America’s Next Top Model, a cultural phenomenon that captivated millions during its ten-year run starting in 2003, is revisited in Netflix’s three-part docuseries, Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model. The show, which catapulted Tyra Banks into superstardom, was notable for its innovative photo shoots and memorable catchphrases like “smize,” but the past few years have seen a reassessment of its legacy, particularly concerning issues of body image and mental health.
At its peak, Top Model attracted over 100 million viewers globally, making it a staple of appointment television for many millennials. Despite its popularity, however, an increasing number of voices from younger generations, particularly Gen Z, have highlighted the show’s negatives—critiques that are central to the new docuseries. Through candid interviews with Banks, judges, and former contestants, Reality Check explores the often uncomfortable realities behind the glamorous façade.
While Banks presents herself as a pioneer aiming to diversify an exclusive industry, Reality Check reveals a darker adherence to the toxic norms prevalent within the fashion world during its airing. Contestants faced harsh judgments, with their bodies subjected to scrutiny on national television. Instances of body-shaming are recounted, such as moments where a contestant was ridiculed for her size and another was asked to pose in a manner deemed demeaning.
The docuseries does not shy away from detailing the harmful experiences of contestants, including a troubling confession from Shandi regarding an incident in Milan, where she experienced unwanted advances after consumption of alcohol. This moment, while distressing, exemplifies the documented manipulation and coercion contestants faced in pursuit of fame.
Despite insights from the judges expressing regret for the show’s past, it remains evident that much accountability is still lacking, especially from producers like Ken Mok. The interviews manifest a sentiment that acknowledges societal changes yet fall short of fully grappling with the consequences these young women endured.
Ultimately, while Reality Check brings to light many issues surrounding America’s Next Top Model, its framing of the show as merely a product of its time undermines the lasting, often painful impact it had on its contestants. Many former models, who today appear more confident and content, share their reflections, indicating growth and awareness stemming from their past. However, the docuseries could have delved deeper into the implications of their experiences, offering a more rigorous critique of the show’s legacy.
A hopeful sentiment lingers as many of these women have found a way to heal and thrive beyond their time on the show, marking a period of reflection and growth that highlights the power of resilience in the face of adversity.