America's Next Top Model

America's Next Top Model
VH1 · Public domain · source
Show name	America's Next Top Model
Genre	Reality television
Creator	Tyra Banks
Presenter	see Hosts and Judges
Country	United States
Language	English
Num seasons	24
Network	UPN, The CW, VH1

America's Next Top Model was an American reality television series created and hosted by Tyra Banks that combined elements of fashion, modeling, and competition. The program featured aspiring models competing in challenges, photo shoots, and runway shows for a modeling contract, magazine spread, and other prizes. Over its run the series intersected with personalities and institutions from the fashion industry, television networks, and popular culture.

Overview

America's Next Top Model debuted as a competitive reality series blending elements of Tyra Banks' career, the commercial modeling world of Vogue, the editorial influence of Harper's Bazaar, and television competition formats established by programs such as Survivor and The Apprentice. The show presented weekly eliminations adjudicated by a panel including figures from IMG Models, Elite Model Management, Ford Models, and editors from publications like Elle and GQ. Its format drew upon modeling industry practices showcased by agencies such as Wilhelmina Models and events like New York Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week.

Format and Rules

Each cycle typically began with casting calls in metropolitan centers such as Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, Miami, and occasionally international locations tied to fashion capitals like Milan, Paris, and London. Contestants participated in challenges inspired by campaigns for brands including CoverGirl, Sephora, Maybelline New York, and Calvin Klein, and shoots referencing photographers and directors like Annie Leibovitz, Mario Testino, and David LaChapelle. Judging combined runway critiques, photographic evaluation, and commercial performance, often referencing modeling standards associated with agencies such as Next Management and Storm Model Management. Eliminations were decided by a rotating panel and sometimes by hosts or guest judges representing magazines, designers, or corporate sponsors including Cosmopolitan and Maxim.

Hosts and Judges

The series was created and anchored by Tyra Banks, who served as host and mentor and drew on her background with Modelland, Victoria's Secret, and international campaigns. Panels across cycles included fashion industry veterans and celebrities such as Nigel Barker, Janice Dickinson, Paulina Porizkova, Kelly Cutrone, Jay Manuel, J. Alexander, Benny Medina, Rita Ora, and guest judges from publications like W Magazine, Vogue Paris, and Glamour. Judges and guest mentors often represented agencies and brands including Elite Model Management, IMG Models, Balmain, Marc Jacobs, and Chanel, and collaborators from television networks such as The CW and VH1.

Contestants and Winners

Across its cycles contestants hailed from diverse locales such as Los Angeles, Atlanta, Houston, Philadelphia, and international cities including Toronto, London, and Manila. Winners included models who moved into editorial work with publications like Elle, runway shows at New York Fashion Week, and commercial campaigns for brands such as CoverGirl and Maybelline New York. Numerous alumni later engaged with other media and institutions including Project Runway, Dancing with the Stars, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and agency rosters at Wilhelmina Models, Ford Models, and Next Management.

Production and Broadcast History

Produced by entities linked to CBS Studios and distributed across networks including UPN, The CW, and later VH1, the program's production involved location shoots at studios in Los Angeles and on-location shoots referencing European fashion hubs such as Paris, Milan, and Barcelona. Executive production drew on television professionals with credits on series such as The Bachelor and Project Runway, and collaborations with photographers and stylists from editorials in Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and W Magazine. Syndication and international licensing intersected with broadcasters like Sky and streaming platforms following trends set by Netflix and Hulu.

Reception and Controversies

Critical reception ranged from praise in outlets such as The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and Variety for introducing modeling to mainstream audiences to critique in publications including The Guardian, The Atlantic, and Salon for its portrayals of beauty standards. Controversies involved discussions around casting, diversity, and representation with commentary involving organizations and figures such as Glamour, The Advocate, and advocacy groups addressing industry practices at agencies like Elite Model Management. Episodes sparked debate over conduct and decisions involving personalities such as Janice Dickinson and judges who later appeared on shows like Dancing with the Stars and in media outlets including TMZ.

Legacy and Impact

The series influenced subsequent reality formats including Project Runway and RuPaul's Drag Race by demonstrating fashion-focused competition viability for networks like The CW and VH1. Its alumni network connected with agencies such as IMG Models, Wilhelmina Models, and publications including Vogue, Elle, and Harper's Bazaar. The program's cultural footprint appears across discussions in The New Yorker, academic studies of media representation, and retrospectives by outlets like Entertainment Weekly and Billboard about television, fashion, and celebrity. Category:American reality television series