Reality TV shows are pretty fun to watch since they’re full of drama and constant banter. They also get plenty of ratings, which is why they keep coming back for another season. Such reality shows earn a pretty rock-solid fanbase, especially if they end up entertaining them. Masses have certainly appreciated one such reality TV series. There isn’t another reality show that eighty different countries adapted. Yes, we said eighty. This particular reality show trains up-and-coming models, and crowns one as the winner and the title of being “America’s Next Top Model.”
So, whatever became of that show? Why is it no longer on air? Let’s explore these questions.
History and Creation of America’s Next Top Model
International supermodel Tyra Banks came up with this concept where at least fifteen different girls would compete in challenges. The aspiring model with the lowest challenge scores must leave the show at the end of the episode. Each episode deals with different such challenges where judges score the models on their ability to look fierce while outshining the competition.
The series started airing in 2003 and got pretty solid television ratings. The series progressed with each season, increasing the difficulty level of each challenge. Banks was the series judge with a trio of additional judges that would change every season. The series used to air twice a year, with two cycles (seasons) airing every six months.
Criticism, Objectification, and Controversies
With each cycle garnering more ratings than the previous, ANTM had become a rage. The rage was so fiery that more countries got influenced and ended up asking for adaptation rights from Banks herself. With time, different versions from different countries began to air, from Asia’s Next Top Model to Australia’s Next Top Model to Britain’s Next Top Model to Poland’s Next Top Model to Russia’s Next Top Model, and many more.
The problem began here. As society became more open-minded regarding women’s position in it, some people started bashing the show. They claimed that the show portrays a rather toxic narrative where women are pitted against one another and are taught to develop a certain body type to look more attractive. Some people also noted the negative message it was sending out to young girls. Girls who became influenced by these models wouldn’t eat for days to look more like them, which was, of course, problematic.
The series was accused of promoting a sexist concept, where, if a woman would look curvy and beautiful, only then will she seem acceptable. Many believed this is not how women of today are supposed to carry themselves. Hence, the series kept witnessing a shrink in ratings as its narrative didn’t change.
What Happened to America’s Next Top Model?
The series had quite a good run as it was on-air for sixteen years and twenty-four cycles. However, with society promoting a healthier body image for women, the show eventually got canceled with a consistent drop in the ratings. Global adaptations of the series are still on-air, and fans can catch up on the entertainment through those versions. However, as for ANTM fans, it’s pretty much a wrap.
