Slate Money The Illusion of ‘America’s Next Top Model’
Mar 31, 2026
Bridget Armstrong, audio journalist and senior producer who hosts the podcast Curse of: America's Next Top Model, digs into how the show billed itself as a career springboard but often delivered spectacle instead. She breaks down staged shoots, restrictive contracts, exploitation stories, and how producers shaped racist and sensational narratives. The conversation contrasts Top Model’s promises with the harsh realities behind the cameras.
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Top Model Promise Was Largely Illusory
- America's Next Top Model rarely delivered real modeling careers despite promising 'top model' status.
- Bridget Armstrong notes only Winnie Harlow reached mainstream success and she says the show didn't help her career.
Photo Shoots Prioritized TV Over Portfolios
- The show's photo shoots were crafted for TV spectacle, not usable portfolios for real clients.
- Producers staged risky stunts like a purposely rickety runway and a 'Greek salad' shoot that real agencies rejected.
Contracts Stripped Contestants' Future Earning Power
- Contracts intentionally limited contestants' postshow earnings and activities to protect the show's control.
- Bridget Armstrong reports some were barred from writing books or doing paid interviews after appearing.