Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model: Who is speaking out, when the documentary will air, and why Tyra Banks is already facing backlash
It's been a long time coming!America’s Next Top Model will finally be addressing its scandals and problematic scenes in an upcoming Netflix documentary, Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model.
The hit show, which enjoyed a whopping 24 cycles between 2003 and 2018, became a huge phenomenon across the world and has shaped pop culture.
However, despite its success, ANTM and its host, Tyra Banks, have faced major criticism and backlash due to their treatment of the contestants, questionable photoshoots, and bodyshaming, to name just a few.
However, in a shock announcement last month, Tyra and the creators of the show have teamed up for what is expected to be a show-stopping documentary series.
What is documentary Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model about?
According to Netflix, the show will be a “definitive, must-watch chronicle of America’s Next Top Model”, which addresses “the chaos in front and behind the camera”.
In the trailer, supermodel Tyra Banks admitted, “I haven’t really said much. But now it’s time!”
The 52-year-old said her aim was to “fight against the fashion industry”. Cycle 10 alum, Whitney Thompson, who became the first plus-size winner, stated that the “only reason the door was open to me was because of Tyra”.
However, despite many positives that have come from the show, there were many dark times.
Judge Nigel Barker noted its huge audience of over 100 million people. Meanwhile, producer Ken Mok, who is also involved, admitted he “created a monster”.
With old clips that featured body shaming, harassment, blackface, and contestants being forced to get medical procedures, the series will be touching on many of its scandalous topics.
Jay Manuel, who appeared on the show between Cycles 1 to 18 as the show’s creative director, stated that Tyra “will be doing anything for the success of her show”, which then cut to Tyra confessing, “I knew I went too far”.
Following 18 cycles, Jay Manuel, Jay Alexander and Nigel Barker were suddenly axed from the show, which will also be addressed.
Describing the show as “intense”, Tyra added: “But you guys were demanding it! So we kept pushing more and and more.”
Who will be starring in the series?
Host and executive producer Tyra Banks and her producing partner, Ken Mok, are very much involved.
Previous judges Jay Manuel, Jay Alexander and Nigel Barker will also have their say, as well as people who worked behind the scenes.
In addition to Cycle 10 winner Whitney Thompson, many other contestants are also appearing, including Cycle 1 stars Shannon Stewart and Giselle Samson, Cycle 4’s Keenyah Hill and Cycle 6 winner Dani Evans.
When will the series drop?
On Monday (February 16), Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model will drop at 8 am on Netflix UK.
It will be a three-part series.
The documentary has been directed by Mor Loushy and Daniel Sivan. Executive producers are Ryan Miller, Jason Beekman, Vanessa Golembewski, Jon Adler, Amanda Spain, Ian Orefice, and Jonna McLaughlin.
Why the series is already facing backlash
While the show and Tyra might be attempting to clear their name, the series has already been facing backlash before its premiere.
“Wonder if she’ll take accountability for anything?” one user wrote in the comments. In response, someone replied: “She won’t, unfortunately.”
Another added: “I mean she just said in the trailer “you guys were demanding it” so I think not.”
“She never will. They never will. They’ll double down and gaslight,” a third remarked.
“Not Tyra blaming US,” a fourth said.
Meanwhile, another echoed: “So, she’s saying it’s our fault?”
‘I’ve actually never been more ready’
However, there are many excited fans.
“Sat and smized,” one wrote.
“And everyone is involved??? LEGENDARY!!!” another declared.
“Oh this is gonna be GOOD,” a third stated.
“I’ve actually never been more ready for a piece of content,” a fourth said.
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