Is Season 2 better than Season 1?

It's different. Season 1 is more technical and 'fashion-forward' with Alexa Chung. Season 2 is more high-energy and pop-culture focused with Gigi Hadid. Most kids prefer the faster pace of Season 2.

How much 'adult' content is actually in it?

Very little. There's some mild swearing (often bleeped) and the occasional 'sexy' outfit, but it's much cleaner than your average dating reality show.

Will this make my kid want to buy expensive clothes?

Actually, it's more likely to make them want to make clothes. The show emphasizes the labor and skill behind the garments rather than just the brand names.

In a 'vocational' way, yes. It teaches about textiles, geometry (pattern making), and the history of certain fashion movements.

Next in Fashion – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Next in Fashion

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2020

84%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A high-speed sewing circle where the stakes are high and the creative problem-solving is genuinely impressive.

7.3/10

85%

44%

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Next in Fashion

show

TV-14, 2020

84%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A high-speed sewing circle where the stakes are high and the creative problem-solving is genuinely impressive.

7.3

85%

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7.3/10

85%

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Screenwise Verdict

Next in Fashion is essentially Project Runway with a massive Netflix budget and a much kinder soul. It replaces the catty backstabbing of early-2000s reality TV with a genuine celebration of craft. For a kid who spends their time on Pinterest or drawing in the margins of their notebook, this is high-octane fuel for the imagination.

Season 1 (with Alexa Chung) feels a bit more technical and 'fashion-insider,' while Season 2 (with Gigi Hadid) leans into a more upbeat, pop-culture vibe. Both are excellent examples of how to show the 'work' behind the 'art.' It's one of the few reality competitions that might actually make your kid want to go learn how to use a sewing machine.

Age Fit

Best for kids 10 and up. While the official rating is higher, the content is mostly safe for middle-schoolers who are interested in art, design, or DIY projects.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

While it is a high-stakes competition, the designers are generally supportive of one another. The tone is more about professional respect and artistic growth than the manufactured 'villain' arcs seen in trashier reality TV.

Imaginative

The show is a masterclass in creative problem-solving. Watching designers turn a pile of upholstery fabric into a red-carpet gown in 48 hours is pure inspiration for any kid with a sketchbook.

Safe

It is a Netflix reality show, so expect some mild profanity (often bleeped) and high-stress moments. Fashion choices can be 'edgy' or revealing, but it stays well within the bounds of a standard PG-13 vibe.

Enriching

Beyond the aesthetics, it highlights technical skills like pattern-making, draping, and textile choice. It treats fashion as a serious trade and a legitimate career path.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Technical mastery is front and center, showing kids that 'creative' also means 'hard work and specific skills.'
The diverse cast features international designers with wildly different cultural perspectives on beauty and style.
It avoids the toxic drama typical of the genre, focusing instead on the camaraderie of the 'sewing room.'
Hosts like Tan France and Gigi Hadid bring genuine industry knowledge rather than just scripted quips.

⚠

What to Watch For

The time-pressure stress can be intense for younger or highly empathetic viewers who hate seeing people spiral.
Some runway looks push boundaries with transparency or unconventional cuts that might lead to 'is that allowed?' questions from younger kids.
Occasional mild language and adult-oriented industry talk about 'sexiness' and 'commercial appeal.'

Conversation Starters

"If you had to design an outfit based on a piece of furniture in this room, what would it look like?"
"Why do you think some designers struggle more with the time limit than others?"
"Which designer's personal story or background do you think shows up most in their clothes?"
"Is fashion an art form or just a way to make products people buy?"

Deep Dive

The 'Maker' Reality Show We Need

Most reality TV is built on the 'crabs in a bucket' mentality—contestants pulling each other down to get to the top. Next in Fashion pivots. It focuses on designers who are already established in some way, meaning they aren't just there for fifteen minutes of fame; they're there to prove their technical worth. This shift in focus makes the show feel more like a documentary about high-level craft than a soap opera.

For parents, the 'enrichment' here isn't just about clothes. It's about watching people handle critique. The judges don't just say 'I hate it'; they explain why a silhouette doesn't work or why a fabric choice was a disaster. Watching a designer take that feedback, pivot mid-challenge, and produce something better is a great lesson in resilience.

Season 1 vs. Season 2

There's a notable vibe shift between the two seasons. Season 1 felt a bit more international and perhaps a little more 'high fashion' in its sensibilities. Season 2, which arrived after a long hiatus, feels more 'Netflix-ified'—brighter colors, bigger personalities, and Gigi Hadid bringing a more mainstream, influencer-adjacent energy. Some fans of the first season found the second a bit too bubbly, but for a younger audience, the Season 2 energy might actually be more engaging.

Why it beats the competition

Unlike Project Runway, which can sometimes feel repetitive after twenty-plus seasons, Next in Fashion uses its budget to create massive, themed sets and brings in high-tier guest judges (like Donatella Versace). It treats the final runway shows like actual events rather than just a walk across a studio floor. If your kid is into the 'Maker' movement or loves seeing how things are built from scratch, this is the gold standard for the genre.