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Project Runway

(Rated TV-14, Reality TV, Starring Heidi Klum, Tim Gunn, Where to watch: Bravo, DVD, Online)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Check this one out before sharing with fashion-crazed teens.

updated 08.04.09

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–16

The good stuff

  • Role models:

    While the contestants certainly aren't uniformly well behaved or nice to each other, they all try very hard to win and demonstrate resourcefulness and creativity as they do so.
 

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The show is a contest, and there's some unsportsmanlike behavior -- which the cameras tend to linger on. But you can also take away positive messages about working hard and being creative.

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    Models are seen being fitted in outfits that can be very skimpy (including lingerie).

  • Language:

    Occasional profanity such as "hell" or references to sex.

  • Consumerism:

    Sponsors' products are mentioned frequently. Sponsors have included TRESemme, Garnier, Bluefly.com, Macy's, and Elle and Marie Claire magazines.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Designers are seen drinking and smoking cigarettes.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Project Runway

Parents need to know that this popular reality contest includes scenes in which models are fitted into skimpy clothes. Designers drink and smoke and use mild profanity like "hell." The contestants are all motivated and creative, but they can also be two-faced and gossipy about their fellow competitors. Instead of focusing on the creative process, the show tends to highlight prima donna personalities and unprofessional behavior.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the unglamorous side of the fashion world. How much education, hard work, and risk does it take to become a designer?
  • Does being a worthy competitor mean foregoing any gestures of cooperation?
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Our Members Say

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  • What did you think about Project Runway?

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See all 28 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    boredgrl
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism

    Great reality show

    This show is amazing and addicting to watch. I love the different designs that walk down the runway. There is some minor profanity contestants use, and there is definitely a lot of consumerism (ex. Macy's, bluefly.com, Tresemme, Marie Claire, etc.)

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    shmulik98
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    THE BEST SHOW EVER! period.

    this is the best show ever! my favorite! The swear sometimes, but still! AWSOME!

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  3. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    AlyCuppyCakes
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 4.0

    I /lovee/ Project Runway, it reallyy is a great show. there's a littlee bit of languagee, but it's mildd. i would ratee this on for 11 and upppp x]

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  4. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Cliquegirl22
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    luvvv the show. little language but thats it. :)

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  5. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Soccercrazyteen
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0

    Flag as inappropriate

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