Full Breakdown
America's Next Top Model Set to Return for Cycle 25 Amid Controversy
2/13/2026, 2:17:42 AM
Announcement of Return
Tyra Banks, the host and former supermodel of America's Next Top Model (ANTM), has announced the show's return for Cycle 25, following its last season in 2018. This revelation was made during the Netflix docuseries *Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model*, which is set to premiere on February 16, 2024. Banks expressed her excitement for the new cycle, stating, "I feel like my work is not done. You have no idea what we have planned for cycle 25." The announcement comes after years of speculation about the show's revival, with Banks previously hinting at the possibility in 2018.
Controversial Legacy
While ANTM enjoyed popularity during its original run from 2003 to 2018, it has faced significant criticism in recent years for its portrayal of models and the beauty industry. Critics have highlighted instances of body shaming, racial insensitivity, and problematic challenges, such as those requiring models to alter their appearance to fit certain beauty standards. Kahlen Rondot, a contestant from Cycle 4, noted, "She needs to take responsibility for certain things," reflecting on the show's controversial moments. In response, a spokesperson for Banks stated that the intention behind some challenges was to celebrate underrepresented beauty ideologies, aiming to combat pervasive beauty standards.
Revisiting Controversial Moments
The docuseries will feature Banks and other key figures, including J Alexander (Miss J) and Jay Manuel, discussing their experiences on the show and revisiting some of its most infamous moments. Banks has acknowledged her emotional outburst during Cycle 4, where she confronted contestant Tiffany Richardson after her elimination. Reflecting on this incident, Banks admitted, "I went too far. I lost it," recognizing the deeper societal implications of her reaction.
Relationships and Fallout
The relationships among the show's key figures have evolved over the years. While Miss J has maintained a more neutral stance regarding Banks, their friendship appears to have diminished. In contrast, Jay Manuel has publicly discussed a falling out with Banks after leaving the show in 2012, stating that their relationship never recovered despite an eventual apology from her.
Broader Implications
The return of ANTM for Cycle 25 raises questions about the show's legacy and its impact on the modeling industry. As Banks and her team prepare for the new cycle, they must navigate the criticisms of the past while attempting to redefine the show's narrative in a contemporary context. The upcoming docuseries aims to address these issues head-on, providing a platform for reflection and discussion about the show's controversial history.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I feel like my work is not done. You have no idea what we have planned for cycle 25,” — Tyra Banks, Host of ANTM
- “She needs to take responsibility for certain things.” — Kahlen Rondot, Cycle 4 Contestant
- “I went too far. I lost it,” — Tyra Banks, Reflecting on her outburst during Cycle 4
The revival of America's Next Top Model presents an opportunity for both nostalgia and critical reevaluation, as the series prepares to step back into the spotlight.
