You don’t have to be a fan of fashion to fall in love with America’s Next Top Model. The gritty reality TV series which has been on air for longer than 17 years now is full of contestants that you love to root for, those you love to hate, and drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat. But the best part about watching this show is seeing unknown hopefuls rise out of obscurity and transform into professional models with shining futures ahead of them.
Like any reality television show, America’s Next Top Model looks quite different behind the scenes from how it looks to viewers. Although the show isn’t scripted, there are still lots of secrets on set that most fans of the show don’t know. Read on to find out about 15 behind the scenes secrets from the set of America’s Next Top Model.
15 The Judges Aren't Always Allowed To Leave The Show When They Want
Tyra Banks has revealed that she actually intended to leave the show back in cycle 8. But unfortunately, it’s not easy for the judges to leave whenever they like. Because of contractual obligations and audience expectations, the judges have much more pressure to stay on than the contestants (who are replaceable) do.
14 Sometimes Filming Lasts For Up To 22 Hours A Day
Although episodes of the show are nowhere near 22 hours long, this is how much time it can take to get a day’s filming in. Past contestants have revealed that they were essentially filmed for the majority of the time and weren’t even allowed to leave the loft unless it was for filming.
13 The Models Don’t See The Judges That Often
For viewers of America’s Next Top Model, it seems like the contestants have pretty constant contact with the judges. But in reality, the time that the models actually get with the judges is limited to once a week. This is purposely designed so that the judges don’t form close relationships and subsequent biases with the contestants.
12 The Editing Process Manipulates How The Contestants Are Portrayed
America’s Next Top Model is a reality TV show, so it should come as no surprise that the content is heavily edited to portray each contestant in a certain way and achieve a certain outcome. Contestants have little control over whether they’re portrayed as the bad guy or even the laughing stock.
11 The Show Really Isn’t Scripted
A lot of reality television secretly is scripted, but America’s Next Top Model is one show that does not run with the aid of a script. Instead, producers rely on the help of editing to convey certain storylines or create drama where there is none. It is up to the contestants to make the show interesting by acting naturally.
10 The Contestants Are Hidden From The Rest Of The World
While filming America’s Next Top Model, the contestants are totally cut off from the rest of the world. They are denied internet access, phones, and even television to keep them from leaking spoilers. This is also done to make the whole experience more surreal and toy with their emotions, which makes the contestants more likely to argue.
9 The Models Are Evaluated By Psychiatrists
It’s pretty clear that appearing on a show like America’s Next Top Model can be a major shock to the system and have consequences on an individual’s mental health. For this reason, contestants are evaluated by psychologists and counselors before moving into the loft, to help the producers see whether or not they’ll actually cope with being on the show.
8 The Contestants Are Allowed To Abandon The Show Even After Signing On
While it can be difficult for the judges to leave before their contract ends, it’s a lot easier for contestants, who are allowed to abandon their positions if it becomes too hard. However, contestants rarely choose to turn their backs on the show, no matter how difficult it gets, because that would also mean turning their backs on their hopes and dreams.
7 The Models Are Reportedly Sleep Deprived
Not only are the contestants cut off from the world to increase their emotional sensitivity, but they are also reportedly sleep deprived. Victoria Marshman, a former contestant, admitted to CinemaBlend that the models are purposely sleep deprived to make them more prone to fighting and crying in front of the camera.
6 Models Are Only Chosen For The Show If They Have Little Experience
There are lots of criteria for the models that make it onto the show, but one thing that the producers are sure of is that contestants should have very little experience. They’re not interested in anyone who has modeled in a national campaign five years prior to appearing on the show.
