The Hype follows the established formula of its predecessors Project Runway and Making the Cut, in which several designers are assigned various challenges, compete for cash, and get eliminated one by one.
Contestants hail from across the country and bring a range of talent levels. Kai Nguyen, a designer of Vietnamese descent in Los Angeles, owns a well-regarded clothing brand. Colombian-born Camila Romero has loads of passion but shaky sewing skills. Chicago native Justin Mensinger hand-sews garments with upcycled materials—a baby-blue hoodie he makes from a quilt is a highlight of one episode.
HBO Max is not renewing the reality fashion competition series “The Hype,” where rapper Offset was a regular series judge and producer.The series premiered in August of 2021 and ran two seasons before reportedly getting the axe. Migos rapper Offset, real name Kiari Kendrell Cephus, 30, appeared on the series regularly alongside fashion stylists Beth ‘Bephie’ Berkitt and Marni Senofonte.
Showcasing contestants’ abilities to wow the judges with their streetwear designs, “The Hype” awarded a ‘co-sign’ from the judges as well as a $150,000 cash prize. Some famous names appeared on the show as guest judges during the two seasons, including Offset’s wife Cardi B, A$Ap Ferg, and famed stylist and host of another canceled HBO series “Legendary,” Law Roach.
