BY ALEEZA GANI ’27
Reality TV in the early 2000s depended on drama and entertainment far more than ethics. No show embodied this method of prioritizing production better than “America’s Next Top Model”, the hit modeling competition series hosted by Tyra Banks. Premiering in 2003, the show promised aspiring models a chance at achieving their dreams. Contestants would go head-to-head in weekly challenges, like photoshoots and runway challenges, all for an opportunity to break into the ultra-exclusive fashion industry.
Back in the 2000s, people loved “ANTM”. The show opened up a closed-off industry, making modeling feel possible for anyone. But the recent Netflix documentary series “Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model” revisits the beloved program from a different angle, revealing the toxic truth of what really happened behind the scenes.
Released in February, the 3-part docuseries explores the controversies surrounding “ANTM”, and features interviews with former contestants, producers, judges, and even Banks, herself.
Among “ANTM”’s many issues, the docuseries examined the show’s negative impact on body image, not just for the models, but for viewers, as well. Former contestant Keenyah Hill explained how her weight was commented on repeatedly on photoshoots and in judging sessions, noting how the producers created a narrative that she had an overeating problem. Hill reflected that this mistreatment didn’t just impact her own self-esteem, but also normalized body-shaming culture for many “ANTM” viewers of the era.
The docuseries also acknowledged some of the show’s questionable challenges. During many photoshoots, producers chose themes that were absurd and sometimes even racially insensitive in order to gain viewers. One example of this was the notorious Cycle 4 photoshoot for the “Got Milk?” campaign, during which contestants were styled to portray a race other than their own. Despite the episode being criticized for racial insensitivity, Banks stood firm in the docuseries, saying that she didn’t find the challenge “controversial.”
“Reality Check” also explored how the production team exploited contestants for storylines, specifically highlighting the mistreatment of contestants Shandi Sullivan and Keenyah Hill by male models. The production crew was fully aware of the mistreatment and the dangerous circumstances surrounding these women, but failed to protect them. Instead, production manipulated these situations for plot development, resulting in further trauma for the contestants involved.
“Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model” exposes the dark truth of what was once an exciting show, reiterating how reality TV often prioritizes ratings over the well-being of its contestants. This docuseries serves as a reminder that entertainment often comes at the expense of the people on screen, forcing viewers to confront their own role in consuming what can often be exploitative content.
“Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model” is available for streaming now on Netflix.