Top Design

:

Season 1
  • Network: Bravo
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 31, 2007
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
4.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 28 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 28
  3. Negative: 11 out of 28
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User Reviews

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  1. domor
    Feb 1, 2007
    4
    What a horrible show. It's like Project Runway meets Top Chef meets "Hey, Judy, let's put on a show!" Not only is Todd Oldham a stiff board of a host, but the fact that Alexis Arquette as the mystery guest screams "drag queens will only watch this show", the stiffness of the production and the sad, sad commentary of the judges...gosh, darn it, it was so damn pedestrian. It What a horrible show. It's like Project Runway meets Top Chef meets "Hey, Judy, let's put on a show!" Not only is Todd Oldham a stiff board of a host, but the fact that Alexis Arquette as the mystery guest screams "drag queens will only watch this show", the stiffness of the production and the sad, sad commentary of the judges...gosh, darn it, it was so damn pedestrian. It should have been titled "Top Design Window Display" because that's all the talent this show showed. Really, really dreadful. Sorry, but I think I'll not watch from now on. Cough cough. I think I just spit up mothballs.… Expand
  2. MarkoW
    Mar 8, 2007
    5
    Bravo thought that since they had a winning formula for reality shows (Project Runway and Top Chef) an interesting or engaging host and judges was unnecessary. They were wrong. The interactions between and designers is the meat. The host and the judges are the bones. Half the show is for the dogs! Next season could be a real winner with the right staff! Marko
  3. JaimeR
    Feb 1, 2007
    5
    Who made Todd Oldham the host? He sounds like he's reading a teleprompter to a deaf dog. Also, the judges lack appeal and rarely have anything witty to say (unlike Michael Kors of Project Runway or Chef Tom Colicchio of Top Chef). Here's to hoping the contestants will bring us something snappy.
  4. AH
    Feb 18, 2007
    4
    Not only does Todd Oldham have the entertaining quotient of a teleprompted robot, Jonathan Adler is just as bad if not worse. His facial expressions and unnaturalness or so distracting, it takes away from what could be an entertaining view into the creative process for interior design. NEW judges/host, please!!!
  5. HollieB
    Mar 8, 2007
    6
    This show is verry cool. I have gotten some good ideas and combined them with mine and thay have turned out great.I would love to have the funding to build some of the stuff this sow does.
  6. SuzanneT
    Feb 12, 2007
    6
    It was reasonably entertaining if you like this sort of thing. Like the other designer show; the entertainment is in the contestants. And I like Todd Oldham! He's nice.
  7. Michael
    Feb 15, 2007
    4
    Contestants do a great job-wish I could say the same for the miserable judges. I find it really hard to stomach their awful attitudes and poor critiques. Somebody needs to tell Kelly Wearstler to go back being a Playmate, something she can handle.
  8. PhilK
    Feb 15, 2007
    4
    I am surprised that following the successful formula of Project Runway and Top Chef, Bravo was unable to make Top Design work. But they failed miserably. While it is too early to tell if the contestants will show any endearing qualities, it is clear that the host and the judges have none. Apparently Todd Oldham got the job based on his name, and did not have to do a reading. Or, the I am surprised that following the successful formula of Project Runway and Top Chef, Bravo was unable to make Top Design work. But they failed miserably. While it is too early to tell if the contestants will show any endearing qualities, it is clear that the host and the judges have none. Apparently Todd Oldham got the job based on his name, and did not have to do a reading. Or, the producers were asleep at the wheel. He is so stiff as to be painful to watch.… Expand
  9. WillA
    Feb 26, 2007
    4
    Top Design's problems: You never become intimate with the contestant's design process and work. It's very distant. The show lacks emotion, from the absence of competition between designers to Todd Oldham's lackluster-ness. (Todd is no Tim Gunn.) There's also no design authority. Todd doesn't carry weight. . .he's a fashion designer turned product Top Design's problems: You never become intimate with the contestant's design process and work. It's very distant. The show lacks emotion, from the absence of competition between designers to Todd Oldham's lackluster-ness. (Todd is no Tim Gunn.) There's also no design authority. Todd doesn't carry weight. . .he's a fashion designer turned product merchandiser. . . . The highlights? Definitely Margaret Russell and Kelly Wearstler. Jonny Adler is good but forced. And where are the special guest stars? Who are these people?… Expand

Awards & Rankings

37
#37 Best TV Season of 2007
59
#59 Most Discussed TV Season of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Jessica Shaw
    91
    The contestants are highly entertaining. [2 Feb 2007, p.116]
  2. San Jose Mercury News/Contra Costa Times
    Reviewed by: Charlie McCollum
    70
    [It] is a bit too slavish in its imitation of the "Runway'' formula, but in its opening episode, it shows signs of real promise.
    Read full review
  3. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    90
    Nobody said the creative process was pretty, but rarely has it made such electrifying TV.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »