Tyra Banks says ‘I went too far’ with America’s Next Top Model as new doc confirmed

Netflix has released the trailer for its upcoming documentary on America’s Next Top Model and it sees supermodel and ANTM host Tyra Banks make a simple confession: “I went too far.”

Netflix has promoted Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model as “the definitive, must-watch documentary” about ANTM. The modelling reality show ran for 24 ‘cycles’ between 2003 and 2016.

It saw hopefuls from across America compete in a set of increasingly bizarre and demanding challenges to become America’s Next Top Model. Winners also won a fashion magazine spread as well as a contract with a major fashion brand and a modelling agency.

However, the show has been mired in controversy for years with criticism often revolving around the demands placed upon models, body shaming, negative critiques offered by the show’s judges, and often invasive makeovers that were carried out.

All of this is brought to the fore in the trailer which starts with one of ANTM‘s most iconic clips that sees Banks yelling “we were all rooting for you” at a contestant.

“I haven’t really said much, but now it’s time,” Banks then says.

With appearances from makeup artist Jay Manuel, runway coach J. Alexander/Miss J, and fashion photographer Nigel Barker, the trailer dives head first into the controversial series. Former contestants and winners including Whitney Thompson, Giselle Samson and Shannon Stewart also appear in the trailer, with more included in the cast.

The trailer shows Manuel telling models they are going to “switch ethnicities” on the show before then cutting to modern day Manuel and Alexander reacting awkwardly. Barker comments in an interview segment “for some reason no one really seemed to see it”, regarding inappropriate behaviour faced by models.

Manuel then says: “Tyra would do anything for the success of her show,” before Banks herself admits: “I know I went too far.” She then says: “It was very, very intense but you guys were demanding it and so we kept pushing more and more, and more,” laying some fault at the feet of audiences.

Reality Check also looks set to examine the relationships of the judges. In 2012, the series cut Manuel, Alexander, and Barker, leaving Manuel feeling (metaphorically) “slapped across the face”. Barker adds he felt “betrayed”.

Mor Loushy and Daniel Sivan of American Manhunt: Osama Bin Laden fame have directed the three-part series, set to debut on 16 February.

Watch the trailer below:

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.