\n
![](\"https:\/\/cdn.i-scmp.com\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/1280x720\/public\/d8\/images\/canvas\/2026\/02\/25\/79ab2e2c-5e2b-4504-98fe-19facc08d34b_28be1ecd.jpg?itok=Pn917E6F&v=1771995566\")
<\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\n
At its heart, America\u2019s Next Top Model<\/em> was Tyra Banks\u2019 show. She originated the canonical reality series\u2019 concept, assembled its core cast and anchored its production for 23 seasons.<\/p>\n But Reality Check<\/em> \u2013 a docuseries now streaming on Netflix that examines ANTM<\/em> and its checkered history through the accounts of those who were a part of it \u2013 is not affiliated with Banks. In fact, the supermodel turned media personality was not invited to take the hot seat until well after production began, says Daniel Sivan, who co-directed Reality Check<\/em> with his wife, Mor Loushy.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was like, \u2018Hey, this can be a great addition, but definitely not a necessity,\u2019\u201d Sivan says.<\/p>\n Luckily for the directors, Banks eventually agreed to an interview, which Loushy says clocked in at about four hours and ended up giving the series a richer texture.<\/p>\n \u201cPeople talking trash about her is very easy to find,\u201d Sivan says. \u201cBut having her passion, bringing this programme to life, is something that only she could tell.\u201d<\/p>\n For Sivan and Loushy, whose filmography leans towards the sociopolitical, the pop-culture-centric Reality Check<\/em> seems a departure. But Loushy stewarded this project with the same care that she did the duo\u2019s acclaimed 2025 docuseries American Manhunt: Osama bin Laden<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n