
The new Netflix documentary, Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, shows how ANTM went from a show no major network wanted to a huge reality TV success. It created its own unique language, with terms like “smize,” “tooch,” and “flawsome” becoming widely known. A particularly memorable outburst from Tyra Banks even became a viral sensation years before “viral” was a common word. While Top Model wasn’t perfect and faced criticism – including concerns about racism, unrealistic beauty standards, and manipulative editing – the documentary addresses these issues directly. According to former judge Jay Alexander, his control over certain aspects of the show, like the challenges, was limited. He explains that if he had been present at meetings, he would have voiced his concerns about some ideas, saying something like, “I’m not sure about that.”