12 Best Shows Like Project Runway to Watch Next (2026)
Find the best fashion competition and makeover series, from Next in Fashion to Drag SOS, with quick picks for fans of reality TV style contests.
If you’re searching for shows like Project Runway, the best picks usually mix creative challenges, elimination stakes, and a strong eye for style. This list leans into that same energy with titles such as Next in Fashion, The Hype, and Project Runway All Stars, each offering a different take on fashion competition. You’ll also find makeover-driven options like Wear Whatever the F You Want and Drag SOS, plus style-centric series such as Closet Battle and American Beauty Star. For something broader but still competition-focused, America’s Next Top Model, Food Network Star, and Top Chef show how reality formats can turn talent into a weekly test.
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01
Dress My Tour
game-show · reality-tv
Eleven aspiring fashion designers compete to create outfits for music celebrities, aiming to win $100,000 and make their mark in the industry.
Why watch: If you like fashion contests with a clear prize on the line, this one fits well. The setup around designing for music celebrities gives it a more pop-culture angle than a standard runway format.
Cast Meagan Nugent, Traviance DunnHuluMore details on IMDb → -
02
The Hype
game-show · reality-tv
Set in the colliding worlds of streetwear, business and culture where fashion visionaries must elevate their designs and entrepreneurial sense to avoid elimination while remaining authentic to their style.
Why watch: If you enjoy fashion competition mixed with streetwear and business strategy, this is a strong choice. It may appeal most if you want designs judged alongside entrepreneurial thinking and a need to stay authentic.
Directed by Ramy RomanyCast Alan King, Jesica Perryman, Jyn Gittens, Skyler Pierce, Original CrawfordMaxMore details on IMDb → -
03
Project Runway All Stars
reality-tv
The MVPs from past seasons of Project Runway compete for a second chance at runway gold.
Why watch: If you want a return visit to the same competitive world, this is the most direct follow-up-style pick here. It brings back past standout designers for another shot at runway success.
Directed by Michael Pearlman, Gary ShafferCast Keren Craig, Julie Kavner, Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Jasmin RiversAmazon Prime VideoHuluTubiPeacock PremiumFreeveeMore details on IMDb → -
04
Closet Battle
reality-tv
Two Korean fashion experts with varying tastes face off in styling battles as they use their clients' own clothes to help them gain more confidence.
Why watch: If you prefer style challenges with a personal makeover angle, this may be a good fit. The focus on helping clients gain confidence through their own clothes makes it feel more grounded and practical.
Cast Kim Na-young, Jung Jae HyungNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
05
Next in Fashion
reality tv
18 budding fashion designers compete for a $250,000 prize and the opportunity to launch a clothing line with Net-a-Porter.
Why watch: If you want a polished fashion competition with a big prize and a career-making opportunity, try this one. It should appeal to viewers who like seeing designers work toward both creative and industry goals.
Cast Livia Pillmann, Veronica Jacques, Edward Kim, Ray RussellNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
06
America's Next Top Model
game-show · reality-tv
Aspiring models compete for a chance to break into the business with a panel of judges critiquing their progress throughout the competition.
Why watch: If you enjoy judging panels and elimination-based competition, this is a natural adjacent pick. It shifts the focus from fashion design to modeling while keeping the same pressure-cooker format.
Directed by Tony Croll, Claudia Frank, Bob Schermerhorn, Rebecca Taylor Henning, Allison ColemanCast Paulina Porizkova, Katie Cleary, Atoosa Rubenstein, Susan Yang, George HolzHuluMore details on IMDb → -
07
American Beauty Star
reality tv
12 competitors from all facets of the beauty industry are challenged to become the next American Beauty Star. Challenges include creating high-end magazine editorial looks and red carpet styles for a Hollywood premiere.
Why watch: If you like style competition but want beauty-industry variety, this is worth a look. The challenges around editorial looks and red-carpet styles give it a glam, fast-moving setup.
Directed by Lauren QuinnCast Ashley M Lands, Aaliyah Gray, Kristin BrockTubiMore details on IMDb → -
08
Food Network Star
game-show · reality-tv
Cooking competition following upcoming chefs, and the winner gets to host their own show!
Why watch: If you enjoy reality competitions built around a big career payoff, this has a similar structure. The twist is that the winner competes for the chance to host their own show, which adds a different kind of ambition.
Directed by Michael Pearlman, Steve Hryniewicz, Abby Russell, Dana CalderwoodCast Jess Cagle, Richard Blais, Terri Wahl, Vinny Dotolo, Steven ArroyoMaxMore details on IMDb → -
09
Flipping Out
1 Emmy nomination
comedy · kids & family · reality tv
Flipping Out is an American reality television series centered on designer Jeff Lewis in Los Angeles, California, and his entourage that consists of his project manager Jenni, housekeeper Zoila, business manager and boyfriend Gage and his other assistant and helper.
Why watch: If you want a reality series with design and home-focused elements rather than runway judging, this is the lighter left-field pick. Its mix of business, design, and personal dynamics may work if you like seeing creative work unfold in real life.
Directed by Brian Krinsky, George Woolley, Iqbal Hans, Richard DipirroCast Christopher Ashe, Deborah, Sean McFarland, Patti Negri, AdamPeacock PremiumMore details on IMDb → -
10
Wear Whatever the F You Want
reality-tv
Clinton Kelly and Stacy London return to television in this new style transformation show, giving people the confidence and style savvy to wear whatever they want. Over the course of a couple of days, they empower each client to live out their fashion fantasy and find their style truth in the journey of a lifetime.
Why watch: If you enjoy style transformation shows with a confidence-first approach, this should be a good match. It centers on helping people find their style truth, so it may appeal more than a hard competition format.
Cast Kyle GoffAmazon Prime VideoFreeveeMore details on IMDb → -
11
Drag SOS
reality-tv
Quirky makeover show in which drag collective the Family Gorgeous help unlikely protégées to unlock their long-lost confidence and become bolder, braver drag-enhanced versions of themselves.
Why watch: If you like makeover television with personality and confidence-building at the center, this stands out. Its drag-focused premise gives the style journey a bold, playful energy.
Directed by Osca Humphreys, Luke Proctor, Harry Beney, Paul ShenkinCast Anna Matthews, Steve Swan, Shaun DawsonFreeveeMore details on IMDb → -
12
Top Chef
Won 2 Emmys 6x Outstanding Reality Competition Program · 58 nominations
game-show · reality-tv
Aspiring chefs are judged by a panel of food and wine experts while competing against one another for a shot at culinary stardom.
Why watch: If you enjoy competition shows where experts judge contestants week by week, this is a solid non-fashion companion watch. It has the same elimination-driven rhythm, just in the culinary world.
Directed by Paul Starkman, Ariel Boles, David Kangas, David A. Kleiler Jr., Anna MoulaisonCast Keriann Von Raesfeld, Stacy Cogswell, Katie Weinner, Aaron Grissom, Curtis StonePeacock PremiumMore details on IMDb →
Wrapping Up
Whether you want straight-up fashion competition or a related reality format with judges, challenges, and pressure, this page gives you plenty of directions to explore. Start with the closest matches, then branch out to the makeover and competition series if you want a slightly different angle on style and performance. Bookmark this page and check back when you want another round of ideas, since it’s updated regularly. That way, you’ll always have a fresh shortlist ready when you’re in the mood for something in this lane.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes these shows similar to Project Runway?
These picks were matched by tone, themes, and story style using a similarity model trained on plot synopses, genres, and cast — not just shared genre tags — so the connection runs deeper than a simple category match.