America's Next Top Model-usually referred to as Top Model or ANTM-is a reality-based competition wherein a number of women undergo a series of castings and photo shoots until only one of them becomes worthy of the title "America's Next Top Model" and receive a jumpstart to their modeling career. 

 The show is a brainchild of Tyra Banks, a former top model herself, who also serves as the head judge and executive producer of the show.  The series was also adapted to different countries including United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, China, Italy, Germany, Spain among others.

How the show work?

The show begins with a group of girls, between 10 and 14 with ages ranging from 18 to 26, who were selected from thousands of aspirants who joined the nationwide casting.  They will then undergo a series of modeling-related activities such as photo shoots, as well as an interview with the judges, until a final set of contestants is determined.

The finalists are then brought to a house where they get to live together during the competition.  In every episode, they get to experience activities such as a fashion challenge, photo shoot or commercial shoot, and receiving critique from the judging panel. 

The girl whom the judges determine as the weakest in a particular challenge is eliminated from the competition and sent home.  One of the highlights of this program is the makeover wherein all contestants-or most-of the finalists are not spared from drastic haircuts or colors, which Banks and the producers think would look better on them modeling-wise.

Midway in the competition

The remaining finalists are sent to an international destination where they get to experience the local modeling industry as well as fashion challenges they are accustomed to back in the United States. 

The final two contestants then compete at a runway show being held in their international destination, wherein the judges would then choose who among the two finalists would deserve the title "America's Next Top Model."

Productors and judges

The first "cycle" of America's Next Top Model premiered in May 2003 and was one of UPN's highest-rated programs.  The show's seventh cycle was then transferred to UPN's successor network, The CW, still retaining its high-rating status.  Banks co-produces the show with Ken Mok and Anthony Dominici. 

Current judges in ANTM include runway coach J. Alexander, fashion photographer Nigel Barker, and Czech supermodel Paulina Porizkova. 

Previous judges included fashion icon Twiggy, supermodel Janice Dickenson, fashion stylist Nolé Marin, designer Kimora Lee Simmons, and fashion editors Beau Quillian and Eric Nicholson.  Photo shoot director Jay Manuel, although not a permanent judge, is featured every episode.

The winners

The first winner of ANTM is Adrianne Curry, who eventually landed a cover on Playboy and was married to actor Christopher Knight. 

The most recent winner is Whitney Thompson of Cycle 10, the first plus-size model to win the competition.