Why America’s Next Top Model Docuseries Is Turning Heads on Netflix
The reality series America’s Next Top Model, which last aired in 2018, has made a significant comeback in public discourse thanks to Netflix’s new docuseries titled Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model. The series has quickly ascended to the top of Netflix’s charts, achieving over 14.2 million views within its first week.
Directed by Mor Loushy and Daniel Sivan, the three-part docuseries surpassed the premieres of both Season 3 of The Night Agent and Season 4 of Bridgerton.
This release adds to Netflix’s growing roster of successful docuseries, following last year’s Sean Combs: The Reckoning, which garnered 21.8 million views in its debut. The strong interest in these docuseries indicates a trend that could lead to more explorations of the reality TV genre.
Inside America’s Next Top Model provides an in-depth look into the 2000s reality TV phenomenon that captured the attention of audiences with its portrayal of aspiring models. The series revisits its many controversial moments, conducting interviews with former contestants, judges, and Tyra Banks herself. The iconic catchphrase “How Dare You” has become a meme, underscoring the show’s enduring impact on pop culture.
Among the controversies discussed are Shandi Sullivan’s on-screen sexual assault, instances of blackface, and Banks’ notable “we were all rooting for you” outburst directed at Tiffany Richardson. While former participants have praised the series for addressing these serious issues, some viewers feel that Banks did not sufficiently acknowledge her own role in the controversial aspects of the show.
In addition to the success of Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, another docuseries, Being Gordon Ramsay, debuted at number ten with 2.7 million views. This six-part series follows the celebrity chef as he balances family life with the ambitious opening of five restaurants in London’s 22 Bishopsgate.
Unlike Reality Check, Ramsay serves as an executive producer for his docuseries, which is produced by his Fox-backed Studio Ramsay Global.
