Netflix will launch a three-part docuseries, Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, on February 16th at 3 a.m. ET. The series promises a deep dive into the history of the long-running reality competition, known for its explosive drama, viral controversies, and impact on pop culture.
The Show’s Legacy
America’s Next Top Model (ANTM), which aired from 2003 to 2017 across 24 seasons, played a significant role in launching the careers of several successful models. Contestants like Eva Marcille, Lio Tipton, and Yaya DaCosta owe part of their early exposure to the show’s platform. The docuseries features interviews with former participants, judges, and the series creator and host Tyra Banks.
Why This Matters
ANTM was groundbreaking for its time. It brought a previously exclusive industry into mainstream entertainment, but also faced criticism for its problematic judging standards, unrealistic expectations, and often insensitive treatment of contestants. The show’s legacy is complex, sparking ongoing debate about the pressures faced by aspiring models and the ethics of reality television.
How to Watch
The documentary will be available on all Netflix subscription tiers. Viewers can choose between the ad-supported Standard plan ($8/month), the Standard plan ($18/month), or the Premium plan ($25/month). The docuseries arrives at a time when reality TV re-evaluations are common, as audiences reconsider the impact of early 2000s competition shows.
The docuseries Reality Check is poised to revisit the controversial moments and cultural impact of America’s Next Top Model, offering both nostalgia and a critical look at the show’s place in television history.
