Twenty years after its debut, America’s Next Top Model continues to spark intense debate about the boundaries of reality television entertainment. The modeling competition, which ran for 24 seasons between 2003 and 2018, has become a cultural touchstone for discussions about exploitation, representation, and the ethics of televised competition.
The show’s format was deceptively simple: aspiring models competed in weekly challenges for a coveted modeling contract. However, beneath this premise lay a complex web of controversial moments that would define reality TV for decades. From public humiliation to questionable challenges, the series pushed boundaries that many now question should never have been crossed.
A Global Phenomenon with Lasting Impact
The series achieved remarkable international success, broadcasting in 170 countries and spawning numerous local adaptations worldwide. Its influence on reality television cannot be overstated, as it helped establish many of the genre’s most enduring tropes and formats.
Sophie Sumner, who competed on both the British and American versions of the show, provides unique insight into the program’s evolution. After appearing on Britain’s Next Top Model at 18, she later won the American version’s 18th cycle at 21. Her experience revealed stark differences between the two productions, with the American version proving significantly more intense and controversial.
Behind the Cameras: Contestant Experiences
Former participants describe an environment designed to create dramatic television rather than nurture aspiring models. Sumner recalls being pressured into dangerous photoshoots, including one atop a 338-meter tower during a rainstorm, despite her known fear of heights. The production team’s apparent disregard for contestant welfare in favor of ratings has become a central criticism of the show.
The competitive atmosphere extended beyond normal modeling industry pressures. Contestants faced challenges that many now view as inappropriate, including exercises that required participants to adopt different ethnic identities. These segments have been particularly criticized for their insensitive approach to race and cultural identity.
The Human Cost of Entertainment
Ebony Haith, a contestant from the show’s inaugural season in 2003, represents one of the most troubling examples of the program’s impact. During her time on the show, judges criticized her skin texture as appearing “ashy” and described her demeanor as “too harsh.” More than two decades later, Haith reports she is “still healing” from the experience.
The lasting psychological impact on contestants raises serious questions about the show’s duty of care. Many participants, particularly those from smaller communities, entered the competition expecting career advancement but instead faced public criticism that would follow them for years.
Modern Reassessment and Social Media Scrutiny
The COVID-19 pandemic brought renewed attention to the series as new audiences discovered it through streaming platforms and social media. Content creators like Oliver Twixt have built careers analyzing the show’s most controversial moments, interviewing over 100 former contestants to explore their experiences.
This modern scrutiny has intensified debates about whether the show’s controversial elements were products of their time or simply unacceptable by any standard. While some argue for historical context and the pioneering nature of early reality TV, others maintain that many of the show’s practices were problematic even by 2003 standards.
Addressing the Past
A forthcoming Netflix documentary promises to provide new perspective on the show’s controversies, featuring interviews with creator Tyra Banks and other key figures. The three-part series will reportedly see Banks acknowledging that certain moments “went too far,” marking a significant shift from previous defenses of the show’s approach.
The documentary’s directors emphasize that neither Banks nor the show’s producers had editorial control over the final product, suggesting a more critical examination of the series’ legacy. This development represents a broader trend of reality TV creators being held accountable for past programming decisions.
Industry Evolution and Lasting Questions
The fashion and entertainment industries have undergone significant changes since the show’s heyday, with movements like #MeToo reshaping professional standards and expectations. However, questions remain about the show’s ultimate impact and whether its promotion of diversity justified its controversial methods.
As reality television continues to evolve, America’s Next Top Model serves as both a cautionary tale and a historical artifact. Its influence on the genre is undeniable, but its legacy remains deeply complicated by the human cost of its pursuit of dramatic entertainment.
Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash
Photo by boris misevic on Unsplash
