Project Runway's Future in Jeopardy in Wake of Weinstein Scandal

Project Runway fans were expecting at least two more seasons, but now the fate of the show is uncertain in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal.

Weinstein Co. owns Project Runway and its two spin-offs, Junior and All Stars, the latter of which featured Weinstein's ex-wife and fashion designer, Georgina Chapman, as a judge. All three series air on Lifetime, and the flagship remains an audience favorite, with 16 seasons under its belt so far. In 2016, Lifetime renewed Project Runway for three more seasons, the first of which aired in the fall of 2017. Unfortunately, the remaining two seasons, which have not been shot yet, may no longer be on the books.

According to Variety, A+E Networks has scrapped its deal with Weinstein Co. for the additional two seasons, citing the numerous disturbing allegations against Harvey Weinstein as their reason for pulling out. A+E says that Weinstein's alleged sexual misconduct constituted a breach of the agreement, arguing "Weinstein Co. had failed to operate a workplace within the bounds of the law, failed to notify A+E of potential legal claims, and failed to abide by A+E standards and practices," per the trade.

The LA Times has also accused Harvey Weinstein of using Project Runway as a "pipeline" to young female models.

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Lifetime has worked hard to establish itself as a feminist network as of late, lauding their all-female roster of showrunners and their groundbreaking female-driven storytelling. It makes sense that the network would distance itself from a show associated with Weinstein's scandal, even if it does happen to be one of its most successful properties.

However, A+E is reportedly still interested in acquiring Project Runway to continue the franchise. After the Weinstein Co. filed for bankruptcy last month, Lantern Capital put in a bid for much of the company's assets. Now, A+E is allegedly in negotiations with Lantern regarding future seasons of Runway.

Until a deal has been made though, it looks like new seasons of Project Runway are on hold indefinitely.