Reality Television Critique

My friend Abbie and I always have a day when we spend time just watching reality television. We call it “trash tv night” and it usually takes place on Tuesdays. We usually cycle between two or three go-to shows when we’re trying to figure out what to watch that night.

Project Runway

Project Runway premiered in 2008 and is one of our favorite shows to watch. We don’t really keep up with the latest seasons and mainly go through the old seasons. Each week, designers are given a challenge where they have to create a new item of clothing for the judges or even the clients. Over time, designers are eliminated, and during the season finale, designers will typically create a famous look or even an entire line of clothing.

I think the appeal of Project Runway is seeing the creativity that designers express through their clothing. The host, Heidi Klum adds an element of star power and is always serving looks each episode. Heidi even wears some designers’ clothing on the show or even on the red carpet. In 2014 she sported a blue fringe dress designed by Sean Kelly (season 13 winner). There are real rewards for appearing on the show, not just momentary clout.

Many of the winners and even contestants/finalists still design today and are well known. Christian Siriano, season 4 winner, has dressed celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Rihanna, Michelle Obama, Janelle-Monáe, and Cardi B. Siriano is now a judge on the latest season of Project Runway.

Another high point of Project Runway is Co-host, Tim Gunn who offers fun and positive advice to the contestants. Tim is usually around when tensions are high and contestants are stressed. He offers reassurance and comedic relief throughout the show. I feel that without this pair, the show wouldn’t be the same.


Bravo has rebooted the old series with a new cast, and I’m interested to see if the format will change and to see what contestants have to offer. Project Runways is available to watch on Bravo and on-demand through Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.

America's Next Top Model

Another go-to is America’s Next Top Model. Supermodel host, Tyra Banks always adds a fun, quirky twist to challenges. Abbie and I would usually watch this show more often since the challenges are just so wild. Over the course of the show, models will have shoots with different challenges, looks, and themes. Then a panel of judges, including Tyra herself, will review each model’s best image from the shoot and decide if they will stay or be disqualified. Each season, there is a makeover that happens where Tyra decides on a new look for the remaining contestants. This can involve extensions, hair dye, or even a shaved head! These episodes are usually the most emotional and controversial.

Although the show can be a fun watch, there are several problematic moments. In season 8, contestant Jael Strauss had to pose as a corpse in a shoot the week after learning that her friend died from an overdose. It’s not uncommon for these shoots to be based around the contestants’ personal lives, which many people see as insensitive. In season 12, London Levi-Nance was eliminated because of her weight gain. To enter the contest, applicants had to meet height requirements (at least 5’ 6” for women and 5’ 10” for men). They also would not accept applicants over the age of 27.

Abbie and I don’t watch the show as much as we used to. We started to notice how much more outlandish the seasons get for views and ratings. It’s understandable why the show may have been canceled. I think that if they rebooted the series, then using it for a message of body positivity could be great. Instead of targeting models for their flaws, embrace them as they are. Highlight their strengths and guide them towards what they want to do.


Project Runways is available to watch on-demand through Netflix and Hulu.