Tyra Banks is once again facing criticism as renewed buzz around America’s Next Top Model collides with the upcoming Netflix documentary examining the show’s controversial legacy. The series, titled Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, is set to premiere in June and has already reignited debates about the long-running reality competition and how contestants were treated during its peak years.
The documentary revisits the cultural impact of the show, which ran for 24 cycles between 2003 and 2018 and helped define reality television in the early 2000s. But while many fans remember the series for its dramatic makeovers and high-fashion photo shoots, others have spent the past several years revisiting moments they now view as uncomfortable or problematic.
Speculation surrounding a possible Cycle 25 has only intensified the conversation. Some viewers believe hints dropped in the documentary may suggest the franchise isn’t completely finished. In one moment from the series, Banks teases that she still has “unfinished business,” a comment that immediately set off rumors online that a revival could be in the works.
That possibility has divided fans. While some are excited about the idea of the show returning with a modern update, critics argue the franchise still hasn’t fully addressed the controversies tied to its earlier seasons. Several former contestants have spoken out over the years about experiences involving body shaming, emotional pressure, and storylines that placed their personal struggles under intense public scrutiny.
One of the most widely discussed examples involved contestant Shandi Sullivan, whose personal life became a central plot point during her season in a way many viewers now see differently years later. Moments like that, along with extreme makeover episodes and harsh critiques from judges, are now frequently cited as examples of how reality television once pushed boundaries for ratings.
Not everyone agrees that the show should be judged entirely by today’s standards. Adrianne Curry-Rhode, the winner of the first season, recently defended Banks, saying reality TV in the early 2000s operated under very different expectations and cultural norms. Her comments sparked mixed reactions, with some viewers agreeing while others felt the defense minimized the emotional toll reported by some contestants.
Banks herself has not confirmed whether a new season of America’s Next Top Model is actually in development. In recent interviews, she has spoken fondly about the show’s impact but emphasized her focus on other projects, including her SMiZe and Dream ice cream brand.
Still, the upcoming Netflix documentary has already ensured that the show’s complicated legacy is back in the spotlight. Whether it ultimately leads to a revival or simply sparks a new wave of debate, one thing is clear: America’s Next Top Model remains one of the most talked-about reality shows of its era—and Tyra Banks continues to stand at the center of that conversation.
