Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model – A Look Back at the Controversial Series

America’s Next Top Model (ANTM), a reality competition that captivated audiences for 24 seasons, is now the subject of a new three-part Netflix documentary, Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model. The series, released on January 26, 2026, examines the show’s complicated legacy, featuring insights from models, judges, and insiders, including Tyra Banks .

The Show’s Impact and Controversies

Reality Check delves into the often-problematic practices that defined ANTM, including instances of body shaming, demanding working conditions, and unrealistic expectations. The documentary explores how these elements contributed to the show’s popularity while as well leaving lasting scars on its contestants .

Dani Evans and the Gap in Her Teeth

One particularly poignant story featured in the documentary is that of Dani Evans, the winner of Cycle 6 in 2006. Dani, who grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas, was encouraged by her brother to audition for the show. During her time on ANTM, judges questioned her signature gap tooth, suggesting it was “not marketable.”

Tyra Banks reportedly asked Dani if she would close the gap if she were to be kept on the show, implying her continuation in the competition depended on it. Dani ultimately chose to have the gap closed, describing the experience as having her life “toyed with” .

Former judge Nigel Barker admitted in the documentary that he thought closing the gap was a “bad idea,” believing Dani looked “great” with it and that “perfection is boring.”

Tyra Banks later apologized for the situation, acknowledging the pressure from agents who believed Dani wouldn’t identify work with the gap. However, Dani rejected the apology, stating that closing the gap didn’t open any doors for her and felt like being used for “quality TV at my expense.” Despite winning the show, Dani found a “stigma” attached to being a former contestant hindered her modeling career .

Joanie Dodds and the Dental Work

Another contestant, Joanie Dodds (now Sprague), also experienced a traumatic dental experience on the show. She was told to fix her “snaggle tooth.” Initially delighted at the prospect of free dental work, Joanie later reflected on the experience with regret.

In the documentary, Joanie revealed she was pressured to sign a release without the opportunity to consult with her mother or a lawyer. The dentists proceeded to remove and shave down multiple teeth, a process that took several hours. Former executive producer Ken Mok described the ordeal as “really intense.”

Joanie stated the surgery was purely aesthetic and did not provide a long-term solution to her dental issues. Despite the pain and lasting problems, she acknowledged that she had previously been unable to afford dental work and felt she had “won the lottery” .

Where to Watch

Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model is currently available for streaming on Netflix. The three-episode series offers a candid look at the show’s history and its impact on those involved .