At a Glance
- The docuseries debuts Feb. 16 on Netflix.
- Cycle 6 winner Dani Evans shares her emotional journey.
- Highlights include a dehydration emergency and a dental controversy.
- Why it matters: Viewers gain insight into the pressures and manipulation behind a long-running reality competition.
The upcoming series dives into the complex history of one of reality television’s most iconic shows, offering candid interviews and never-before-seen footage that illuminate the harsh realities contestants face.
Docuseries Overview
The new docuseries, Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, focuses on the legacy and controversies that have surrounded the program since it first aired on UPN. It features interviews with former contestants, judges, and the show’s creator, Tyra Banks. The series promises to explore both the glamour and the darker side of the competition.
- The show premiered over two decades ago.
- It has been a staple of reality TV, with a global fan base.
- Netflix’s release brings a fresh perspective to the story.
The production team has secured access to archival footage, allowing the series to present moments that were never broadcast during the original run.
Dani Evans’ Experience
Cycle 6 winner Dani Evans appears in the trailer, where she describes her time on the show as “horrific.” She emphasizes that while the program is entertainment for viewers, it was a real-life ordeal for her.
- In the trailer, she says, “It’s a TV show to you guys, but this is my life.”
- She recounts a medical emergency: dehydration that forced the production crew to carry her out.
- Her reaction in the footage is raw: “It’s so f—-ed up,” she says tearfully.
Following the trailer’s release, Evans posted a photo on Instagram, announcing she was ready to discuss her experiences in the documentary. The image, paired with the caption, “I told ya I’d let you know when I’m ready to talk…,” set the stage for her candid interview.
Controversial Dental Issue
During her season, Evans faced criticism over a gap in her teeth. Tyra Banks questioned her decision not to close the gap during a visit to a cosmetic dentist. The conversation, which never aired on TV, became a point of contention.
- Evans explained that the production repeatedly asked if she wanted the gap closed.
- She insisted, “No, I don’t want to close my gap.”
- Tyra’s reaction was to push her toward a cosmetic fix, which Evans resisted.
Evans later clarified that she felt the show was setting her up for television drama. She described a compromise where the gap was lessened but not fully closed:
> “Tyra says to me, ‘If I send you back to the dentist, will you get your gap closed?’ And I meet her with another question, ‘So what you’re saying is if I tell you no, then you’re going to send me home tonight?'”
She added that she and Tyra went through the process multiple times behind the scenes, none of which appeared on air.
Career After ANTM
Since her win, Evans has built a successful modeling career. More recently, she has shifted her focus to her unisex hat company, Monrowe, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit.
- Evans’ experience on the show helped launch her brand.
- Monrowe has gained traction in the fashion market.
- Fans are eager to see how her journey continues in the documentary.
The docuseries also plans to feature other contestants, judges, and Tyra Banks, offering a comprehensive look at the show’s evolution.
What to Expect
Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model will premiere on Feb. 16. Viewers can anticipate:
- In-depth interviews with former contestants.
- Behind-the-scenes footage of production decisions.
- A balanced view of the show’s impact on participants’ lives.
The series aims to shed light on the pressures of reality television while celebrating the resilience of those who have gone through it.
Key Takeaways
- The docuseries provides a rare glimpse into the production side of a reality hit.
- Dani Evans shares personal stories of medical emergencies and dental controversies.
- The series will explore the long-running legacy of the show and its influence on contestants’ careers.
Netflix’s new docuseries Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model offers a compelling look at the intersection of fame, reality TV, and personal experience.
