Netflix lands Tyra Banks for exclusive ANTM documentary, addressing controversies.
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Breaking the Silence
Tyra Banks is stepping back into the spotlight, revealing all about her America’s Next Top Model journey.
In a surprising move, the supermodel-turned-mogul has sat for an interview with Netflix for their upcoming documentary series about the show’s controversial history.
This rare appearance marks one of her few deep dives into ANTM since the series wrapped its final cycle in 2018.
Behind the Catwalk Curtain
The multi-episode Netflix documentary promises an unfiltered look at the modeling competition that dominated TV for 15 years.
While other participants haven’t been announced yet, insiders confirm they’ll include key figures from the original show.
Fans can expect a wide-ranging exploration of ANTM’s 24-cycle run that transformed how we view beauty and reality television.
Owning Past Mistakes
At the 2025 Essence Black Women in Hollywood event, Banks acknowledged saying “some dumb shit” during her time on the show.
But she also fiercely defended her team who “fought to bring diversity to television” when representation was severely lacking.
This documentary might finally give Banks the platform to address criticisms while highlighting the show’s groundbreaking moments.
From Runway to Reality TV Pioneer
Before creating ANTM in 2003, Banks conquered the modeling world, working with both high fashion houses and commercial brands.
Her transition to television was revolutionary, as she not only hosted but created and produced the show that would jump networks multiple times during its impressive run, eventually expanding her empire with The Tyra Banks Show.
Confronting the Controversy
During the pandemic, ANTM faced intense scrutiny as viewers revisited problematic moments from the series.
From questionable judging to controversial photo challenges, the show’s legacy became complicated.
A 20th anniversary oral history in 2023 featured 14 contestants sharing stories ranging from misconduct allegations to the infamous race-switching photo shoots that sparked heated debates about artistic expression versus cultural insensitivity.
The Future of the Franchise
While the show hasn’t officially been canceled, sources close to Banks confirmed last year that she had no plans to revive ANTM for a 25th season.
This documentary might serve as the final chapter in the Top Model story—or perhaps the beginning of a new conversation about reality TV’s evolution and impact on beauty standards worldwide.
