DHAHRAN: Out this month, nearly a decade after the successful show went off air, there is understandably a lot to unpack in Netflix’s three-episode documentary series “Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model.”
Premiering in 2003 and running for 24 seasons until 2018, “America’s Next Top Model” invited aspiring models from across America to compete for a coveted modeling contract, and a glossy magazine cover (remember those?).
All this while juggling growing pains, random challenges cooked up by producers, marvelously messy makeovers, photoshoots, and living — and competing — with fellow contestants.
What could go wrong? Turns out — plenty. The show’s intimate format made for compelling TV.
Tyra Banks, one of America’s top models, was the show’s brainchild.
The young contestants were impressionable and eager, full of sky-high dreams and sky-high heels. They came from fractured backgrounds or from small towns. They were meant to have a mentor in Banks.
Instead, their deepest, most shameful moments were broadcast for the world to see. To my knowledge, while some contestants became semi-successful, none truly reached the “top model” level.
The docuseries hits like a punch in the face. And maybe that is the point.
Three episodes, each just an hour long, barely scratches the surface of the trauma, chaos, and behind-the-scenes drama on and off the screen.
The series is essentially a catwalk down nostalgia lane — but the road is uneven and swerving, much like the show itself. The style of filming is also similar to the show, which makes it all the more compelling for avid fans.
Designed for the TikTok-and-meme generation, these bite-sized scenes in the docuseries are tailor-made for viral clips.
Banks appears alone in every scene. Speaking directly at the camera, she seems to shrug through every apology and justify her past behavior.
The docuseries highlights interviews with main judges: Jay Manuel, Nigel Barker, and most prominently, a shocking update on beloved judge J. Alexander, known as “Miss J.” All claim to be estranged from Banks.
A few former contestants are also featured, each seated alone as tears or rage bubble to the surface. Nobody speaks favorably about Banks, especially while replaying clips showing her old judging panels.
Was this backlash justified? Are the vicious things said about Banks fair? The docuseries offers viewers the chance to be the judge in what invariably turns into a trial of Banks and her role on the show.
The docuseries ends on a cliffhanger, teasing a possible revival for cycle 25. Mixed feelings aside, there is clearly an audience for it.
