A new three-part Netflix docuseries, Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, delves into the chaotic history of the long-running reality show created by Tyra Banks. Launched in 2003, the series spanned 24 cycles and became known for dramatic meltdowns and viral moments disguised as a modeling competition.
Disturbing Challenges and Behind-the-Scenes Revelations
The documentary compiles troubling scenes from the show, including body-shaming weigh-ins, unchecked eating disorders, emotional makeover episodes, and challenges that ranged from offensive to deeply insensitive. Contestants recall being instructed to “switch ethnicities” during photoshoots, a decision later repeated in subsequent cycles despite initial regrets from production staff.
Other shoots depicted models as homeless individuals, a bulimic figure with fake vomit, and crime victims with simulated violent injuries. One contestant described posing as a woman shot in the head—a traumatic prompt given her mother’s paralysis from a real gunshot wound. Producer Ken Mok expressed remorse on camera for this incident.
Interviews with Key Figures
Tyra Banks, who hosted and executive-produced the show, features prominently alongside former judges Nigel Barker, Miss J Alexander, and Jay Manuel—all removed before cycle 19, a change Banks said left her devastated. 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 series more as exploitative reality TV than a career stepping stone. Only a few, such as Winnie Harlow, achieved lasting success afterward.
Shandi Sullivan’s cycle two ordeal stands out as particularly harrowing, with Banks requiring reminders of the events. Directors Mor Loushy and Daniel Sivan question participants on key moments, though Banks attributes issues to era-specific beauty standards, agent advice, viewer expectations, and network demands.
Apologies and Future Plans
Banks offers a rare unreserved apology to a contestant alleging inappropriate touching during a shoot. She also concedes she “went too far” in her famous critique of Tiffany Richardson, yelling, “I was rooting for you.” Despite contestant accounts of pain, Banks enthusiastically announces plans for a cycle 25 revival.
Production Details
- Directors: Mor Loushy, Daniel Sivan
- Executive Producers: Mor Loushy, Daniel Sivan, Ryan Miller, Jason Beekman, Vanessa Golembewski, Jon Adler, Amanda Spain, Ian Orefice, Jonna McLaughlin
- Release Date: February 16
- Platform: Netflix
Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model streams now on Netflix, offering a stark look at the show’s impact and the reality TV era it defined.
