Netflix’s new documentary, Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, has already sparked backlash

Netflix subscribers refuse to accept responsibility for supposedly encouraging a deeply troubling 2000s programme.

The streaming platform has recently unveiled a trailer for its newest exposé documentary, Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, which will transport fans backstage of the worldwide sensation.

Launched in 2003, the iconic show aired for a remarkable 24 series, with creator Tyra Banks serving as its presenter.

Each instalment followed a cohort of wannabe models from throughout America, as they tackled various tasks to prove they had what it takes to become the country’s next major model.

The goal was to accumulate enough points from the judging panel and survive weekly eliminations, with the winner receiving a feature in a fashion magazine, plus a modelling contract with a leading agency and major fashion brand partnership.

Whilst it started as a groundbreaking show that aimed to diversify the industry, the programme later attracted criticism, reports the Mirror.

Tyra Banks will appear in the forthcoming docuseries (Image: Netflix)

Its tasks frequently forced participants to undergo dramatic aesthetic changes spanning from cutting off their hair to enduring invasive dental procedures.

A new generation of audiences have additionally highlighted concerns regarding body shaming and the insensitive handling of contestants.

Debuting on February 16, the forthcoming three-episode series will feature interviews with previous participants and winners.

Former panellists Jay Manuel, J. Alexander (aka Miss J), and Nigel Barker will also feature, together with Banks.

Netflix unveiled a trailer for the documentary on Monday (January 26), offering fans a preview of what those involved in the production have to say.

However, the trailer has already caused controversy as Banks suggests the programme’s intense challenges were “demanded” by audiences.

After acknowledging “I knew I went too far,” she declares: “You guys demanded it, so we kept pushing.”

Fans have pushed back on Banks seemingly casting blame on viewers (Image: Netflix)

Viewers have flocked to social media to challenge Banks’ assertion. Writing on YouTube, one person said: “You guys demanded it so we kept pushing” – throwing the blame of your actions on the audience is crazy.”

Another agreed: “I don’t remember demanding anything, I was 10 years old.” But others have contended that the programme’s success demonstrated there was indeed a “demand”.

They wrote: “I do think audiences needs to also be held accountable, it’s not completely irrelevant to mention that people were supporting that s***.

“If there wasn’t any viewership, this type of content wouldn’t have been made in the first place. But people were entertained by watching women get bullied on national TV.”

However, another viewer came to audiences’ defence, declaring: “I need ppl to really remember that a lot of viewers were kids, teen girls specifically.

“We were not demanding anything, we barely understood what we were being sold […]. So let’s not accept the narrative that what happened to the models was the teen audience’s fault.”

Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model will be available to stream on Netflix from February 16.