The legacy of ’s America’s Next Top Model (ANTM) is undergoing a dramatic reassessment, and the picture emerging is far from the glamorous one Tyra Banks cultivated for over two decades. A new three-part Netflix docuseries, Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, is pulling back the curtain on a show increasingly remembered for its problematic practices and, as many former contestants allege, outright cruelty.
The series arrives in the wake of a growing chorus of criticism, fueled by viral clips resurfacing on social media and a renewed examination of the show’s impact. One particularly infamous moment – Banks’ explosive confrontation with contestant Tiffany Richardson in – continues to circulate, serving as a potent symbol of the show’s often-harsh and emotionally damaging approach. As one observer noted, the clip, initially a meme, now reveals a darker undercurrent.
Reality Check isn’t the first attempt to dissect the show’s complicated history. Last year saw the release of the podcast, Curse of: America’s Next Top Model, laying the groundwork for a more thorough investigation. But the Netflix series, with its broader reach and access to key figures, is poised to be the definitive account. The docuseries allows both Banks and other participants to recount their experiences, offering a surprisingly candid look at the show’s inner workings.
The criticisms leveled against ANTM are numerous and varied. Former contestants have spoken out about body shaming, racially insensitive challenges, and the psychological toll of competing in a high-pressure environment. The show’s attempts at “makeovers” often resulted in contestants being pressured to conform to unrealistic beauty standards, and the competitive nature of the show frequently fostered conflict and insecurity.
Jay Manuel, a former on-screen personality alongside Banks, suggests the public only saw the tip of the iceberg. He hints at even more troubling incidents that occurred off-camera, stating in the docuseries that there were lines he “will probably never repeat” from a particularly fraught day of filming. This suggests a level of behind-the-scenes manipulation and emotional distress that went largely unseen by viewers at the time.
The timing of this reevaluation is significant. The current cultural climate demands accountability, and reality television – once largely considered harmless entertainment – is now being scrutinized for its ethical implications. The rise of the “accountability documentary,” exemplified by projects focusing on Britney Spears and Abercrombie & Fitch, demonstrates a growing appetite for revisiting and reassessing past pop culture phenomena through a more critical lens.
Banks herself acknowledged the show’s shortcomings in , tweeting that she agreed with criticisms of “insensitivity” and admitted to making “really off choices.” However, the docuseries suggests that this acknowledgment may not be enough.
Lisa D’Amato, a contestant from Cycle 5, has been particularly vocal in her criticism, accusing Banks of attempting a “money grab” with the docuseries and trying to “save face.” D’Amato’s comments highlight a deep-seated resentment among some former contestants who feel that Banks has not fully taken responsibility for the harm caused by the show.
The show, which ran for 24 “cycles,” initially presented itself as a groundbreaking platform for aspiring models, aiming to disrupt the fashion industry. However, the docuseries reveals how that ambition often devolved into exploitation and emotional manipulation. The series traces the evolution of the show from a relatively innocent competition to what many now describe as a “TV horror show.”
The impact of America’s Next Top Model extends beyond the individual experiences of the contestants. The show helped shape perceptions of beauty and success for an entire generation, and its legacy continues to be felt today. The current wave of criticism raises important questions about the ethics of reality television and the responsibility of producers and hosts to protect the well-being of their participants.
While Banks has demonstrated a willingness to acknowledge past mistakes, the docuseries suggests that a more thorough reckoning is needed. Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model isn’t simply a retrospective; it’s a challenge to the entertainment industry to confront its own problematic history and to prioritize the well-being of those who participate in its productions. The series is forcing a difficult conversation about the cost of entertainment and the lasting impact of a show that, for many, was anything but glamorous.
