Curse of America’s Next Top Model

When America’s Next Top Model premiered in the early 2000s, it looked like a golden ticket: a glamorous TV show that could catapult aspiring models into fame. But two decades later, many contestants describe its aftermath as a curse. Hosted by pop-culture journalist Bridget Armstrong, Curse of: America’s Next Top Model is a deep investigation into the hidden costs of reality television.

Through conversations with dozens of former contestants, producers and crew members, Curse of: America’s Next Top Model explores what happened behind the scenes on one of the most iconic and problematic reality shows of our generation.

You get the real story behind the show’s most infamous controversies. The models and producers pull back the curtain and talk about how the most outrageous photoshoots and runaways came together. Hear from contestants who say ANTM saved their lives and from those who say it ruined theirs. The contestants also talk about how the body shaming they experienced on the show caused lifelong scars. Finally, we try to answer the question, is Tyra Banks the ultimate reality television villain?  

Curse of: America’s Next Top Model takes you on an investigative journey to figure out if the so-called curse is real? And if so, what was the toll on the models, and us, the audience?

Audio Distribution Partner: iHeart

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Where to listen: Apple Spotify iHeart

Listener Reviews

"I remember watching this show religiously- and somehow being uncomfortable with certain aspects but couldn’t figure out exactly why...."

- Excellent Series – Suzieq1965

"Omg- can Bridget host like every podcast out there? Random, but she would have been great as the Tell..."

- Bridget – The Perfect Podcast Host – Kelly Rooney

"We all agree, the interviews are compelling, the storytelling is entertaining, and the discussion is important. Not since Betrayal..."

- This is Amazing Right – Coley673

"great reporting, really interesting listen and good mix of sources!!"

- Really enjoyed! – vsoares1018

"Bridget is such an engaging storyteller! Great topic, well researched, great interviews, great BTS tea. Loved this podcast, I..."

- Best I’ve Heard in Years – Tyra’s Last Photo

"Captivating! If you are looking of a fascinating binge with a great story teller you found it. You don’t need..."

- la92040

"“Incredible Deep Dive” Fascinating exploration of the deeper, complex truth of this show that was a huge part of..."

- Dj52323

"Binged the first 8 episodes of this podcast and can’t wait for the rest of the season! Need a..."

- Olive-112

"Season two anyone? I’ve been hooked since Episode one, I’m sad ot know that season one is over but..."

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