‘Lifetime’ greenlighting ‘Project Runway Junior’; Tim Gunn to co-host

Is there a trend forming now of reality competition shows featuring young people? You better believe it. It started with “MasterChef Junior,” and thanks in part to that show’s success other people are of course taking notice. It’s easy to understand why: Kids are candid, they can be very entertaining, and they represent a sort of hope for future generations that many viewers like to see.

Therefore, don’t be shocked that Lifetime is starting up a more youthful version of “Project Runway” entitled “Project Runway Junior,” and that they’ve already booked Tim Gunn and Hannah Davis to be the co-hosts. Former “Project Runway” star Christian Siriano is going to be one of the judges, along with Cosmopolitan and Seventeen executive fashion editor Aya Kanai. We imagine that this will be a kinder, gentler version of the franchise, one that will feature a variety of challenges designed to test the young designers, while at the same time motivate them to continue this field if it is their dream.

We imagine that at some point in the process, the show will also do their part to help put contestants in a position where they have the right amount of knowledge to succeed. We know that “MasterChef Junior” producers do something similar on their show, just to ensure that a contestant doesn’t just go out there only to later get made fun of for messing something up really badly.

Ultimately, we’re always going to have some reservations about putting kids on TV before they really have a chance to know themselves and be comfortable in their own skin. At least if nothing else, this is a show where they can learn a craft and get some opportunities for the future.

What do you think about this show happening, and do you think that we really need another reality show geared around young people? Share below, and click here to get some other TV news on all we cover sent right to you, courtesy of our official CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: Lifetime.)