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“You wanna be on top?” For years, that question echoed weekly in millions of homes around the world. America’s Next Top Model, the reality competition that pitted aspiring models against each other for a lucrative contract, captivated audiences for decades. Now, with the release of a new Netflix documentary about the iconic program, television critic Amber Wiznitzer is questioning just how far the show went in pursuit of good television.
The documentary has sparked renewed conversation about the pressures and challenges faced by contestants on reality television, and the lengths to which producers will go to create compelling content. America’s Next Top Model, which premiered in 2003, was a cultural phenomenon, launching the careers of several successful models and influencing the landscape of reality television.
Wiznitzer’s analysis delves into the show’s controversial moments and asks whether the pursuit of ratings crossed ethical boundaries. The series, known for its dramatic eliminations and often harsh critiques, has faced criticism over the years for its portrayal of body image and its impact on the mental health of its participants.
The Netflix documentary is prompting viewers to re-examine the show through a modern lens, considering the evolving standards of television and the increased awareness of mental health issues. The show’s legacy remains complex, as it simultaneously provided opportunities for aspiring models even as also subjecting them to intense scrutiny and competition.
- Guest:
- Amber Wiznitzer
- Presentation:
- Iddo Havinga
- Editing:
- Yara van Heugten and Fitria Jelyta
- Editing:
- Yeppe van Kesteren
- Final Editing:
- Nina van Hattum
- Coordination:
- Elze van Driel
- Production:
- Rhea Stroink
- Photo:
- Getty Images
