The Netflix documentary series Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, set to premiere February 16, is already generating controversy with claims of a deeply problematic production environment, according to reports. The three-part series, directed by Mor Loushy and Daniel Sivan, promises an unprecedented look behind the scenes of the reality television show that captivated audiences for 24 seasons.
Created by Tyra Banks, along with Ken Mok and Kenya Barris, America’s Next Top Model launched in 2003 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon, attracting a global audience exceeding 100 million viewers at its peak. The show followed aspiring models as they competed in challenges and faced weekly eliminations, with the winner receiving a modeling contract and a magazine spread. However, the documentary suggests the pursuit of ratings and drama came at a significant cost.
The series features interviews with key figures involved in the show, including host Tyra Banks, as well as former judges Jay Alexander, Nigel Barker and Jay Manuel, and former contestants. Banks herself stated in the documentary trailer, “I haven’t really said much, but now it’s time,” hinting at a willingness to address long-standing criticisms of the show’s practices.
While details of the specific allegations remain largely under wraps ahead of the premiere, the documentary’s description indicates it will explore both the show’s popularity and its “problematic nature.” It characterizes the series as a chronicle of “explosive drama, public meltdowns, and controversies that still fuel viral moments today.”
Former America’s Next Top Model winner Adrianne Curry publicly voiced her disapproval of the documentary, stating she declined to participate, citing a lack of trust in producers and a desire to remain private. Curry posted on social media that she was “hard retired from Hollywood.”
The release of Reality Check comes amid a broader reevaluation of early 2000s reality television, with many shows facing scrutiny for exploitative practices and harmful portrayals. The documentary is expected to fuel further debate about the ethics of reality TV and the impact of such programs on participants.
Tyra Banks has hinted at the possibility of a 25th cycle of America’s Next Top Model, suggesting her involvement with the franchise is not yet complete. However, the reception to the Netflix documentary could significantly influence any future plans for the show.
