‘Project Runway’ needs a little something to “make it work” again, and the fashion competition would benefit from taking a page from the ‘American Idol’ book by shaking up its judges panel. (Sorry, Nina Garcia and Michael Kors, but where are the fireworks?)
All the ‘American Idol’ speculation has created even more buzz around the show. That’s one benefit, but hopefully new judges will also take the show to a whole new entertainment level.
And ‘Idol’ is not alone when it comes to reality shows that have gotten stale. Far from it, actually. From ‘Project Runway’ to various dance competitions, here are six shows that could use some new blood.
1. Project Runway
Be honest, have you kept up with this once mega-popular show after it moved to Lifetime? Thought so. A move to Los Angeles didn’t inject any life into this flailing fashion competition, but maybe getting rid of Nina Garcia and Michael Kors would. ‘Project Runway’ suffers from a common reality show ailment: The audiences know exactly what each judge will say about a specific garment. To make ‘Runway’ more relevant, why not add Karl Lagerfeld to the panel? He has well-documented beef with Heidi Klum (hello, drama!), serious fashion credentials and he’s pretty darn sassy.
2. Dancing With the Stars
Yes, Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli have dance cred, but similarly to ‘Runway,’ they’ve all become very predictable. A typical ‘DWTS’ contestant will receive nice, pleasant compliments from Carrie and disgruntled gruff from Len, while Bruno will either jump on the table while speaking incredibly fast in a fit of joy or frustration. It’s tired. Guest judges would help make the show more interesting, especially if the judges choreographed that week’s dance routines for the contestants.
3. Top Chef Masters
Original flavor ‘Top Chef’ has made household names out of Padma Lakshmi, Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons. ‘Masters’ has not only failed to find a gripping panel of judges, but it also needs a new host. It’s fun to watch seasoned chefs get their cooking on, but all that enjoyment gets sucked out by the boring judges/host combo. Past ‘Masters’ winners Ricky Bayless and Marcus Samuelsson would be more than welcome on the judging panel. As for host, Nigella Lawson would be divine.
4. America’s Got Talent
This panel has never made sense. Piers Morgan is there because … he’s on the British version? Sharon Osbourne because … she managed Ozzy’s career for so long? Howie Mandel because … he helped out NBC stay afloat with ‘Deal or No Deal’? We failed to find real legitimate reasons as to why the current judging panel exists. ‘AGT’ is such a bizarre talent competition that the panel needs to be more eclectic. Where’s the dance expert? It just seems completely out of balance. Bigger names that actually make sense to be on the judging panel would elevate this competition to new levels.
5. America’s Next Top Model
After 1410518539 cycles, maybe it’s time to rein in Tyra Banks — if that’s even possible. We’re not saying get rid of her altogether, but restrict her presence. ‘Top Model’ certainly needs some sort of invigoration. Vogue editor-at-large André Leon Talley made the show more respectable in the fashion world, but the stakes need to be higher and the show needs to be hipper. Why not add a relevant model like Brooklyn Decker to the judging panel? She’s young, experienced and becoming a household name.
6. So You Think You Can Dance
Did you ever think you’d miss Mary Murphy’s screeching? This season, not only do judges Mia Michaels and Adam Shankman talk for too long, but they also say the same things. Where’s the variety? ‘SYTYCD’ used to benefit from a great rotating cast of guest judges, please let them come back. (Lil C, we miss your weird metaphors and allusions!)
7. Chopped
The challenge of cooking with absurd ingredients is what draws audiences to this show, but the judging panel has the ability to make even the biggest foodie change the channel. The judges are boring and too mean. They’re sort of the second-stringers of the Food Network, which is why it’s weird when big names such as Mark Bittman and Marcus Samuelsson show up. The Food Network should lend some of its top talent to the series. It’d be fun to watch Bobby Flay be utterly disgusted by pork crusted with Fruit Loops and cauliflower marinated in tequila. Some heavy-hitters would do this show good.
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