We're not dumb. Fans of the hit reality TV series Project Runway know that season six finished filming a long time ago. We also know its fate was in limbo due to some stupid legal battle between television networks.

We don't care about all that. We just wanted the show back, already.

Bravo's not dumb, either. Knowing it was probably going to lose its popular, award-winning Project Runway to the Lifetime network, the network tried to clone it. The result, The Fashion Show, employs basically the same format as its predecessor.

With Project Runway finally cleared to air on Lifetime (premieres Aug. 20!) and The Fashion Show ending its debut season this week, we decided to compare the two in a TV Throwdown.

HOSTS/JUDGES
Even before Project Runway existed, Heidi Klum and Michael Kors were household names, and judge Nina Garcia and mentor Tim Gunn soon developed into bonafide celebrities. All had serious and longtime careers in the fashion industry.
The Fashion Show's hosts/judges Isaac Mizrahi and former Destiny's Child singer/actress Kelly Rowland were also well known and the other judges come with some fashion chutzpah. Fern Mallis is senior VP of IMG Fashion and organizer of Fashion Week, while Laura Brown serves as the editor of Harper's Bazaar.
But PR has the edge in this round for two reasons. Rowland is a lovely woman, but she isn't convincing enough in her opinions, probably because she hasn't lived and breathed fashion all her life. And, as far as we're concerned, Gunn is the highlight of PR. If you don't have him, you lose.
The Fashion Show: 0
Project Runway: 1

RUNWAY SET-UP
PR has a pretty straight-up runway; models walk down, do an about-face and head back. It seemed perfectly adequate until FS came along and ramped things up a little. FS's runway is longer and triangular, so you can see the clothes from more angles. Plus, FS assembles an audience for each presentation, too, which makes it seem more like a real runway show.
Fashion Show: 1
Project Runway: 1

CHALLENGES
It's hard to compare the two in this category because PR has had five seasons to come up with creative, interesting challenges -- and for the most part, it has done pretty well with only a few repeats.
FS has had some standout challenges -- to create an outfit inspired by a pair of shoes and to make fashionable/functional coats for all four seasons -- but it's hard to tell whether the show has what it takes to continue that streak for the long haul.
So for now, we declare this category a tie.
Fashion Show: 1
Project Runway: 1

JUDGING METHODS
FS lets the audience vote on looks they liked. While it's nice to get everyday opinions, I can get those any day from anyone. The point of a show like this is that contestants are supposed to be judged by professionals. The folks on PR would never let (or purport to let) anyone but them choose the best looks -- and as a viewer, it makes PR seem more serious.
Fashion Show: 1
Project Runway: 2

SIGNATURE PHRASES
Trademark slogans can make a reality show. While PR's judging lines are among the most boring around -- "You are the winner" for challenge victors and "You are out" for the losers -- Gunn is full of catchphrases. His trademarks, "Make it work" and "Carry on" aren't new vernacular, but we credit Gunn for making them incredibly popular over the past few years.
FS definitely tried to make its judging lines applicable and interesting. Challenge winners are told, "We are sold on your design." Losers leave to the words, "Sorry, we're just not buying it," and those who narrowly squeak by hear "You are still in the competition, but you're hanging by a thread."
We appreciate FS's effort, but it seems a little bit forced. Gunn took everyday phrases and turned them into gold.
Fashion Show: 1
Project Runway: 3

Bottom line: While Project Runway hasn't been up to its usual standards over the past few seasons, it's still enjoyable and gets credit for being the original fashion competition. Plus, we have high hopes for the many changes in store for this season. Meanwhile, if you're going to be a copycat, like The Fashion Show, you need to do it 10 times better. The Fashion Show has potential, but it needs a few more seasons to find its niche -- and its own Tim Gunn.

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