Season 22 of Project Runway premieres Thursday, July 9, at 9:30 p.m. ET on Freeform, featuring 22 designers competing for a title. According to a news release from Freeform, episodes will stream on Hulu and Disney+ following the initial broadcast. Heidi Klum returns as host, supported by judges Law Roach and Nina Garcia, with Tyra Banks making recurring guest appearances.
The Evolution of Casting: Returning Faces and Reality Veterans
This season’s roster reflects a shift toward seasoned reality television competitors. Among the 22 contestants is Joseph McRae, a designer from Charlotte, North Carolina, who previously competed in Season 21 before being eliminated in the fourth episode. The cast also includes Robert “Robby” Crone and Plane Jane, both of whom appeared on the 2024 season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, with Crone performing under the drag name Q.
This season features a notable change in mentorship. Christian Siriano, the winner of Project Runway Season 4, steps into the mentor role previously held by Tim Gunn.
Full List of Season 22 Designers
The competition includes a diverse group of creators from across the industry:
- Aaron Potts
- Andrea Moore
- Andriy Volkov
- Anna Molinari
- Bao Tranchi
- Bi Pham
- Bryan Barrientos
- Chloe Magleby
- Dani Bennett
- Elizabeth Shevelev
- Jeffrey Kelly Abess
- Jennifer Daniels
- Joseph McRae
- Jude Mikulencak
- Omolara “LRÉ the Artist” Odupita
- Naheim Muhammad
- Octavius Terry
- Plane Jane
- R’bonney Nola Gabriel
- Robert Crone
- Varvara “Bobby” Diakonenkova
- Yang Yang Xu
Industry Experts and Guest Judges
The panel of judges will feature returning mainstays Heidi Klum, Law Roach, and Nina Garcia. Beyond the core panel, the production has secured a wide range of guest judges. According to the official news release, the list includes Ciara, Fausto Puglisi, Ice Spice, Iman, Kiernan Shipka, Niecy Nash, Nina Dobrev, Sergio Hudson, Willy Chavarria, and Winnie Harlow.
If you miss the live broadcast on Freeform at 9:30 p.m. ET, check the Disney+ or Hulu libraries shortly after the premiere to catch up on the latest runway challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch the new season?
The show premieres on Freeform. It will also be available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu following the broadcast.
Who is the mentor for Season 22?
Christian Siriano, who won Season 4 of the series, serves as the mentor for the contestants.
Are there any returning contestants?
Yes, Joseph McRae returns after his appearance in Season 21. Additionally, Robert “Robby” Crone and Plane Jane bring experience from the 2024 season of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Are you planning to tune in for the premiere? Let us know which designer you are rooting for in the comments below, or subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates on the competition.