The Legacy of Tyra Banks
Tyra Banks, a renowned supermodel and television personality, rose to fame in the 1990s as one of the first Black women to achieve global success in the fashion industry. She graced the covers of major magazines like Vogue and Sports Illustrated, and walked runways for top designers. In 2003, Banks created and hosted America's Next Top Model (ANTM), a reality competition show that aimed to discover the next big supermodel. The series ran for 24 seasons, blending drama, fashion challenges, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the modeling world.
Tyra Banks in America's Next Top Model
ANTM became a cultural phenomenon, launching careers for winners like Adrianne Curry and Eva Marcille, while introducing phrases like "smize" (smiling with your eyes) into popular lexicon. The show featured judges such as Jay Manuel, Miss J. Alexander, and Nigel Barker, who critiqued contestants on their photoshoots, runway walks, and personal growth. However, it also faced criticism for promoting unrealistic beauty standards, body-shaming, and exploitative challenges that sometimes humiliated participants.
In recent years, retrospectives have highlighted the show's problematic aspects. A notable example is the Netflix docuseries Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model, released in 2026. This three-part series features interviews with Banks, former judges, producers, and contestants, unpacking the show's legacy. It explores how ANTM pushed boundaries in diversity by casting models from various backgrounds, including Black, brown, queer, and plus-size individuals, at a time when the industry largely excluded them.
Tyra Banks on set of America's Next Top Model
The documentary does not shy away from controversies. It addresses accusations of fostering eating disorders, pressuring models to stay thin, and instances of cultural insensitivity, such as makeovers that altered ethnic features. Banks reflects on her role, acknowledging that some elements "went too far," but the series portrays her in a mixed light, with critics noting it places some blame on her for the show's toxic elements. Former creative director Jay Manuel shares stories of tension, including how Banks allegedly froze him out after he expressed a desire to leave.
Another documentary episode from Dark Side of Reality TV on Apple TV also delves into ANTM, claiming the show scarred many contestants for life and ruined careers despite promises of industry success.
Tyra Banks portrait
Overall, these documentaries reveal ANTM's dual impact: empowering some while harming others. They prompt reflection on reality TV's evolution and the responsibility of creators like Banks in shaping cultural narratives.
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Having followed Tyra Banks' career and the journey of America's Next Top Model (ANTM) closely, I can say the show's effects on the fashion and entertainment industries were truly multifaceted. As one of the first to bring diversity front and center in modeling, ANTM challenged the status quo by showcasing contestants from Black, brown, queer, and plus-size backgrounds at a time when inclusion was rare in mainstream fashion. This opened doors for many aspiring models who might otherwise never have had a platform. However, from personal viewing and reading interviews with past contestants, it became clear that the show’s behind-the-scenes reality sometimes clashed with its empowering image. Many former participants have spoken out about the pressures to conform to traditional beauty standards, experiences of body-shaming, and emotional challenges caused by the competitive format. The documentaries mentioned, like Netflix's Reality Check and Apple TV’s Dark Side of Reality TV, truthfully address these darker aspects, highlighting the tension between entertainment value and contestant wellbeing. Tyra Banks herself has shown a willingness to reflect on the criticisms, admitting some challenges may have "gone too far." This openness is important because it signals a growing awareness in reality TV production about creator responsibility when shaping cultural narratives. Over the years, reality shows have evolved with increased scrutiny on mental health and representation, partly thanks to these honest reckonings. From a viewer’s perspective, I remember the term "smize" becoming iconic and how ANTM influenced pop culture language and fashion trends. The show also educated audiences about the complexities of modeling, beyond just runway walks or photo shoots, giving insight into the skill and resilience required. In essence, Tyra Banks’ legacy with ANTM highlights a significant shift in the industry—one that both celebrates strides in diversity and warns of the pitfalls of reality TV. It's a reminder of the importance of balancing entertainment with empathy, and continuing to push for inclusivity and ethical treatment in media.