Did America's Next Top Model Revolutionize Reality TV or Should It Have Never Existed?

America's Next Top Model (ANTM) remains a cultural touchstone for reality television, but its legacy is complex and often controversial. The show, which aired for 24 cycles from 2003 to 2018, is remembered for both its groundbreaking representation and its troubling moments, including body-shaming, racial insensitivity, and dangerous challenges. As new audiences discover the series during the pandemic, questions have arisen regarding its production ethics, treatment of contestants, and the cultural context in which it was created.

Last updated: 18 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The discourse surrounding America's Next Top Model has intensified following the resurgence of interest in the show during the Covid-19 pandemic. Viewers are now grappling with how the content of ANTM aligns with contemporary values, particularly in regard to race, body image, and mental health. The upcoming Netflix documentary, Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model, aims to explore these themes and provide a platform for former contestants to share their experiences, particularly regarding the treatment they received on the show.

Key takeaways

America's Next Top Model aired for 24 seasons, from 2003 to 2018, gaining a global audience.
Controversial moments included body-shaming, racial insensitivity, and dangerous stunts that pushed contestants to their limits.
The upcoming Netflix documentary revisits these issues, featuring insights from Tyra Banks and former contestants.

Timeline: how we got here

America's Next Top Model premiered on 20 May 2003, quickly becoming a staple of reality television. The series featured numerous cycles, each introducing a new group of aspiring models vying for a modelling contract. Key milestones include:

20 May 2003: ANTM premieres, hosted by Tyra Banks.
2004: Cycle 2 features controversial challenges and comments that spark early debates on ethics.
2018: The final cycle of the show concludes, after 24 seasons.
2020: The Covid-19 pandemic leads to renewed interest in the series, particularly among younger audiences.
2023: The Netflix documentary is announced, promising to explore the show's controversies and impact.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The forthcoming Netflix documentary aims to critically assess ANTM's legacy, featuring interviews with Tyra Banks and former contestants discussing their experiences. This renewed focus on the show has prompted discussions about the ethical responsibilities of reality TV producers and the mental health of contestants.

What was already established

ANTM has long been critiqued for its controversial approaches to modelling, including challenges that many deemed inappropriate or harmful. Contestants have spoken out about feeling exploited and the lack of adequate support during their time on the show.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For UK viewers, ANTM has influenced perceptions of beauty and modelling standards. The show's representation of diverse body types and ethnicities, while often fraught with controversy, has sparked conversations around inclusivity in fashion.

Businesses and jobs

The modelling industry in the UK has been shaped by the narratives presented in ANTM. While the show has been credited with promoting diversity, it also perpetuated unrealistic beauty standards, which have implications for casting and advertising in the fashion sector.

Policy and regulation

The conversations surrounding ANTM may influence regulatory discussions around reality television and the duty of care producers have towards contestants. As public scrutiny increases, there may be calls for clearer guidelines to protect participants in future reality shows.

Numbers that matter

24: The total number of cycles ANTM aired over 15 years.
170: The number of countries where ANTM has been broadcast.
3: The number of episodes in the upcoming documentary, which will feature in-depth discussions of the show's issues.
1: The number of contestants (Sophie Sumner) who won both Britain's Next Top Model and ANTM.
23: Years since the first cycle aired, highlighting the long-lasting impact of the show on both participants and viewers.

Definitions and jargon buster

Reality TV: A genre of television programming that documents unscripted real-life situations, often featuring ordinary people in dramatic scenarios.
Body-shaming: The act of criticizing or mocking someone based on their physical appearance, often leading to negative self-image.
Duty of care: A legal and ethical obligation to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals, particularly in professional environments.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the release date for the documentary approaches, public discussions about ANTM's legacy are expected to intensify. Viewers may re-evaluate their perceptions of reality TV and its impact on cultural standards.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Following the documentary's release, there may be increased pressure on reality TV producers to implement ethical standards and practices to protect contestants. The fashion industry might also see shifts in how it portrays diversity.

Signals to watch

Viewership numbers and social media engagement with the documentary.
Public responses and critiques from former contestants and industry professionals.
Potential policy changes regarding the treatment of contestants in reality television.

Practical guidance

Do

Engage with the documentary and discussions around it to understand different perspectives.
Be mindful of the impact of reality TV on societal beauty standards and self-image.
Support initiatives that promote diversity and mental health in the fashion industry.

Don’t

Dismiss the experiences of contestants as mere entertainment; they often carry lasting emotional scars.
Ignore the conversations around ethics in reality TV, as they are vital for future productions.
Assume that all contestants achieve fame or success after participating; many do not.

Checklist

Review the documentary and note key moments that resonate with you.
Reflect on how reality TV has influenced your views on beauty and self-worth.
Consider how discussions around ANTM might influence future reality shows.
Stay informed about industry changes regarding contestant welfare and representation.
Engage in conversations about the importance of mental health in the entertainment industry.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the documentary seeks to address past controversies, it may not cover all perspectives or experiences of the contestants. The way the show is critiqued today should consider the context of its time, but it’s essential to recognise that many of the issues raised are still relevant. The fashion and entertainment industries are evolving, and ongoing discussions are necessary to ensure accountability and ethical practices.

Bottom line

America's Next Top Model has left an indelible mark on reality television and the fashion industry. As new audiences rediscover the series, the upcoming Netflix documentary will provide a critical lens through which to assess its legacy. The discussions it sparks could lead to significant changes in how reality shows are produced and how contestants are treated. Understanding the impact of ANTM is crucial for shaping a more inclusive and responsible future in media.

FAQs

What was the purpose of America's Next Top Model?

The purpose of America's Next Top Model was to find the next supermodel by featuring contestants in various challenges, while showcasing diversity in the modelling industry.

How did ANTM influence the fashion industry?

ANTM raised awareness around issues of diversity and body image within the fashion industry, prompting discussions that continue to shape industry practices today.

Is the Netflix documentary a response to criticisms of ANTM?

Yes, the Netflix documentary addresses past controversies and provides a platform for former contestants to share their experiences, offering a critical examination of the show's legacy.