Why you should be excited for the ‘America’s Next Top Model’ documentary
It was 2003 when the idea first came to create a reality TV series set in the world of modelling, where American Idol met The Real World to form what would come to be known as America’s Next Top Model. Now, Netflix is busy fanning the flames of a documentary series, offering viewers an unprecedented look behind the scenes of that very show that had become a household name.
Titled Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, the upcoming documentary will unveil the inner workings of the show, which became a trending juggernaut with a global audience of over 100million viewers at its peak.
Directed by Mor Loushy and Daniel Sivan, the three-part documentary is packed with interviews with America’s Next Top Model’s key figures, who look back upon their time on the show.
So, if you’re someone who loves the world of fashion and modelling as much as reality TV, here’s a rundown of what to expect from Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model on Netflix.
What happened in America’s Next Top Model?
Created by Tyra Banks and co-developed by Ken Mok and Kenya Barris, America’s Next Top Model is a hit reality series that ran for 24 seasons, or “cycles” as they called it on the show, from 2003 to 2016. With each new cycle came a new squad of budding models with dreams larger than life, who lived together, competed in challenges, and confronted weekly eliminations. The ultimate survivor was named “America’s Next Top Model,” who was awarded a spread in a fashion magazine with contracts with a formidable brand and a modelling agency.
Since the reality TV series concluded a decade ago, existing and new fans have actively revisited it, especially in the pandemic-era binge-watching season. They have turned to social media to reflect on its cultural momentum while opening up about its controversial moments, questioning the fairness of treatment. In the docu-series, Banks, Mok, and ex-judges will address those questions and shed light on their perspectives.
Who’s interviewed in the documentary?
Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model features interviews with Tyra Banks, Ken Mok, former judges, including Jay Manuel, J Alexander, and Nigel Barker. Additionally, ex-contestants and winners, including Whitney Thompson, Giselle Samson, Shannon Stewart, Shandi Sullivan, Dani Evans, and Keenyah Hill, appear.
What went down between Tyra Banks, Jay Manuel, J Alexander, and Nigel Barker?
In 2003, Banks’ ex-makeup artist, Jay Manuel, appeared in America’s Next Top Model for its debut cycle as creative director, and J Alexander joined as the runway coach. With Nigel Barker, who became the fashion photographer in cycle two, the trio formed the crux of the judging panel for almost a decade.
When their contracts expired in 2012, they weren’t brought back. And Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model provides insights into the specifics surrounding their departure from the show.
Is there a trailer available?
Yes! Netflix recently unveiled a trailer for Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model.
When does Reality Check release?
Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model is scheduled to premiere on February 16th. Save the date!