Tyra Banks Is (Kinda) Sorry

Tyra Banks Is (Kinda) Sorry

From Cannonball with Wesley Morris by The New York Times

March 5, 2026 · 40 min

About this episode

Wesley Morris discusses Tyra Banks' interview about the treatment of contestants on 'America’s Next Top Model' and the new Netflix docu-series addressing these issues.

Back in 2003, a new reality TV show hosted and co-created by Tyra Banks convinced an entire generation that they too might have what it takes to become America’s next top model. Now, a new Netflix docu-series wants us to know just how badly the contestants were treated — by the show and sometimes by Banks herself. To Wesley’s surprise, Tyra Banks agreed to be interviewed for the series, “Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model,” and to revisit some of the show’s most cringe and painful moments. Was it a genuine attempt at accountability? And are we satisfied by what we're hearing? Wesley invites Michaela angela Davis, a writer, editor and stylist, to talk about it. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

People in this episode

Host: Wesley Morris

Guest: Michaela angela Davis

Topics covered

  • reality TV
  • accountability
  • modeling
  • media criticism
  • celebrity culture

Keywords

  • Tyra Banks
  • America’s Next Top Model
  • Reality Check
  • contestants
  • media accountability

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Netflix

Books & works: Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, America’s Next Top Model

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