America's Next Top Model -20 Years Later 3/25/26

America's Next Top Model (ANTM) was a pet project of super model, Tyra Banks that first aired in 2006. This was early reality TV that centered around 12 hopeful contestants who wanted to become models. Each week, the wannabe models struggled or shined through photo shoots and other challenges. It became a phenomenon that spanned the world with over 50 countries producing some adaptation of ANTM.

Now, 20 years later, Tyra is getting a lot of criticism for the show. Two documentaries are out this year with some past contestants plus judges and crew participating in the bashing of Tyra Banks.

I decided to revisit the series starting with Cycle One. What I found was Tyra being very gracious to the wannabe models. She really appeared to care, encouraging, correcting and generally, wanting what was best for the young women. Also, Tyra hired many black photographers, designers and people in the entertainment and modeling industries. She gave so many opportunities to so many people. It's a shame how several jumped on the "let's crucify Tyra" bandwagon. Jay Manuel was nothing more than a make-up artist who became the art director of most if not all of the photo shoots and other competitions that appeared on the show. Janice Dickenson seemed to be the only person who stood up for Tyra. She said, "It was a reality show!" I completely understand that we are more "woke' thus sensitive to a lot of things we were clueless about 20 years ago, which is progress. I also believe Tyra Banks just wanted to help young wannabe models.