Lifetime Goes Courting for Project Runway

Cable net that expects to air the hit series' next season goes after Bravo parent NBC Universal

By Natalie Finn Nov 20, 2008 3:40 AMTags
Project Runway JudgesBarbara Nitke/BRAVO

Lifetime isn't going to just sit and watch Project Runway pass it by.

The female-favoring cable network has filed suit against Bravo parent NBC Universal, which in September successfully blocked Lifetime from going ahead with its planned winter premiere of the Peabody-winning competition series.

Now, of all the fashion faux pas, it's looking as if the show's sixth season won't begin until summer 2009, despite the fact that the entire Los Angeles-set cycle, minus two episodes, has already been shot.

In the suit filed Tuesday in Manhattan federal court and obtained by the Hollywood Reporter, Lifetime asserts that, through its deal with Runway producer, the Weinstein Co., the network holds the copyrights to the show and that any attempt by Bravo Media to hang onto it would be a violation of those rights.

The Weinstein Co. is also listed as a nominal defendant because, per the complaint, Runway was supposed to have been "free and clear of any third-party obligations" by the time Lifetime, which paid $20 million for the privilege, took the reins.

Although the current injunction also prohibits Bravo from airing more Project Runway, Lifetime is requesting yet another order preventing NBCU from promoting, marketing and showing any new episodes.

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