America's Next Top Model (ANTM) is set to make a comeback, but this time, it's not in front of the camera. Instead, viewers are getting an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the reality TV phenomenon in a new documentary titled "Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model". The three-part series will be available on Netflix starting February 16, 2026.
Created by Tyra Banks and developed by Ken Mok and Kenya Barris, ANTM ran for 24 seasons from 2003 to 2021, becoming one of the most iconic and controversial modeling competitions in television history. The show was known for launching the careers of several high-profile models, but it also faced significant criticism for its intense, often exploitative, treatment of contestants.
The upcoming documentary promises to delve into the show's complicated history, featuring interviews with former contestants, producers, and judges, including Tyra Banks, who hosted the series for the majority of its run. In a recent interview, Banks admitted to going "too far" in her role as host, acknowledging the harsh criticism the show received over the years.
The documentary will tackle the darker side of reality TV, exploring how the show impacted the careers and lives of its contestants. It will also address the allegations of abuse and manipulation that have long plagued the series. As one of the most controversial reality shows of all time, "America's Next Top Model" has left a lasting impact on the modeling industry and pop culture at large.
With the rise of social media and increased scrutiny on reality TV, the documentary comes at a pivotal time. It offers a unique opportunity to revisit the show's legacy and reflect on the broader implications of reality television. As Tyra Banks stated, "It's important to acknowledge the mistakes of the past and learn from them. This documentary is a chance to do just that".
However, some former contestants, like Adrianne Curry, have criticized the documentary for being "too woke" and not accurately representing the experiences of the contestants. Curry, who won the first cycle of ANTM, has expressed concern that the series may not offer a balanced perspective on the show's impact. Despite this, fans and critics alike are eager to see how the documentary will address the show's legacy and what new insights it will provide into the world of modeling and reality TV. The series is a significant milestone as it will be the first time the public gets an intimate look behind the scenes of one of the most iconic reality TV shows of all time.
