“Project Runway” is moving to Lifetime. Or is it?

Pulling off a stunning poach job, Lifetime has acquired Bravo’s biggest hit and plans to air it for at least the next five seasons. But not so fast, says NBC Universal, the parent company of Bravo. It has filed a lawsuit in an effort to keep Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn in their stable.

NBC accuses the owner of “Project Runway,” the Weinstein Company, of violating its rights by making the deal with Lifetime. The suit asserts Harvey Weinstein, the chief executive of the Weinstein Company, promised NBC that it would have the chance to match any offer to the rights of “Project Runway” and that instead, Weinstein concluded a deal with Lifetime on Feb. 7, even though he continued to negotiate with NBC for two more months.

David Boies, the lawyer for the Weinstein Company, said in a statement: “We believe that this lawsuit is without merit. …”

The show is scheduled to start on Lifetime in November, although the next cycle is still set to air before that on Bravo.

We’ve been told over and over that one of the consequences of the writers strike is that we’ll be drowning in reality TV over the coming months. If only those shows could be as compelling as “Project Runway,” maybe it wouldn’t seem like such a wicked curse.

Yes, TV’s most fashionable hit returns for its fourth season tonight and we’re totally stoked here at the Freak House, where we’ve already previewed the opener. We’re pleased to report that Heidi Klum (looking as delicious as ever), Tim Gunn (as stylish as ever) and all our favorite snarky judges are back, along with 15 new designers hoping to sew up the title.

It always takes a little while to get a feel for the cast, but this one looks intriguing, to say the least. You’ve got a tattoo-emblazoned woman with the nickname of “Sweet P” — a holdover from her days with an all-girl biker club. There’s another gal who carries the moniker of “Kit Pistol,” who declares that “life is too short to have on a bad outfit.” There’s a buff dude with some of the best abs you’ve ever seen, a pudgy guy with a twinkle in his eye, and a cocky little man named Christian whose head is topped with a complex, asymmetrical ‘do that Sanjaya would die for.

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I was stunned at my wife Diane’s reaction last night when it was announced that Jeffrey Sebelia captured the top prize in this season’s “Project Runway.”

“I’ll never watch this show again! I’ll never read Elle magazine! I’ll never buy TRESemme hair products!” she blurted as she stomped out of the room.

Diane, who has always had a strong sense of morality, was livid to see that, once again, a reality show has rewarded bad behavior and general boorishness. I can definitely see her point. Jeffrey was the show’s king jerk — a total ass at times — and I didn’t want him to win either. (We both thought Uli Herzner’s collection was stronger).

Still, as we all know, true artists are not always angels. And there’s no doubt that, over the long haul, Jeffrey was the most edgy and innovative of the designers. Going into the finale, I thought the only person who could topple him was fan favorite Michael Knight, but Michael blew it with a disappointing Fashion Week collection.

Oh well, at least I’ll be watching when the show returns in the middle of next year — even if Diane isn’t.

Checked out Part 1 of the “Project Runway” finale last night and was frustrated to find that it took us absolutely nowhere. It was really just an overly padded tease for next week’s final hour and didn’t even provide resolution to the much-talked about Laura/Jeffrey scandal. Oh, I feel like the victim of a great big mind-screw!

I did, however, enjoy the scenes where Tim Gunn visted the homes of the four finalists to check on their progress. They gave us new insights into each of the designers and more of a feel for their personalities. And I loved it when one of Laura’s five kids greeted Tim with turtle poop.

Which brings me to a personal gripe: Tim Gunn does nothing for me. I know this is blasphemy among the “Runway” faithful, who love him to death. But the guy gets on my nerves. Seldom have I seen him offer anything in the way of real tangible and constructive criticism. If I hear him say “make it work” just one more time, I may have to go “auf.”

Do you even have to ask? Of course, I watched “Project Runway” last night. I’m utterly and hopelessly addicted.

How did this happen? You got me. I’m usually just a casual fan of reality shows. I have never been much of a fashion hound (I’ve got the wardrobe to prove it). And it’s not like I spent my childhood helping my sister dress her Barbies. (Honest).

But for some reason, I love, love, love this show. Maybe it has something to do with the way it pushes its frazzled contestants to create sartorial art under extreme pressure. Maybe it’s the bitching and sniping. Maybe it’s the sight of Heidi Klum in skimpy little outfits.

Whatever it is, I’m hooked, although it was quite a blow to see sweet Alison get the “You’re out” kiss-off. When, oh when, are they going to dump that Mistress of Evil, Laura?