Catwalk to Controversy: The ANTM Tell All Docu-Series Is Coming

Finally, after over two decades since the first episode aired in 2003, America’s Next Top Model is being unpacked in a new tell-all series.

Hitting our screens on February 16, 2026, we are getting a three-part Netflix series, Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, and it’s the exposé we’ve been waiting for.

In case you aren’t familiar, ANTM was a reality TV show hosted by supermodel Tyra Banks that ran for a total of 24 seasons. The show featured aspiring models competing in weekly challenges, photoshoots and walking runways to secure a career in the modelling industry.

Over the 24 seasons of the show, there was a rotating judge panel, but the most known judges were host Tyra, photographer Nigel Baker, runway coach J. Alexander (Miss J) and supermodel, Janice Dickinson.

 

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From the trailer of the docu-series, we see Tyra Banks admitting: “I knew I went too far” as well as insights from former judge Jay Manuel who says that, “Tyra would do anything for the success of her show”.

With an audience of over 100 million people and iconic (and controversial) clips still being shared online to this day, the show was definitely successful… but at what cost?

Cycle six winner Danielle ‘Dani’ Evans appears in the trailer stating, “It’s a TV show to you guys, but this is my life.”

The show faced more controversy as the years went by with models being harshly judged through body shaming, models being told to switch ethnicities as part of a challenge, and even real medical procedures being done as part of a makeover.

 

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On cycle five, model Cassandra was given a short, blonde, pixie cut and was devastated. She was then ridiculed by the judges for not appreciating the change. When she refused to have her hair cut shorter she was kicked off the set, but Cassandra decided to leave the show on her terms.

ANTM was also problematic in terms of body image and body shaming, as is common in the modelling industry. The show was known for praising extremely thin women and disregarding concerns over eating disorders.

@henjin_1021 Cassandra refuses to cut her already short hair during a photoshoot #antm #americasnexttopmodel #topmodel #photoshoot #makeover #tyrabanks #cassandrajean #jaymanual #twiggy #fyp ♬ original sound – Henjin21

Several models underwent significant dental procedures such as widening gaps, filing down teeth for veneers and braces being removed without professional advice, all under the pressure of Banks.

The show also conducted highly controversial photoshoots where models were styled to embody different races and ethnicities. Cycle four featured models wearing Blackface during one shoot.

Although Tyra admits she went too far in the show, she has also blamed the audience for demanding more of her contestants.

The show also aired during the early 2000s when there was a different outlook on modelling, and the treatment of reality TV contestants, compared to today.

Either way, this docu-series will provide a well needed exposé of the iconic show. Roll on Feb 16!

Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model airs on February 16 on Netflix. 

Words by Nia Hayden