NBC Wins "Project Runway" Lawsuit, Prevents Show's Move To Lifetime

LOS ANGELES — The reality fashion show "Project Runway" will not be able to strut its stuff on the Lifetime TV channel, a judge ruled Friday.

A preliminary injunction was ordered by New York Supreme Court Justice Richard B. Lowe in a lawsuit filed by NBC Universal against the Weinstein Co., which produces the hit reality series hosted by supermodel Heidi Klum.

NBC Universal had aired the series on its Bravo channel. It sued Weinstein after the production company made a reported $150 million deal with Lifetime for the show.

The temporary injunction bars Weinstein from taking "Project Runway" or any spinoff to Lifetime and contended that evidence showed that Weinstein violated NBC's "right of first refusal" for the show.

Weinstein Co. said in a statement that it intended to appeal the decision, which was applauded by NBC Universal.

Lifetime said it was disappointed with the ruling and that it will "pursue all measures" to uphold its agreement with Weinstein for the show's sixth season.

Also part of the judge's ruling, Lifetime and Weinstein cannot promote, market or air "Project Runway."

NBC was ordered to put up a $20 million bond; Weinstein had asked the court to set a $200 million bond, which it said was the value of its deal with Lifetime.

In its lawsuit, NBC alleged that Weinstein moved "Project Runway" because NBC balked at the attempt to bundle the series with other Weinstein properties that NBC wasn't interested in.

Weinstein said that there was no right of first refusal in the contract and that NBC Universal was offered the deal and was outbid.

The parties were ordered to return to court Oct. 15.

"Project Runway," now in production in Los Angeles, was expected to start airing in January on Lifetime.

Comments

[klandish]

I know the worlds coming to an end but I'm glad they kept it on Bravo. One last gasp of civilized cheese.

[murphysgirl]

If so many Project Runway fans wants the show to stay on Bravo, why would they move it to movie of the week Lifetime?

[Mysticalsister]

where exactly would fashion week be in L.A.? The Beverly Wilshire poolside bar?

[raker]

In fashion, one day you're out, and the next day you're in.

[StephenDedalus82]

Is it just me or has the show gotten very gimmicky lately? I hope it stays on Bravo because it is the flagship of its signature "talent actually matters" reality shows. But I wish they'd do more fashion and less "make a dress out of car parts" crap. Car parts? Not every sponsor's product can be turned into clothes!

[Steamboater]

Hmmm...if you think of fashion as art and most in the industry do, then you have to be prepared as an aspiring designer to do anything with it. The judges just want to see how creative these designers are and how far they can stretch their imaginations and come up with something that's fashionable. It's hard work but a good process. This season's Project Runway is really bad though. Not one of the designers shows great fashion sense. Very disappointing.

[Eric8869]

Project Runway would not fit in with the latest "woman in danger" made for TV movie that Lifetime would be showing.

I mean how many times is Jaclyn Smith in trouble anyway?

[fraggle1]

Oh thank god. I really hope it stays on Bravo and here in NYC. Designers? In LA? Come on people. And LIFETIME? The ultimate loser network. Please Harvey, just keep it as is--the fans will love you.

[ENK727]

I agree if the show moves to Lifetime and LA. I won't be watching anymore. It just won't be the same.

[mlaiuppa]

Ditto. I have no interest in watching Project Runway on Lifetime.

Way to kill the golden goose, Harvey.

[lisakaz2]

Good. I thought it was a dumb idea. And I hate moving the show to LA besides. Heidi prob. wants it done for family reasons. I can't see Kors or Garcia following her. And what about Tim? Without him there's no show. I'd rather they cease production than remake the show and move it.

[Steamboater]

They move to LA, they'll probably bring in Richard Simmons to replace Tim.