The New York Times has an article on the move from Bravo to Lifetime and while you may feel that the topic is a bit talked out at this point, we have to say that the lede is probably the greatest opening of any article ever written at the New York Times. Go. Read. Come back here and discuss.
[Photo: Bravotv.com]
116 comments:
*sigh* I guess we'll just have to wait and see, but this just doesn't seem right!
Wow, Boys!!!!
"we have to say that the lede is probably the greatest opening of any article ever written at the New York Times."
Agreed!
Why so worried? A friend of mine always says, "Lifetime: the television for women... and gay men."
You bitches are unstoppable! The Grey Lady!! The Paper of Record!! Go TLo!!
You bitches are unstoppable! The Grey Lady!! The Paper of Record!! Go TLo!!
Since great ledes are damned hard to craft, I couldn't wait to see this one. ahahahahaha. I'm not sure it'll get a Pulitzer, but I'll bet it'll bring you a kazillion new readers.
Congrats to TLo on a NY Times quote! I hope you don't become WAY too big for your tightly packed britches.... !
On Bravo/Lifetime, I'm becoming resigned to it.
Le sigh, le pout, le moue
Awesome!
NY Times! I'm IMPRESSED, boys!
OHYMGOD the freaking NY Times, bitches! That is FABULOUS!!
You guys are so famous.
T-shirt, bumper sticker, bedding - everything with this. You guys are Major. It takes some of the sting out of the disruption in my PR obsession.
yay TLo!!!!
still, a move to lifetime would suck. they wouldn't be showing marathons or random episodes on Limetime. Then on the weekends you would go to loook for them and some terrible and sappy movie would be on and you would have to suffer through that for 3 seconds while you were changing the channel. PR should be on a respected channel that people turn to whenever they want to something because almost e verything is good, not on a channel that most people call a joke.
Who'd a thunk it? Our Boys, all grown up and the lead in a NY Times story! Congratulations!!!
you guys should definitely have bedding.- and bath products.
Lifetime sucks! Don't tell me that the show isn't going to change. They will dumb down the show and have lame challenges. I'm so mad!!!
Anyway, congrats, TLo! NY Times? That is HUGE! You guys are definitely IN.
most excellent to be mentioned in the NYT!
Congrats!!!
Best lede you could possibly get! I'm so happy for you guys. Your blog is one of the main reasons why I still watch PR.
It's a great article. Congratulations, TLo!! It doesn't get more "inner circle" than that.
Ugh - get ready for the "I've Fallen and Can't Get Up" accessory wall and the Correctol Hair and Makeup Room.
Fabulous for you guys!
Maybe Project Runway will do for Lifetime what Isaac Mizrahi did for Target.
Wait...
you guys are gay??? Well, Thank G-d for the NYT. I'd never have figured that out.
Congrats on the lede!! You are FIERCE!!!
I am not really happy about this "move". What will the first challenge be? Create a number for Dorothy Zbornak????
------StkrShock
Congratulations on making the big time, darlings!!!
But there was one telling statement from the Lifetime exec:
"For Ms. Wong, the bottom line is that “Project Runway” will allow Lifetime to attract new viewers — of all ages.
“Women come to Lifetime for escape,” she said. “ ‘Project Runway’ is a great escape.”
She can't seem to get outside the "Television for Women" box.
Ha! Awesome!
"Gorgeous Things said...
“Women come to Lifetime for escape,” she said. “ ‘Project Runway’ is a great escape.”
She can't seem to get outside the "Television for Women" box."
I saw that too. To be honest, that doesn't fill me with a lot of confidence.
It's going to take a long time before I can even bring myself to watch Lifetime Television. Wrong move, Weinstein. That's the end of the show!
Tom, you big ol' media whore! Love you! LOVE YOU BOTH!!!
Disappointed that the show is moving but hopeful that it won't be changed. It is GREAT just the way it is. And what about Nina and Michael, are they going to Lifetime also? Lots of questions, few answers.
'Twas not merely a passing quote buried at the end - you boys opened the NYT article! WOW! I think PR5 should repeat the hip jetsetter challenge of S3 to dress T and Lo!
FABULOUS bitches!
The Lifetime exec referring to PR as a "great escape" makes my stomach queasy. I think there is no way PR can emerge from this move unchanged (and not for the better). Sigh...
Congrats on being mentioned first thing!!!! Now if you could only convince me this move is good. Hold me please somebody, I`m scared!
Kzspot
Cool, you guys used the hard-core spelling of "lede." So very journo of you!
And the article makes some interesting points about this whole issue of network identity. I think the vast majority of PR viewers will follow the show to Lifetime, but if Lifetime thinks those viewers will stick around to sample more of their current programming, they'll be dead wrong. I think the last and only time I watched something on that network was when they still played "Thirtysomething" repeats.
So have there been any feelers from Lifetime to TLo to replace Nina as a judge?
You know what's next don't you?
They are going to be wanting your
opinion on who is going to be in or auf - Clinton or Obama.
Bravo has built its brand identity with clever shows like “Queer Eye,” “Top Chef” and “Inside the Actors Studio,” which is a comfort to “Runway” fans, especially those who consider themselves edgy and their reality TV diet a guilty pleasure.
I really hate this paragraph. How can you simultaneously feel edgy and guilty about your programming choices? They seem to be slightly at odds. This article seems to take a rather snarky tone towards Bravo and its fans.
I forgot that Lifetime also hosts "How to Look Good Naked", which I haven't seen personally but seems like at least a step in the right direction. I'm a bit optimistic, myself, though I can see why some would be worried.
Oh. My. God. I would have loved to see the looks on your faces when you read that!
Dear TLo,
As your IP consultant, I have to say, dear hearts...
After this, boys, we gotta talk!
A critique on the article: after the boffo opening, the author couldn't match the punch... it petered out, and the other commenters here have noted inconsistencies in the quotes and interviewees' remarks that begged for trenchant analysis. WHICH we-all get HERE, courtesy of the Fabulous Tom and Lorenzo.
The Newspaper Of Record needs some tighter editing. But, the lede: Platinum.
All the best,
NDC
Wow, indeed!
What a great opening!
Christos
love it you guys - great opening =) NYT - can't beat it!
I am NEITHER happy NOR optimistic about the switch. I can't believe I have woken up in a world where PR is on LIFETIME and Nina is axed from Elle. What the shit is going on???!!! It's gotta be a sign of the apocalypse......
The NYT article confused me though.....why would "edgy" viewers feel like Bravo is a "guilty pleasure"?? I don't get it.....clearly we LOVE the fact that's edgy and are not feeling guilty for watching it!
Also, shows on Bravo were described as "frothy"??? WTF?? I watch Bravo shows religiously and they are Anything BUT frothy!!
I mean c'mon, "She Woke up Pregnant"???? THAT isn't frothy??? Yeah alright, next you're gonna tell me Tim Gunn is secretly married to Britney Spears!!! (Now THAT would surely be a sign of the apocalypse.....!!)
As for Andrea Wong saying she wants to make PR "more contemporary, vibrant, aspirational, optimistic place"??? WTF??!! I don't WANT optimistic!! I want BITCHERY and DRAMA. Aspirational?? Yeah ok, cuz A MILLION designers don't ALREADY ASPIRE to be on PR!! Get a CLUE woman! PR IS PERFECT - don't you dare CHANGE it!!!
NOT a happy camper....
CONGRATULATIONS! :)
All hail TLo, for conquering yet another continent (the grey one)!
And PLEASE..."and while you may feel that the topic is a bit talked out at this point"...TALKED OUT?? You underestimate our powers as bitches! There is so much more to unearth about this drama, you may need a bigger server soon. Keep talking!
Nahncee said, So have there been any feelers from Lifetime to TLo to replace Nina as a judge?
Dear god, I hope not. You do realize that we wouldn't have this delightfully bitchy, dishy blog if they were judges, don't you? I much prefer them in their outsider status, where they don't have to worry about what the corporate sponsors or producers think!
"I think the last and only time I watched something on that network was when they still played "Thirtysomething" repeats."
OMG, agnes gooch! I remember that. Loved my thirtysomething!
I've tried to keep an open mind about this whole whole Lifetime debacle, but that article really depressed me. I feel as though PR will somehow be tainted if it is part of Lifetime's regular lineup. And forgive me for being a cynical bitch, but I do not believe for one second that the show will remain the same once the swich has been made. Maybe not in season five, but you can bet changes will be made in future sesons of PR for sure.
Anywhoo, a big fat bitchy "Kudos!" to our two beautiful & talented boys. I'll bet you are so over all the praise, glory and adulation by now.
Kisses!
- edina -
Go TLo!
PR on Lifetime? The more I think about it, the more I fear for it's future...
Why couldn't The Grey Lady quote TLo and Laura K on a story I was happy to read... Gad zooks! That was depressing.
-- desertwind
And, furthermore...
Heidi as a producer spouting shit about this shit is one thing, but if Tim Gunn is not getting a producer's credit and points and a big upfront pay raise for taping his "Carry on, Lifetime!" promo, he deserves a good spanking.
How in the world are they gonna produce two seasons at once? Lifetime is talking out its ass.
If we thought product placement was awful in Season 4 -- oh, sorry, that's "integrated sponsorships" -- just wait for what's up next. Lifetime is going to need to make a fortune out of this purchase.
PPS -- I've got an idea for a contest, TLo!
Describe an episode, incident or personality from Project Runway using Corporate Media Advertising Speak.
-- desertwind
Totally agree!! Yeah!!
Hopefully the change will do more good than bad. One can only hope.
“Women come to Lifetime for escape,” she said. “ ‘Project Runway’ is a great escape.”
What is she talking about? And Ms. Wong claims to be a huge fan of the show. I guess we don't watch the same show.
Congrats, TLo!
“Fashion is about change and ‘Project Runway’ moving to Lifetime is an awesome change,” Ms. Klum said in the video."
Drinking the Liftime Kool-Aid already.
Ok i"m late to the party---runway is moving to the "victim channel"? I can't think of a less gay friendly network.
I only hope that Lifetime "television for women" understands that not only women watches this show. They better get that straight.
Watching Bravo today and seeing commercials for a Lifetime movie - "Her husband delivered her twins but she only saw one of them..."
I kid you not.
So Lifetime is advertising on Bravo.
Money is money.
"Ms. Wong said: “Women come to Lifetime for escape,” she said. “ ‘Project Runway’ is a great escape.”"
Calgon, take me away! Sheesh.
But great lede anyway. Quite frankly, your quote was the only one that made any sense. (And btw, I cannot believe that BPR gets a million hits.)
--GothamTomato
Congrats, honies!
On the downside...
The more quotes from Ms. Wong and the Lifetime group I read, the more concerned about this I get.
Sunday Times - $4.00.
TLO Lede - Priceless!
Congrats, boys, as a reader from the very start can I say I knew you when?
Love,
Me2
Aha! You (TLo) are being recognised as a force to be reckoned with! Good. I'm glad the media are taking your opinions seriously.
Oooh I don't know if they're inviting you to the premiere party after you called Lifetime out on the reputation for victim-of-the-week movies and ‘Golden Girls’ reruns.
Off to spend my Saturday night watching The Memory Keeper's Daughter. (Shhhh don't tell).
GothamTomato said...
(And btw, I cannot believe that BPR gets a million hits.)
That sounds like a load of hogwash to me.
If they're citing hilariously-named Lifetime movies, why not 'Mother May I Sleep With Danger?'??
And my favorite of SNL's Lifetime parodies starred Ana Gasteyer and Josh Hartnett and was called something like 'Come To Bed With Me, Stepson: I Slept With My Stepson: The Cynthia Gallagher Robertson Story.' Good stuff :)
"anon said: That sounds like a load of hogwash to me."
Yes, not trying to stir up any trouble with the NYTimes (I'm a little afraid of Frank Rich); but I don't know how they got that million hits a month number when the blogmeter on BPR says their total is less than 9 million, to date, and they've been up and running waaaay longer than 9 months. I guess the Times' fact checkers weren't math majors.
--GothamTomato
Congrats, TLo! It doesn't get any better than the NYT. If you guys can't die happy now, there's no satisfying you bitches.
I would have to agree that the NYT copy editors (the fact checkers of the newspaper biz) did not do their homework on the BPR one-million hits assertion. Just look at the number of comments on comparable topics in this blog and theirs. There is no comparison.
I guess the Times' fact checkers weren't math majors.
They're using all their fingers and toes keeping track of the number of dead American soldiers in Iraq.
OMG!!!
You've hit the big time!!!
That is so awesome!!
You guys are the best!!!
herdgirl72
Did I miss it somewhere on this site - PR just won a Peabody Award!
I agree, Lifetime is a crappy channel. I have it blocked from my channel list, just so I don't even have to scan over it because I know there is nothing I would ever watch there. I guess I will have to unblock it now.
Oh, sure, you're in a NYT article, but you haven't really hit the big time until you're an answer to a clue in the Sunday crossword.
;-))
More than being embarrassed that I may watch this show on Lifetime, I'm worried about what this means for the blog! You guys seem to have made a number of very useful connections at Bravo to help bring us the goods. I don't know if Lifetime is up on how important this blog and others like it are to why I'm so into the show. I just won't ever think of Lifetime being "with it."
That lede was delightful!
"Neka said...
I don't know if Lifetime is up on how important this blog and others like it are to why I'm so into the show. I just won't ever think of Lifetime being "with it.""
They're no fools. They'll see (if they haven't already) that they can only benefit from blogs and sites on the web about the show. I mean, seriously, how many blogs get mentioned by The New York Times or get to be the opening line of a newspaper article?
lilithcat wrote: Oh, sure, you're in a NYT article, but you haven't really hit the big time until you're an answer to a clue in the Sunday crossword.
Okay... now we have to come up
a clue...
I'm trying to be optimistic. Giving Lifetime a try and am 1 hour into watching "The Memory Keeper's Daughter". Oh, the drama.
Woo hoo. Commercials for age-adjusted Centrum and next Saturday's movie, "Love Sick: Secrets of a Sex Addict".
Verklempt.
wow, congrats on being in the New York Times!
I have to say, I'm kinda sad that everyone's hatin' on the Golden Girls. I love the Golden Girls! Which, by the way, isn't even going to be on Lifetime anymore. it's moving to WE and/or Hallmark (I've heard a few different things). I guess they have to make room for Project Runway. :0/. I think Golden Girls belongs on Lifetime way more than Project Runway does.
OK, I think they are going to have Carson Kressley replace Michael Kors if he doesn't renew his contract with PR. That would be a step down, in my opinion.
I won't stop watching the show, but that's the only thing I'll watch on Lifetime. I hate that channel. Bravo still is my place for reality shows.
By the way, great blog, guys!
"Lifetime is not going to abandon its original movies. Ms. Wong said the network was particularly excited over “The Memory Keeper’s Daughter,” starring Gretchen Mol, Dermot Mulroney and Emily Watson, to be broadcast this weekend. It is the story of a couple who have twins, one of whom has Down syndrome."
I can't wait!
Hopefully I'll be able to download the episodes from iTunes so I don't have to deal with this shit.
Fucking NY Times, kittens?? It doesn't get any better than that. Congrats!
Wow, guys, you are officially now "kind of a big deal!" I think if this whole thing is going to work, they will need you to up the fabulousness significantly. Congrats on Best Lede Ever!
“Women come to Lifetime for escape,” she said. “ ‘Project Runway’ is a great escape.”"
By the way, that is one of the dumbest quotes I've read in a long time. Great job, Ms. Wong!
Congratulations! I love you boys so much. I've been reading this blog since day one - "Remember not to breathe mommy's air" is a PRG classic. As long as I have your blog, I don't care where I watch Project Runway.
Congrats, boys! That's all kinds of fabulous.
Poptart said:
get ready for the "I've Fallen and Can't Get Up" accessory wall and the Correctol Hair and Makeup Room
*snort*
Oh, man, I was going to make major fun of Lifetime here, but I really can't top that. Priceless.
BTW: I'm too lazy to scroll through the "idea for a contest" contest thread, but did anyone suggest a Lifetime theme? Updating the Golden Girls' looks is an obvious example -- I would particularly like to see Sophia's makeover. What is on trend for 120-year-old women, anyway?
OMG! I'm so proud of our gay boys!!!
gorgeous things said:
"She [Andrea Wong] can't seem to get outside the "Television for Women" box."
And Ms. Wong is the same woman who helped give us the schmaltz that is Extreme Makeover and The Bachelor at ABC. And that scares the hell out of me when it comes to possible changes to PR.
As I stated in the previous post about the move to Lifetime, I don't believe in 'women's entertainment', just as I don't believe in "men's entertainment". There's just good shows and bad shows. Just because Mythbusters may be branded a "guy show", doesn't mean I don't like watching it from time to time.
Yes, Lifetime is trying to re-brand itself into something younger and hipper. But poaching shows from other networks (litigation not withstanding) isn't going to be the magic bullet for everything, especially if Ms. Wong is still going to emphasize those cheezy victim-of-the-week movies.
I watch PR for the drama in the workroom, learning about design, and to relish "Tim Gunn's eyebrow of death" when he's evaluating a designer's work and just wants to throw up. I doubt little of this will really change with the move to Lifetime, but I'm with those that don't plan to watch any other of Lifetime's offerings outside of PR. I don't watch tv for dumb movies about missing twins and abusive boyfriends - I watch tv to be entertained and maybe learn something at the same time. And I don't think Lifetime fits the bill at all.
And to TLo: You fabulous bitches better not get two huge heads from all this! Rolling Stone, NYT? What's next? WWD & Vogue? Congrats!
Way to go, TLo! Sad about PR moving to Lifetime, tho'. Seems to me PR was the reality-show straw that stirred the drink.
Well, hey maybe it'll just mean Life time will go from TV for Women to Tv for Marys. . . that'll make two! cable friendly TV channels! hurray!
I'm not a feminazi, but the way women are portrayed on Lifetime (as constant victims) is offensive to me. Bye, bye Project Runway. I'll miss you, but I refuse to watch that pathetic network.
Some of this is insane. You won't watch a show that you love because of the channel it is on? Do you live the rest of your lives with such honor and determination, following a code of apropriateness. Would love to see you grocery carts.
I'm seriously thinking about never watching Runway again if it moves to lifetime. It's not right to do the move! Especially because lifetime is an 'old women' channel, or at least it is in my mind. No offense to anyone who cares for it.
Congrats on being in the article, you two. It's great to see you're famous now. :D
"agnes gooch said: Just look at the number of comments on comparable topics in this blog and theirs. There is no comparison."
Seriously.
THIS is the PR blog of record.
--GothamTomato
Wow!! Awesome!!!
xoxoxoxo
If you want to cringe, here is a link to the "Best" Lifetime Movie Titles Ever:
http://queenofswords.wordpress.com/2007/06/25/best-lifetime-movie-titles-ever/
I wish I could say I wasn't depressed about this network switch, but... stuff like "Crimes of Passion: She Woke Up Pregnant" doesn't inspire me with confidence.
I almost choked on my coffee when I read the lede this morning!!! They couldn't have just said ... wait, yes they did just open the article by describing how my PR Gay boys are feeling!!
Folks, does the channel really matter?
This is great news for me - My cable doesn't include Bravo.
I love Project Runway but I just can't bring myself to watch Lifetime. "Television for Women"? Do I have to sit in the back of the bus too?
Not a good idea. Look a what happened when "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" switched channels from the WB Network to UPN. It was the kiss of death.
I discovered your blog through the New York Times mention and I spent a couple of hours reading the entire archive. Fabulous blog, guys!!
Interesting that this happened right at the same moment Project Runway ditched Bravo/NBC. I wonder if she's still going to write for the magazine. I actually enjoy her monthly column.
well, I LOVE the Golden Girls, personally. and since the 80s are back, and current (or recent) trends have *already* looked like they come from the Dorothy Szbornak collection, maybe moving PR over makes some sense.
or actually, NO. I always kind of loved the queer-guy cache of bravo and PR.
I think maybe the new design challenges could come from the (horrible! hysterical!) titles of some of those Lifetime movies.
like, I'd LOVE to see what designers come up with for
SHE WOKE UP PREGNANT!
or WHY I WORE LIPSTICK TO MY MASTECTOMY.
or
FIFTEEN AND PREGNANT (is that the jamie lynn spears story?)
OUR SON, THE MATCHMAKER, for a menswear challenge
or
HALF A DOZEN BABIES
or
HER FATAL FLAW, about designing around a "real woman's" fatal flaw!
my god, the possibilities are endless!
and CONGRATS CONGRATS on making the NYTimes. you really will need to start making TLo/Project Rungay tshirts now. maybe Jay would like to collaborate????
I'm a little late this time. I spent the whole weekend with my family and away from the computer and when I come here...Wow! That's huge! Congratulations, guys! You guys absolutely deserve each and every mention, for all the fabulous things you do here. PRG is the best companion for PR lovers. XOXOXOXO
Meh. I just hope this isn't the equivalent of buying a "slightly" used BMW from one of those shady corner used car lots. With Project Runway making the move, I can't help but feel like part of what made the show special is now gone.
And re: Nina...I would assume she too will be history. Can you imagine Heidi saying,"Nina, you're out, but you're still in with us."
I think not.
Naturally they would have to cite the experts...
TLo!!!!
Congrats boys!!!
We're not worthy! We're not worthy! :-D
Congratulations on the NYT mention. First and Last names in the first paragraph!!
~~~
I personally can't get excited about the network the show is on. Does it really make a difference?
I don't have cable. If Stan doesn't get Lifetime, I guess I'm screwed.
"sewing siren said: I personally can't get excited about the network the show is on. Does it really make a difference?"
I think it only matters if the producers cater the show to the network its on, because Lifetime is hopelessly dull, suburban & housewifey. Anything that caters to soccermoms is going to be hopelessly boring.
Bravo has its drek too, but it just a different kind of drek.
--GothamTomato
When I looked at Lifetime's lineup on this past Saturday, it was heavy on the Golden Girls and "Reba" reruns....
need I say more?
OK, have to stick up for us minivan-driving soccer moms here--I adore PR and PRG (more the latter!) and wouldn't be caught dead watching Lifetime!
I have to wonder what's going to happen to the website content? Will Bravo be able/willing to keep the old stuff on their site?
Yay for the TLo shout out! Boo for the move to lifetime... I don't think I will be able to watch...I'll just get the weekly update from you two!
Yes, the lede is awesome. But I think we all will have to cop a "wait and see" attitude on this...and hope for the best.
Courtney Suzanne said...
"I have to wonder what's going to happen to the website content? Will Bravo be able/willing to keep the old stuff on their site?"
They will definitely keep it on the site, because they still own seasons 1-4, and will own S5 as well. They'll keep rerunning those episodes on TV, Lifetime doesn't get those. At least not yet; God knows what other tricks Harvey Weinstein will pull down the road...
And the first challenge for our designers on the Lifetime Channel is:
Design a pair of evening gowns with matching panties for the Shady Pines Mother/Daughter Beauty Pageant.
"I heard they sold it to some Germans." The Klums.
Lifetime is hopelessly dull, suburban & housewifey. Anything that caters to soccermoms is going to be hopelessly boring.
Gotham Tomato: please don't underestimate mothers from the suburbs. Not all of us fit the stereotype.
To the people who say whatever network the show is on doesn't make a difference, you are wrong. Lifetime will be looking at Neilsen stats and pushing the producers of PR to make the show more friendly to their mainstream audience, while keeping its existing viewers (not likely). Plus, we will no longer have marathonic reruns.
I have to say that Project Runway is about the only thing I watch on Bravo (except,sometimes, Top Chef). I mean, come on: "Workout"? It says something that Lifetime is at least trying to upgrade their programming. But I do share the concern about missing marathons.
I can't help laughing at everyone in a snit over the Lifetime Channel..you don't want to land for three seconds and possibly see a sappy movie? That's how I feel everytime I accidently find The (Dreadful)Real Housewives of Anywhere and that horrible Working Out show. How anyone can act all stuck up about the 'quality' of Bravo with those stinking shows deserves the suffering their feeling about the move.
Good grief, everyone with their knickers in a bunch, and throwing stones at Lifetime for not being "edgy" or classy?
Riiiiight...."Workout," "The Housewives of...whatever," oh yes, Bravo is synonymous with class.
Please, people...I am old enough to remember when Bravo was a real arts network, with classic performances of real works of art. I love PR as much as the next person, but let's not get too highbrow about all of this...it's a nice piece of escapist fluff, with a big old mess of unbelievably tacky product placement and cross promotional stunts in the more recent seasons. I'm sure it will more of the same over at Lifetime; quite frankly, you get more campy entertainment from watching some of the movies and the old diehard series like the "Golden Girls" than you do from a lot of the tired, formulaic reality junk from Bravo.
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