Reality TV is a wild invention. It's such an ingrained part of our culture that it's hard to believe it has only been truly popular over the past twenty years. The obsession of exploiting real people for ratings in the 2000s is basically the reason the word "problematic" triggers the fight or flight of anyone with a social media presence, but that doesn't stop many of us returning to these infamous shows.
America's Next Top Model is a prime example of how this played out on our screens. A thread began by @kirkxxs has been reflecting on it, with people eager to recount some of its most jaw-droppingly crazy or offensive moments. Comparing the show to Squid Game, the memories prompted some to wonder how Tyra Banks managed to get airtime for so long. It's no wonder that the program has prompted so many longlasting reaction images and memes.
