'America's Next Top Model' Docuseries Trailer Drops - Here's What We Know

A trailer released on Monday confirmed the upcoming Netflix documentary Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model, which examines the long-running reality competition created and hosted by Tyra Banks. The series explores how the programme operated behind the scenes and how it came to shape popular culture during its peak years. America's Next Top Model originally aired from 2003 to 2018 and ran for 24 cycles, becoming one of the most recognisable fashion reality shows in television history. The show was designed to launch modelling careers, with one contestant crowned winner each cycle.

The three-part documentary is set to premiere on Netflix on 16 February and promises to revisit both the successes and controversies that defined the programme. According to Netflix, the series will unpack the inner workings of the show, which reached a global audience of more than 100 million viewers at its height. The trailer features a mix of old footage and new interviews reflecting on the show's impact.

Tyra Banks Addresses Past Behaviour

In the trailer, Tyra Banks, now 52, speaks candidly about her experience as host and executive figure on the series. She describes the process as 'very, very intense' and acknowledges moments where she believes she went too far. Banks says, '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.'

Banks also suggests that the documentary marks the first time she has fully addressed her role in shaping the programme's tone. In one clip, she states, 'I haven't really said much, but now it's time.' Her comments frame the series as an opportunity for reflection rather than promotion.

Former Judges And Producers Speak Out

The trailer also includes commentary from former judge Jay Manuel, who worked closely with Banks throughout much of the show's run. Manuel says the series attempted to show the realities of the fashion industry, adding, 'We were showing the behind-the-scenes of what the fashion world was.' He goes on to claim, 'I realised Tyra could do anything for the success of her show.'

Other former figures from the programme appear in the docuseries, including judges J. Alexander and Nigel Barker, as well as former executive producer Ken Mok.

Revisiting Controversial Moments

The trailer highlights several moments that have drawn criticism in the years since the show ended. These include drastic makeovers, harsh judging comments, and scenes where contestants' bodies were scrutinised on camera. Particular attention is given to moments that resurfaced in 2020, when viewers began sharing clips online that framed the show as promoting body-shaming and bullying.

One widely circulated example involved season six winner Dani Evans being pressured by judges to close the gap in her teeth through dental work.

Banks previously addressed the criticism in 2020 through social media. At the time, she wrote, 'Been seeing the posts about the insensitivity of some past ANTM moments and I agree with you. Looking back, those were some really off choices.' This acknowledgement is referenced indirectly in the documentary's framing.

More recently, Banks revisited the topic during the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards, where she was honoured as the first Luminary Spotlight recipient. During her speech in February 2025, she reflected on her role in the series and admitted mistakes. She said, 'Did we get it right? Hell no. I said some dumb s***.'

Contestants And Winners Share Their Stories

Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model also features interviews with former contestants and winners. Those appearing include Whitney Thompson, Giselle Samson, Shannon Stewart, Shandi Sullivan, Dani Evans, and Keenyah Hill. Their perspectives aim to show how participation in the show affected their careers and personal lives.