TMZ – A TLC official tells TMZ the Heene family approached the network “months ago” with a reality show idea, but the network passed.

TMZ has learned the Heene family has been pitching a reality show about the wacky family, as one TV source put it, “all over town.”

We’re told Richard Heene pitched a series to Reality Real, as well as RDF Productions. RDF produces “Wife Swap,” on which the family appeared back in March.

We’re also told the Heene’s have made the rounds at the networks, including TLC. Of course, TLC produced “Jon & Kate Plus 8.”

The cable channel said Thursday it has ordered a design-competition series called “The Fashion Show,” in which viewers pick the winner and the prize includes a retail deal.

Casting calls will be held starting next month and are set for Los Angeles, California; Miami, Florida; Chicago, Illinois; and New York, with potential contestants required to bring examples of their work, Bravo said. The series’ air date was not announced.

“The Fashion Show” is “the perfect complement to our successful fashion series `Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style’ and `The Rachel Zoe Project,”‘ Bravo Media executive Frances Berwick said in a statement.

Currently “Project Runway” is in a legal battle with NBC Universal and on hold for the time being.

“The Fashion Show” series’ air date was not announced.

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