Forget 2016, 2003 is back! Get ready to take a trip down memory lane with the new America’s Next Top Model docu-series.
Set to release on February 16, Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model will breakdown the dramatic show that is still a viral juggernaut to this day.
The series garnered an audience of over 100 million people at its peak, so the three-part Netflix series is sure to be a success.
Here is everything we know about the highly-anticipated documentary:
What is the documentary about?
The upcoming docu-series will focus on the show, America’s Next Top Model, which was created by Tyra Banks and developed by Ken Mok and Kenya Barris.
The hugely successful show ran for 24 seasons from 2003-2016, and each series brought its own unforgettable moments- our favourite has to be Tyra Banks’ iconic “We Were All Rooting for You” outburst at Tiffany Richardson.
Other more controversial moments include the “Biracial Shoot” in Season 1 where contestants were made-up to represent different races (yikes), and the “Homeless-themed Shoot’ in Season 10 where contestants posed alongside unhoused people.
The judges also not only critiqued the model’s poses, but also their hair, body shape, weight… and even their teeth!
Despite its outrageous shoots and the extreme makeovers some models endured, the show offered the opportunity of a lifetime to many women hoping to become successful in the industry.
The winner of each series was aptly named “America’s Next Top Model” and awarded a deal with a top modelling agency, contracts with major fashion brands and a full spread in a fashion magazine.
Who will feature in the documentary?
It wouldn’t be a proper America’s Next Top Model documentary without appearances from the people who fronted the 2000s show.
The docu-series will feature sit-down interviews with Tyra Banks, Ken Mok, and former judges Jay Manuel, J. Alexander (aka Miss J), and Nigel Barker.
Some former contestants and winners will also feature including Whitney Thompson, Giselle Samson, Shannon Stewart, Shandi Sullivan, Dani Evans, and Keenyah Hill.
What did Tyra Banks say in the documentary trailer?
Tyra Banks has been notoriously quiet about criticism of the show, but fans will now hear directly from her.
In the trailer, Banks admits she went overboard with the harsh comments she made to models to keep viewers entertained.
“I knew I went too far. It was very, very intense, but you guys were demanding it, so we kept pushing it, more and more and more,” she explained in the trailer for Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model.
However, fans were quick to call out the model on her deflective apology.
One user commented under the YouTube trailer and said: “Throwing the blame of your actions on the audience is crazy.”
What are fans saying about the new documentary?
Aside from slamming Tyra for using the viewers as an excuse for her cruel comments throughout the series, fans showed their excitement for the show.
One user took to the comments section of YouTube to gush: “OMG I’m sat, this show was my childhood,” whilst another penned: “ANTM was me and my mum’s favourite show to watch together. But I NEVER wanted to be on it lol.”
When will the documentary be released?
Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model will premiere on February 16, 2026.
Where can you watch the docu-series in Australia?
The docu-series will be available on Netflix.
You can watch the trailer for Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model here.
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