The modeling industry has always been competitive, but reality television has transformed the entry point, offering an accelerated path from obscurity to global recognition. By stripping back the glossy facade, these shows provided viewers with drama, personality, and aspirational stories, effectively turning contestants into instant celebrities. For a select group of models, these programs weren’t just a competition; they were the ultimate springboard to international careers in both fashion and entertainment.
America’s Next Top Model (ANTM)
Created and hosted by supermodel Tyra Banks, ANTM is arguably the most influential reality show for launching modeling careers. Running for over 24 cycles, it perfected the formula of competitive modeling mixed with high drama, weekly photo shoots, and dramatic eliminations. While many contestants found success, the show’s massive global reach ensured that its standouts achieved immediate fame.
Nyle DiMarco, winner of Cycle 22, used his platform not only to model but to become a Deaf activist and actor, later winning Dancing with the Stars. Winnie Harlow (Chantelle Brown-Young), though not the winner of Cycle 21, leveraged the immense public attention surrounding her skin condition, vitiligo, to become a globally recognized supermodel and fashion icon, demonstrating the power of a compelling narrative on reality TV.
Project Runway
While primarily a show about fashion design, Project Runway has consistently featured models who benefit from the exposure of working with aspiring designers week after week. The models on the show become familiar faces and muses to both the judges and the audience, often highlighting their versatility and ability to embody a designer’s vision under pressure.
Karlie Kloss, though not a contestant, hosted the show for several seasons, cementing her status as a mainstream media personality who bridges the gap between high fashion and accessible television. The visibility of the models who served as muses, though in a supporting role, often leads to post-show opportunities and agency representation.
Keeping Up with the Kardashians (and Spinoffs)
The Kardashian-Jenner reality empire didn’t start as a modeling competition, but its pervasive influence served as the most powerful launchpad for modern celebrity models. The shows documented the rise of a new breed of supermodel, one whose fame was intrinsically tied to their television personality and social media presence.
Kendall Jenner used her appearances on KUWTK to manage the transition from a reality star to a legitimate high-fashion model. Her life was viewed in real-time by millions, allowing her to build a massive global following before even walking her first major runway. Similarly, her sister Kylie Jenner, while not a traditional runway model, used the show to launch her billionaire status through beauty, demonstrating the undeniable commercial power generated by reality TV exposure.
The Real Housewives Franchise
While typically focused on affluent women’s social lives, certain housewives have used their reality TV celebrity to launch their daughters’ modeling careers, giving them an advantage that traditional models lack: a massive, pre-built audience.
Yolanda Hadid‘s tenure on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills famously documented the early careers of her daughters, Gigi and Bella Hadid. Viewers watched their journeys unfold, creating an emotional investment in their success. This unprecedented exposure and built-in audience base helped propel both sisters to the absolute pinnacle of the fashion industry, transforming them from aspiring models to global supermodels almost overnight.