We Were All Rooting For You

By: Franchesca Ramsey

Narrated by: Franchesca Ramsey

The resurgence of viral clips from the long-running hit reality television show America’s Next Top Model left fans and foes alike wondering–how did a show so outrageous and at times offensive ever get on the air? For years, Americans dutifully watched as contestants faced uncomfortable situations regarding their race and gender, body-shaming, stereotyping, and problematic photoshoots. The show, which first premiered in 2003 and ran for 24 cycles, was helmed by supermodel Tyra Banks–the first Black female host of a smash network reality show. It was wildly popular, and groundbreaking too, bringing plus-sized models, transgender models, and many Black, Asian, and other diverse contestants onto the show at a time when they would never have otherwise have made it on TV.

So was Top Model ahead of its time? A cringe-inducing byproduct of a less-enlightened era? Somehow both at once? Host Franchesca Ramsey–a fan since the show first premiered–takes us behind-the-scenes of this wild reality circus, to examine how it was made, what it stood for, and what it illustrates about how representation and beauty standards have changed since 2003, including conversations with contestants, judges, producers, experts and more.

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Interesting nostalgia

I loved ANTM and appreciate how others could see how cringe it was. There were times when I thought these podcast episodes reached a little far on certain things but enjoyable all the same.

I was here for it all.

As someone who watched every single episode up until like season 14, the podcast was spot on. Francesca is amazing !! Everything she touches is GOLD! I wish Tyra had chatted with her.

Feels like I saw it myself

Never saw the show but I still loved this fantastical foray into the concept of celebrity and social examination across decades

So entertaining and smart

Highly recommend this binge worthy show that does it all—deep and funny and smart

the ugly pretty history of ANTM

This was such a great nostalgic weekend listen. Thank you Franchesca and Audible for a catwalk down memory lane! And thank you Tyra for the many hours of entertainment and all the fabulous characters and concepts you introduced to the world. All Star season for models over 40? Just an idea ;)