America’s Next Top Model, the long-running reality series launched in 2003 by Tyra Banks, faces scrutiny in the new Netflix docuseries Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model. This three-part series chronicles the show’s dramatic highs and lows across 24 cycles, highlighting moments of intense competition and controversy.

Show’s Rise and Controversial Elements

The series debuted as a modeling competition but evolved into a platform filled with emotional meltdowns and viral challenges. Viewers recall Banks teaching contestants her signature ‘smize’—smiling with the eyes—and critiquing poses to avoid the ‘no neck monster.’ The docuseries compiles scenes of body-shaming weigh-ins, unchecked eating disorders, tearful makeovers, and challenges that ranged from offensive to disturbing.

Contestants faced shoots where producers instructed them to ‘switch ethnicities,’ a decision later repeated despite initial backlash. Other themes included styling models as homeless individuals, a bulimic character with fake vomit, and simulated crime victims. One participant, whose mother was paralyzed by a gunshot, posed as a woman shot in the head, prompting remorse from producer Ken Mok.

Reflections from Key Figures

Tyra Banks, the host and executive producer, appears alongside former judges Nigel Barker, Miss J Alexander, and Jay Manuel, who were removed before cycle 19—a change Banks described as heartbreaking. Contestants like Whitney Thompson, Giselle Samson, Shannon Stewart, Shandi Sullivan, Dani Evans, and Keenyah Hill share their experiences.

Banks explains her original vision emphasized racial and body diversity in fashion. However, many participants now view the show more as reality entertainment than a career launchpad. Only a few, such as Winnie Harlow, achieved lasting success; most returned to private lives. Shandi Sullivan recounts a particularly traumatic sequence from cycle two, details of which Banks needed prompting to recall.

Banks Addresses Criticisms

Directors Mor Loushy and Daniel Sivan question participants on pivotal moments. Banks attributes issues to narrow beauty standards, agent demands, viewer expectations, and network pressures. She offers apologies in specific cases: one for a contestant’s claim of inappropriate touching during a shoot and another admitting she went ‘too far’ with Tiffany Richardson, famously saying, ‘I was rooting for you.’

Banks expresses enthusiasm for a potential cycle 25 revival.

Production Details

• Directors: Mor Loushy and Daniel Sivan
• Executive Producers: Mor Loushy, Daniel Sivan, Ryan Miller, Jason Beekman, Vanessa Golembewski, Jon Adler, Amanda Spain, Ian Orefice, and Jonna McLaughlin
• Key Interviewees: Tyra Banks, Ken Mok, Jay Manuel, J Alexander, Nigel Barker, Whitney Thompson, Giselle Samson, Shannon Stewart, Shandi Sullivan, Dani Evans, Keenyah Hill
• Release Date: February 16
• Platform: Netflix

The docuseries streams on Netflix, offering fresh insights into the cultural impact and challenges of a defining reality TV era.