America's Next Top Model

The number of reality shows that we can find on TV today is humongous. Although all of them have the same set-up – a group of people placed in a closed and controllable environment, behaving in strange and sometimes unexplainable ways – some shows can be surprising and more interesting than others. Now for viewers, it is about personal taste and maybe even the immediate mood they’re in. It is for each person to distinguish among these shows and decide which one might be appealing. Some involve danger and physical abilities (Fear Factor, Survivor); some just look at a group of people that would never be together if it wasn’t for the show (Big Brother, Real World) and watch how they behave or rather misbehave; some follow the lives of people that are already famous but crave more publicity, fame and, of course, money (Simple Life and again Fear Factor).
America’s Next Top Model is a reality show with a twist, at least that’s my opinion. A group of young women competing for fame in the fashion industry, recognition in the TV world, and money will sooner or later behave in weird ways. Add two or three divas – some of them already famous – and there’s a recipe for a successful and entertaining show. And yes, Tyra Banks is a diva as well as Ms. Jay and some of their friends. But all that only adds spice to this show.
Talking about divas, I really miss Janice Dickinson. She was a great judge. I thought she was a reason to watch this show. The self-proclaimed “first supermodel” never held back, and there was always some surprise – her speech, her manners or just her facial expression – that made the show a lot more entertaining than it is now. She has her own show now which doesn’t do that well though. And, no surprise, it is about the fashion world! Twiggy, Janice’s replacement doesn’t have the entertaining personality that Janice does, and she doesn’t seem to be trying. Just a world of advice: “British humor doesn’t go well with American reality shows, especially when it is the humor from the 60’s!” Still with Tyra getting wilder and tougher and given the variety of guest judges on the show, it is pretty entertaining.
It is questionable how much credibility those girls have in the fashion world. I don’t recall ever seeing any of them on TV again or in a magazine as a face for Covergirl cosmetics – which is one of the main prizes for the winner – nor on the catwalks of renowned fashion designers. But maybe that will change this season.
This season has a hot favorite – a Russian girl from Texas – who is just a great pain in the neck for the rest of the contestants. There is a girl who looks like a “little Janice”, and that makes me wonder how this will affect Tyra’s judging. Generally, this season has prettier or at least more appealing girls than some of the previous ones. Or maybe the level of competition got better with the past experiences, and there are more beautiful girls promising unusual behavior. As with the rest of reality shows, the goal of ANTM is to entertain. So, girls, if you are pretty and photogenic, think about how much entertainment value your personality has. Because having just good looks won’t help you. No one wants to see a pretty but boring girl.