uni-Homogenized Group and not expect someone from that group to get upset.
2. Hatred of The Gay is not the mutual exclusivity of hillbillies in "flyover states".
Nor is it true that:
3. Being a Hillbilly or Living in a so-called Flyover States does not necessarily = Hatred of The Gay.
4. There are degrees of descrimination: The Big N does not = Hillbilly. But, saying that it is of lesser degree does not mean it doesn't exist.
5. Descrimination and not getting a job is not limited to one group of people. Trust me I know...
Oh and what about that Project Runway show...isn't it just
simply fabooooooooooooooo!!!! ;))))
`Zombiebirdhouse
Here's what Andy Cohen said on his blog:
"Before I get to it, I have to acknowledge all the PROJECT RUNWAY hoohah you've all no doubt been reading about for the past day. There's not much I can say except that all of us at Bravo poured our hearts and souls into the show and we love it dearly. I can't say anything more than that for now."
"Likely the Weinstiens are using this to get a better deal with NBC and poor Lifetime is being led along."
BINGO! The Weinsteins have little intention of actually moving the show to Lifetime: Television for disaffected suburban Hausfrauen. This is going to help them get a better deal with NBC.
Now that season 4 has produced some of the stronged collections and the winning designer that seemed to be on his way to success, the show is going to start going downhill.
" Anonymous said...
"Likely the Weinstiens are using this to get a better deal with NBC and poor Lifetime is being led along."
BINGO! The Weinsteins have little intention of actually moving the show to Lifetime: Television for disaffected suburban Hausfrauen. This is going to help them get a better deal with NBC."
I hope you're right.
I'll watch the show, but I doubt it'll be the same. The show has gotten too big for its own good.
My cable company doesn't offer Bravo, so I am excited about the move to Lifetime!
Regional differences aside (both real and perceived), I think that Lifetime is indeed a 'common denominator' channel(do all women really thrive on a steady diet of tearjerker dramathons featuring prime time has-beens?), whereas Project Runway has been delivering a pretty steady stream of individual characters.
I would hate to see it become homogenized...
Perhaps this is a good time to get rid of Nina Garcia or Michael Kors. I'm sick of them. You already know what they're going to say. No fun anymore.
Lighten up, it's just about money!
Having watercooler movies, dramas, and reality shows like ‘Project Runway’ is what Lifetime Television is all about.
Um, sorry, but no. Lifetime is the Victim Network, and I really don't watch it out of principle (that, and good taste). I'll have a very hard time giving my demographically desirable viewing time to such a crappy, woman-unfriendly (that's right, you heard me) network.
Sorry, but Lifetime is what PR deserves after this season.
The show had already become just a few degrees removed from Golden Girls. This sale just makes it clear.
Branding "Fierce" poses that Blanche and co would giggle over, instead of real gay pride and culture as in Jay.
It's just made obvious how little it had to do with the culture and how everything had to do with money first.
linda merrill asked, 8) Do we know how many seasons Lifetime has licensed?
Five cycles (they don't call them "seasons" anymore).
i for one really see this move hurting straight male viewership (yes, it's there!). i'll probably still watch, even though i hate lifetime and am embarrassed for my fellow women everywhere that lifetime claims to represent us. i have no pride when it comes to my PR fix. my boyfriend, however, and the boyfriends and husbands of my female friends (most of whom watch and love PR right alongside us) will never ever ever watch anything on lifetime. ever. gay-oriented tv is fine, but "television for women?" no way in hell.
i think NO! This is awful, now the interviews will be filled with more tears than came out of Ricky!
I'm not happy about this, being on Bravo was just part of the shows greatness!
This is lametastic. PR=Bravo. I wouldn't enjoy the show without all of the Top Chef commercials.
This is 100% the greedy Weinsteins. No likey.
I think we need to get the Season 2 boys in here for a rousing chorus of "Lighten up, it's just faaaaashion."
Aside from the vastly entertaining "hillbilly" versus "frappucino-challenged" debate, I'm with Donna L.
If the facts alleged are true (or more importantly, if the allegations characterizing the contract are true), NBC does have a chance. On the other hand, the Weinsteins have David Boies. The big gun. It'll be interesting to see how it works out.
I don't know if they'll get interim relief or not, but the litigation will tell us a lot about the process.
As to what network it's on, of course no one knows how it will work out. So why should we complain prospectively? We'll have plenty of time to do it later.
Maybe if NBCU had been working harder on getting Bravo added to more cable systems instead of decided how many of their channels they can air L&O reruns 24 hours a day, they wouldn't have ended up in this mess.
Most of the articles say that Bravo was losing PR regardless of whether or not The Weinsluts and NBC reached an agreement. I wonder what our reactions would be to hearing "Project Runway moving to the USA Network, home of RAW wrestling!"
>>do all women really thrive on a steady diet of tearjerker dramathons featuring prime time has-beens?)<<
Trying to picture Laura Bennett
on Lifetime... nooooo, it burns!
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