The documentary series 'Top Model' has reached Netflix's top rankings not just in Finland but globally upon its recent release. It brutally scrutinizes the darker aspects of the original series, created by the iconic model Tyra Banks, which aired from 2003 to 2018 and saw various international adaptations, including in Finland. The show is known for its dramatic flair, but this documentary brings to light the disturbing reality behind the glamour, revealing how contestants were often subjected to manipulative and exploitative situations.

It details severe instances where models faced physical and psychological harm. For example, contestants experienced extreme measures like starvation to fit a certain aesthetic, while producers capitalized on their suffering to drive the narrative. One shocking event recounts a contestant who, while clearly intoxicated, ended up in bed with a local man in Italy, all while the cameras continued rolling, illustrating a blatant disregard for their well-being. The documentary's revelations challenge the common narratives of celebrity and success within the modeling industry.

The documentary emphasizes the increasingly harsh challenges contestants endured, which often crossed ethical lines. This includes an instance where a participant was compelled to act as a shooting victim, despite the production's awareness of her mother being a recent shooting victim. Such irresponsible tactics raise critical questions about the moral implications of reality television. The series serves as a stark reminder of the potential psychological harm that can arise from the pursuit of fame, leaving audiences to reflect on the true cost of entertainment in today’s reality-driven culture.