Elliot Choy

Model and junior Claire Estabrook poses in front of a forest background. Estabrook began modeling when Helen Wells personally asked her to sign and model for her agency.

“America’s Next Top Model” first aired in 2003. The show has had a lifespan of 13 years with its 23rd season premiering tonight. This upcoming season will feature singer Rita Ora as host, who will take over from model and businesswoman Tyra Banks. Other judges include model Ashley Graham, creative director Drew Elliott and celebrity stylist Law Roach.

Claire Estabrook, model and junior, said she has a love-hate relationship with “America’s Next Top Model” and similar shows.

“(‘America’s Next Top Model’) stretches the reality and paints an idea that all models are stuck-up and rude but from experience I can share that they are not all like that,” Estabrook said. “The show displays shoots and job opportunities very well, yet shows modeling more like a joke than an actual job.” 

However, interest in reality TV shows remain. Barry Umansky, professor of telecommunications at Ball State University, said via email, “It is (especially for purposes of some ‘reality’ shows that track people doing their jobs) simple curiosity about those with different professions.”

As for why reality TV shows such as “America’s Next Top Model” are so appealing to viewers, sophomore Annie Ruiz said, “I like watching all the drama between friends and family.”

According to Umansky, reality shows such as “America’s Next Top Model” are generally cheaper to produce than to scripted shows, as scripted shows have a large number of paid actors, writers, producers and other production crew members. In fact, a one hour-long episode of “Survivor,” another popular reality show, only has a budget of $2 million – $1 million less than many scripted dramas according to the New York Times.

However, there are also a variety of reality shows such as “Survivor,” which Umansky said he believes these shows are appealing because they leave the viewer with the a “satisfaction of some semi-voyeuristic needs,” or the enjoyment of seeing scandalous things.

Estabrook said she agreed that one of the reasons why shows like “America’s Next Top Model” are so popular is because they can openly judge contestants.

“I find the drama within them extremely hilarious, however, the attitudes of the people is annoying,” Estabrook said. “I think they are so popular because it gives people something new to bash on.”

On the other hand, Ruiz disagrees. She said she thinks  that the reason why reality TV is so popular is because the contestants are so relatable to fans and are easily added into pop culture.

Ruiz said, “They are relatable and become icons for many people to look up to around the world.”