New Docu: The shocking truth behind America's Next Top Model

“If you, like me, love drama and a good story, then you absolutely cannot miss the documentary Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model . This documentary becomes so uncomfortable and painful with a look back at the infamous and problematic moments of the show. What happened back there behind the scenes? I have to admit: I almost forgot how incredibly far and low Tyra Banks went at the time, pushing boundaries that today, rightly so, would absolutely not be acceptable anymore. Tyra, the face of America’s Next Top Model, is confronted in this docu with her enormous impact that her choices at the time had on both the careers and well-being of the models.”

It all starts with the statement from Jay Manuel (a former stylist of the show) who says: “I realized Tyra would do anything for the success of her show.” And yes, that sounds like a bit of a warning that a lot was happening behind the scenes, and thus not always in the best interest of the participants.

This docu mainly zooms in on the extremes that were reached to keep all viewers engaged: physical interventions (!!) during make-overs, where models had to undergo medical procedures to fit into the ‘perfect’ image standards. This had consequences for their health and their own self-image. A model named Shannon says, for example: “There was a lot of body-shaming. You’re not thin enough.” She refers to the astonishingly harsh criticism the girls received about their appearance, often unjust and harmful.

“It was your fault!”

What is even more shocking is how the documentary shifts the blame back to the viewers. At one point, Tyra says: “But you guys were demanding it.” What does she mean by this? She suggests that the big dramas and shocking twists were produced because of the viewers’ desire for more intensity, which would yield higher ratings. This raises big questions about the responsibility of the show's creators for the treatment of the models.

One of the most beautiful and painful moments comes from Dani, who says: “It’s a TV show to you guys… but this is my life.” Here you see the big difference between the show as an entertainment product and the enormous emotional toll it took on the participants. This idea of “people as objects for sensation” is confirmed throughout the documentary, even by the staff themselves.

The relationship between Tyra and her staff

The relationship between Tyra, Jay Manuel, and the other icons of the show, such as Nigel Barker and Miss J, also proves to be more than problematic. They are portrayed in this documentary as people who no longer trusted each other after years of collaboration. Nigel even says: “We felt betrayed.” It seems that in her quest for success, Tyra even turned her team against her. Jay Manuel seems to suggest that Tyra didn't care how far she went: “Tyra could do anything for the success of her show.” Wow, okay. Quite intense to hear that from someone who was so close to her.

Ethical boundaries

But not only the physical aspect, but also the cultural one is heavily criticized. The documentary shows how models were forced into ‘ethnic makeovers’ where their ethnicity was adjusted for dramatic effect. The idea that the models had to give up their identity for the show is truly shocking. “We are actually going to switch your ethnicities” is a quote that we will all not quickly forget. This raises the question: How far is too far when it comes to putting young women in front of the camera?

And, if it wasn't clear yet, the mental damage inflicted is significant. We see Tyra herself talking about how intense the process was, but on the other hand: “You asked for this, so we kept pushing.” The models were forced to endure extreme situations, and that took its toll, both physically and mentally.

The rules of the fashion industry

All of this was wrapped in the glamorous packaging of the fashion world, an industry that has been guilty of the same abuses for years. The participants of ANTM had to conform to the standards of beauty, which resulted in a harmful experience for many. However, the story goes beyond the cameras: the documentary series appeals to our ethics as viewers. How far did we go to let these shows thrive? What does this mean for the girls who lost their identity for what ultimately was an entertainment product?

The big drama comes to light

This docu is therefore not only a look back at the successes of this once-iconic show, but also a deeper reflection on the harmful practices that accompanied it. Incredible how we, as viewers, also went along with this. Total destructive practices.

Tyra’s reflection and responsibility

But now, with hindsight, Tyra Banks finally gets the chance in this documentary to reflect on her role as producer and host of the show. She makes no secret of the fact that she did everything to make *America’s Next Top Model* a mega success, even if it came at the expense of the participants. Tyra herself says: *“I haven’t really said much, but now it’s time.”* It’s a moment of vulnerability in which she admits that she may have gone too far in her quest for perfect television. But it’s not just self-criticism; Tyra also shifts some of the blame to the viewers, by saying: *“But you guys were demanding it.”* Yeah right, Tyra. Seriously. The idea that the show was produced to satisfy the viewers, even if it meant that the models had to cross their physical and mental boundaries makes it all extra complex. Tyra ultimately acknowledges that the impact of her choices was significant (wow), but at the same time remains defensive of the sensation that the show had to create. It remains a discussion: where does the responsibility of the creators lie, and where does that of the audience begin?

New insights and intimate reflections

What’s more: because we not only get a glimpse behind the scenes, but also a deeper dive into the impact that the show has had on those involved. Their personal stories and reflections bring a new perspective on the show that forever influenced the fashion industry in its time.

The docuseries, according to the official logline, reveals the complicated legacy of *America’s Next Top Model* and poses the pressing question: “How far are we willing to go for entertainment?” The documentary not only provides new insights but also examines the real impact that the show had on those involved, both culturally and personally.

So, mark February 16 in your calendar. Are you ready to see the truth behind this shiny facade of America’s Next Top Model? It’s definitely everything you need to understand how deep the impact of that show went and what toll it has taken on the people who made it possible.

Bizarre. This. Whole. Story.

Source: Netflix