Is ‘Project Runway’ a hit or a habit?
It has been said of TV shows and TV personalities: “The longer you’re on, the longer you’re on.” The fall season brings a host of new and newish series that come and go rather quickly. But those that stick around tend to endure. And in the cable reality business, longevity can approach infinity.
Which brings us around to the 15th season premiere of “Project Runway” (8 p.m., Lifetime, TV-PG).
I was impressed with this series when it began. Tim Gunn brought an avuncular, professorial vibe. He could say more, and teach more, with a raised eyebrow than a million profane tantrums from Gordon Ramsay. I knew nothing, and cared less, about fashion, but found the creativity of the contestants compelling. Entertaining. Inspiring, even.
But at the end of the day this is a reality competition, with all of the repetitive, fake and formulaic elements that the genre requires. I don’t think I’ve watched an entire episode since the season when Christian Siriano won. That was the fourth season. Have I missed anything? Has anything changed? Should I care?
For those who do, the first episode of “Runway” introduces the new batch of contestants. The sewing and stitching follow (9 p.m., TV-PG).
Unlike many reality series, say, “America’s Next Top Model,” the graduates of “Runway” have gone on to have actual careers. Siriano designed the dress that first lady Michelle Obama wore to the Democratic National Convention in July.
One of the secrets to the success and longevity of series like “Runway” is their repeatability and availability to viewers. Like controlled substances, some cable series are habit forming. “Runway” wasn’t terribly popular when it debuted on Bravo. But when the network devoted whole weekends to “Runway” repeats, viewers got hooked.
Networks have a harder time getting viewers’ attention. It’s particularly difficult when sports schedules upend audience habits. CBS’ regular Thursday night comedies have given way to NFL “Thursday Night Football” (8 p.m.). But CBS only has rights to the first half of the football season. Comedy returns on Oct. 27, when football fans will have to migrate to the NFL Network for their football fix. Got that?