Everything you need to know about Netflix's Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model
"Smile with your eyes. We call it 'smizing"
Last updated 57 minutes ago
A new behind-the-scenes docu-series, Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, is strutting its way to Netflix soon. It's an eye-opening look at the hit show’s legacy, from its high-fashion dreams to the controversies that still spark debate today.
Across three episodes, former contestants, judges and creators revisit the series’ most iconic and uncomfortable moments, asking what the show got right, what went too far and how it changed reality TV and modelling culture two decades on.
What is the docu-series about?
Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model will 'unpack the inner workings of the show, which became a viral juggernaut with a global audience of over 100 million people at its peak.
'The three-part series features interviews with ANTM’s key players, who reflect on their time on the show and take stock of its legacy — the highs and the lows — two-plus decades since it first aired', per the streamer's synopsis.
Taking to the comments section, fans were quick to post their reactions. One user wrote: 'This is so important for millennials', while another questioned: 'No Janice? No Twiggy!?.' An excited fan added: 'I’m SATTTTT! This show raised me. It was everything I religiously watched as a kid,' while a fourth said on a more serious note: 'Wonder if she'll take accountability for anything?'.
What was America’s Next Top Model about?
America’s Next Top Model, created by Tyra Banks and developed by Ken Mok and Kenya Barris, ran for 24 'cycles' from 2003 to 2016. Each season followed a group of aspiring models living together, taking on photoshoots and challenges, then facing weekly eliminations until one winner was crowned 'America’s Next Top Model' with a magazine spread and major brand and agency deals.
The show stood out for spotlighting models from communities often overlooked by fashion, but it also became infamous for its extreme makeover shoots, invasive cosmetic procedures and harsh critiques of contestants’ bodies and looks.
In the docuseries, Tyra, Ken, and former judges and contestants speak directly to those questions and reflect on the show’s complicated history.
Who will share their stories?
The show features new interviews with Tyra and executive producer Ken, alongside former judges Jay Manuel, J. Alexander (Miss J) and Nigel Barker.
Winners and fan-favourite contestants including Whitney Thompson, Giselle Samson, Shannon Stewart, Shandi Sullivan, Dani Evans and Keenyah Hill also return to unpack their experiences on and off camera.
Together, they revisit viral judging moments, behind-the-scenes tensions and how they feel about the show’s impact now.
Is there a trailer?
Yes - Netflix has released an official trailer for the upcoming show, which you can watch right here ⤵️.
When is it out on Netflix?
Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model's three-part docu-series drops on Netflix on 16th February 2026. All episodes will be available to stream on the platform from that date.
Who created the doc?
The docu-series is directed by Mor Loushy and Daniel Sivan, who also serve as co-executive producers. Executive producers include Ryan Miller, Jason Beekman, Vanessa Golembewski, Jon Adler, Amanda Spain, Ian Orefice and Jonna McLaughlin.
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