Ep 136. Tim Gunn

In the seventeenth season of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, episode 136 welcomes fashion consultant, author, actor, and television personality Tim Gunn as the guest. The focus of the episode is on Tim's life and career, including the progression of his career in fashion, his stint as a mentor on Project Runway, and his recent foray into acting.

As the show begins, Jon Stewart introduces Tim as "an American treasure," setting the tone of reverence for the fashion guru. Tim then joins Stewart on stage to get into the nitty-gritty of everything fashion. They start with Tim's journey into fashion, how he did not think he belonged in the industry but later found his calling in teaching and mentoring. With his kind and gentle demeanor, Tim won the hearts of the audience and his mentees.

The conversation turns to Project Runway, which Tim admits he had no idea was going to be so successful. The show was in its fourth season when Tim joined, and it has now been going on for over 15 years. Tim credits the show's success to its talented designers, and he enjoys watching them learn and grow each season. Stewart also inquires about Tim's quirks, such as his signature catchphrase “Make it work” and his infamous method of measuring contestants. Tim reveals that the measuring stick was a last-minute improvisation because he thought it would make for good TV.

Next, the focus shifts to Tim's acting career, particularly his recent Broadway performance in "The New Adventures of Old Christine." Tim says he is drawn to acting as a challenge and a means of stepping out of his comfort zone. He also discusses how he had always been a fan of Julia Louis-Dreyfus, which made working on the show an even more significant opportunity for him.

As the show progresses, Tim shares his thoughts on the fashion industry and how it has developed over the years. He laments the absence of the "craft" in fashion these days and how the industry has become more about profit and less about passion. He also laments the lack of diversity on runways. Tim believes diversity is essential, not only in the models used but also in the designers who are given opportunities to showcase their work.

The episode concludes with a segment called "Tim Gunn's Guide to Tying a Tie," which is both hilarious and informative. Tim guides Stewart through the steps of tying a perfect knot, quipping his way through the process.

Overall, this episode of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart is a delightful treat for anyone interested in fashion and Project Runway. Tim Gunn's charm and wit come through as he shares his life story and opinions on fashion and the industry itself. The conversation between Tim and Stewart is engaging and humorous, with Stewart playing the perfect straight man to Tim's quirkiness. If you're a fashion enthusiast or just a fan of Tim Gunn, this episode is not to be missed.