A New Era for the Runway
The fashion world is buzzing following the release of the official trailer for the 22nd season of Project Runway. This year, the stakes are higher than ever as the competition moves into a new phase of its evolution on Freeform, Hulu, and Disney+. In a move that signals the show’s largest expansion to date, the series is embracing the power of the number 22. For the first time in the show’s history, 22 designers from diverse backgrounds will compete, significantly increasing the pressure and the competition for that career-defining win.
The Judging Panel Gets a Supermodel Upgrade
While the core of the show remains intact with Heidi Klum returning as host and Christian Siriano continuing his role as the essential mentor, the judging panel is seeing a major addition. Tyra Banks, the legendary supermodel and entrepreneur, is joining the series as a recurring judge. Banks brings a wealth of reality television expertise and high-fashion knowledge that should provide a fresh dynamic alongside returning judges Law Roach and Nina Garcia.
The guest judge roster for Season 22 is equally impressive, featuring a mix of music icons, fashion legends, and modern stars. Fans can expect to see Ciara, Ice Spice, Iman, and Winnie Harlow offering their critiques. The inclusion of industry heavyweights like Fausto Puglisi and Sergio Hudson ensures that the technical and creative standards will remain at an all-time high.
The Disney Synergy: Dancing with the Stars Crossovers
In what is becoming a hallmark of modern Disney-owned programming, Project Runway will feature significant crossovers with other major franchises. One of the most anticipated episodes will see the Dancing with the Stars cast hitting the catwalk. Professionals and personalities like Julianne Hough, Val Chmerkovskiy, and Jenna Johnson will make appearances, likely challenging the designers to create pieces that handle the movement and flair required for the ballroom.
The synergy doesn’t stop there. Stars from the Hulu reality universe, including Charity Lawson from The Bachelorette and Ekin-Su from Vanderpump Villa, will also appear as models. This strategy of blending various reality TV audiences suggests that Disney is positioning Project Runway as a cornerstone of its unscripted content strategy for 2026.
How to Watch
The premiere of Season 22 is scheduled for July 9th, 2026. The show will debut on Freeform at 9:30 p.m. EDT/PDT. For those who prefer streaming, episodes will be available shortly after their broadcast airings on Hulu and Disney+. International viewers will also be able to find the season on Disney+ in their respective regions, making this a truly global launch for the fashion competition.
Disclaimer: This information is gathered from various online sources and news outlets. While we strive for accuracy, Disney plans and policies can change rapidly. We recommend double-checking official Disney sources for the most up-to-date information before making final travel plans.