Germany's Next Topmodel
Germany's Next Topmodel (GNTM) is a German reality competition series that premiered on 25 January 2006 on the ProSieben television network, adapting the format of America's Next Top Model to identify and develop aspiring female models through challenges, photoshoots, and eliminations.[1][2] Hosted by supermodel Heidi Klum, who also serves as lead judge and executive producer, each season typically spans 10 to 17 episodes, beginning with 12 to 25 contestants and culminating in a winner receiving modeling contracts, cash prizes, and media exposure.[3][4] By 2025, the show had completed its 20th season, establishing itself as ProSieben's longest-running reality format and a key driver of viewership during its annual cycle, though audience ratings have fluctuated amid format tweaks like international travel segments and guest judges.[3][2] Notable early successes include season 1 winner Lena Gercke, who secured campaigns with brands like Apt. 9 and hosted fashion events, representing one of the program's few sustained breakthroughs in the competitive modeling industry.[2] However, empirical outcomes for most alumni reveal limited long-term viability, with many winners and finalists reporting career stagnation or pivots to influencing, acting, or unrelated professions due to saturated markets and restrictive post-show contracts.[5] The series has generated significant controversies, including accusations of promoting unrealistic body standards through weigh-ins and critiques, as well as specific incidents like a 2014 photoshoot where contestants donned Native American headdresses and face paint, prompting backlash for cultural appropriation from outlets across the spectrum.[6][7] Recent seasons have intensified debates over contestant selection and challenges, with critics highlighting exploitative elements—such as winners frequently litigating to exit binding agreements—and evolving inclusivity efforts, including biologically male participants identifying as female, which some attribute to broader cultural pressures rather than merit-based modeling criteria.[8][9] Despite these issues, GNTM persists as a cultural fixture, reflecting tensions between entertainment spectacle and the modeling sector's demands.[2]Origins and Development
Inception and Adaptation from ANTM
Germany's Next Topmodel premiered on January 25, 2006, on the private broadcaster ProSieben as a direct adaptation of the American reality competition America's Next Top Model, a format originated by supermodel Tyra Banks.[1] The German version was created by television producer Steffen Müller and positioned as a localized casting show to identify and develop aspiring female models through competitive challenges.[1] Heidi Klum, a German-born supermodel with extensive international experience including Victoria's Secret campaigns and Project Runway hosting, was recruited as the host, lead judge, and executive producer, lending her personal brand to the production under the subtitle "by Heidi Klum."[2][1] The adaptation licensed the foundational ANTM structure—featuring open casting calls, panel judging, themed photo shoots, runway evaluations, and progressive eliminations culminating in a grand prize including modeling contracts and cash awards—but customized it for German audiences with broader initial contestant pools of up to 51 applicants and episodes extending to 10–25 per cycle.[3] Unlike the original's focus on Banks' hands-on mentorship and U.S.-centric pop culture references, GNTM emphasized European filming locations, such as shoots in Berlin and international destinations, and integrated Klum's straightforward judging style alongside panels of photographers, stylists, and industry experts.[2] This localization contributed to rapid viewership growth, with the first season averaging strong ratings for ProSieben by capitalizing on the glamour of high fashion without the overt dramatic personal narratives prominent in early ANTM cycles.[10] Production was handled by German studios under ProSieben's oversight, diverging from ANTM's U.S. network model by prioritizing commercial viability in a competitive European TV market, where reality formats like talent searches had proven successful in drawing young demographics.[2] The inaugural cycle ran from January 25 to March 29, 2006, reducing an initial field of dozens to a single winner, Lena Gercke, who secured contracts with fashion houses like Oui Set and Select Model Management.[1] This success validated the adaptation's fidelity to ANTM's aspirational core while adapting to cultural preferences for efficiency in eliminations and emphasis on walk-in castings over extensive pre-selection.[3]Production Details and Network Involvement
Germany's Next Topmodel airs on the German commercial television network ProSieben, a flagship channel of the ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE group, which has broadcast the series since its debut on February 28, 2006. The network's involvement extends beyond airing, as ProSiebenSat.1 integrates the show into a comprehensive value chain encompassing production, marketing, digital extensions, and merchandising to maximize audience engagement and revenue.[11] This internal synergy allows the group to leverage cross-promotional opportunities across its platforms, contributing to the show's sustained popularity among the 14-49 demographic, where it has achieved market shares up to 17.5% in recent seasons.[11] Production is primarily handled by Redseven Entertainment, a subsidiary under Seven.One Studios, the in-house production entity established by ProSiebenSat.1 in 2022 to consolidate content creation.[12] [13] Earlier seasons were produced by Tresor TV before the transition to Redseven, with episodes typically running 60 to 100 minutes in a multi-camera format filmed primarily in Germany and select international locations for challenges.[1] Heidi Klum, the show's host since inception, also serves as executive producer, influencing creative decisions and branding, including the subtitle "by Heidi Klum" added to emphasize her central role.[14] The format is licensed from CBS Studios International, which owns the underlying America's Next Top Model intellectual property; ProSiebenSat.1 secured a multi-season renewal in 2017 to extend production through at least the early 2020s, enabling the series to reach its 20th cycle in 2025.[15] [16] Specialized firms like WBM-Production have contributed to specific elements, such as live finale concepts, underscoring the collaborative production model tailored to high-profile events.[17]Format and Mechanics
Core Competition Structure
The core competition of Germany's Next Topmodel involves an annual casting process where thousands of applicants submit videos or attend open auditions, with 12 to 25 semi-finalists selected to advance into the filmed competition phase.[18] These contestants, typically young adults aspiring to model professionally, relocate to a shared living situation or travel for shoots, undergoing makeovers and training in posing, walking, and portfolio development early in the cycle.[11] Each episode, spanning 10 to 25 per season, features one or more challenges designed to test modeling aptitude, such as themed photo shoots, runway presentations, commercial filming, or fitness tasks, often with industry professionals providing feedback.[18][19] A judging panel, presided over by host Heidi Klum alongside experts like photographers or designers, critiques performances on criteria including photogenic quality, adaptability, and marketability.[11][19] Eliminations occur at the episode's panel session, where safe contestants receive feedback and at-risk ones defend their progress; judges deliberate and dismiss one or occasionally multiple participants (or none in rare consensus-driven episodes) based on overall rankings and potential.[18] This narrows the field progressively until a live finale with 2 to 4 finalists, who perform final runway or campaign segments before public and judge votes crown the winner.[19] The victor receives prizes including a cash award of €100,000, a one-year modeling contract with an agency like Supreme Management, and a national advertising campaign for L'Oréal Paris, intended to launch a professional career though success varies by individual talent and market conditions.[19] While the format emphasizes merit-based progression, critiques from industry observers note that dramatic interpersonal conflicts and visual appeal often influence outcomes alongside skill.[20]Key Challenges and Elimination Process
The core challenges in Germany's Next Topmodel assess contestants' proficiency in essential modeling skills, primarily through themed photoshoots and runway walks. Photoshoots demand rapid posing, adaptability to lighting, wardrobe, and concepts ranging from commercial advertising to high-fashion editorials, often under pressure like limited frames or harsh conditions such as extreme weather or confined spaces.[20] Runway segments evaluate gait, posture, and charisma, typically performed for judges or audiences, with coaching provided on techniques to convey personality and marketability.[20] Supplementary tasks, including casting auditions, fitness drills, or improvisational exercises like pairing outfits with props, test versatility and real-world applicability, with winners often gaining advantages like immunity from elimination.[21] Eliminations follow each episode's challenge and judging panel critique, where performances are ranked via revealed photographs and footage. The panel, comprising the host and experts, deliberates on factors including photographic impact, runway execution, attitude, and improvement potential, eliminating typically one contestant to narrow the field progressively toward a finale.[20] Variations include double or triple eliminations for weaker cohorts, or non-elimination episodes to allow recovery, determined by consensus rather than fixed metrics, reflecting subjective industry standards over algorithmic precision.[22] This process, while promoting competition, has drawn scrutiny for emphasizing aesthetics and compliance over diverse body types or long-term viability.Variations and Evolutions Over Time
Since its debut in 2006, Germany's Next Topmodel maintained a core structure centered on female contestants undergoing castings, photo shoots, runway challenges, makeovers, and weekly eliminations to determine a single winner, with episodes typically spanning 10 to 25 per cycle and initial contestant pools ranging from 12 to dozens.[2] Early cycles emphasized traditional modeling skills, including increasing international shoots to build contestant experience abroad, reflecting an adaptation to global fashion demands while retaining the competitive elimination format. A pivotal evolution occurred in the 19th cycle (2024), when male contestants were introduced for the first time, expanding eligibility to include men competing alongside women and marking a shift toward greater gender inclusivity in response to evolving industry standards.[23] [24] This change eliminated traditional gender barriers, with the season producing the first male winner, Jermaine Kokou Kothé.[25] The 20th cycle (2025) further broadened access by removing height and weight restrictions, allowing applicants of any body type and age (minimum 18) to participate, which resulted in a record 51 contestants and underscored a commitment to diverse representation over conventional modeling archetypes.[26] Structural tweaks included initial separate episodes for male and female groups—airing Wednesdays and Thursdays, respectively—before merging, culminating in dual winners: Moritz Rüdiger (male) and Daniela Djokić (female).[27] Parallel to competitive changes, the format has integrated multimedia elements, transitioning from linear television to a 360-degree experience with streaming on Joyn, social media previews, and web-exclusive content like behind-the-scenes clips to enhance viewer engagement.[2] Innovations such as the AI-driven "GNTM TOPSHOT" photo shoots, launched in April 2025 exclusively on Joyn, and anniversary specials like "Germany's Next Topmodel Stories" demonstrate adaptations to digital technology and personalized content delivery.[2] These developments balance format consistency with innovation, sustaining the show's appeal amid shifting media landscapes.[2]Personnel
Host: Heidi Klum's Role
Heidi Klum, a German-American supermodel and television personality, has served as the host of Germany's Next Topmodel (GNTM) since the show's premiere on February 28, 2006, on ProSieben.[1] In this capacity, she also acts as the lead judge and executive producer, overseeing the competition's format, contestant selection, and production elements across all cycles through 2025.[28] Her involvement stems from her established modeling career and prior success hosting Project Runway starting in 2004, which positioned her to adapt and localize the America's Next Top Model concept for German audiences.[29] Klum's hosting duties include introducing weekly episodes, moderating judging panels with guest experts and permanent mentors, and providing direct feedback to contestants during photo shoots, runway walks, and themed challenges. She conducts one-on-one interviews to assess participants' personalities and progress, often emphasizing discipline, marketability, and resilience in the fashion industry based on her own experiences. At eliminations, Klum announces results, delivers critiques, and reveals the weekly "Walk of Fame" or elimination decisions, culminating in crowning the season winner during live finales.[1] Throughout the show's 20 cycles as of 2025, Klum's role has remained consistent, with her executive producer credits ensuring creative control, including casting calls that attract thousands of applicants annually—such as over 20,000 for early seasons—and integrating international elements like shoots in New York or Milan.[28] Her on-screen presence, characterized by a blend of encouragement and tough-love realism, has been credited with maintaining viewer engagement, though she has noted logistical challenges in filming multiple episodes amid her global commitments.[30] This multifaceted involvement has branded the series as "Germany's Next Topmodel by Heidi Klum," distinguishing it from other international adaptations.Judges and Mentors
Heidi Klum has served as the host and lead judge of Germany's Next Topmodel since its debut on ProSieben on February 25, 2006, evaluating contestants on poise, marketability, and professional potential alongside rotating panelists from the fashion industry.[1] Her role emphasizes constructive criticism drawn from her experience as a supermodel, often focusing on runway performance and commercial viability.[31] Early seasons featured judges such as model scout Peyman Amin and international model coach Bruce Darnell, who provided insights on international modeling standards and walk critiques from 2006 to 2008.[1] Photographer Armin Morbach and hairstylist Boris Entrup also contributed in initial cycles, assessing technical skills like posing and styling adaptability.[2] From cycle 6 in 2011, makeup artist and photographer Thomas Hayo became a staple judge for six consecutive seasons, offering expertise in beauty transformations and high-fashion aesthetics until cycle 13 in 2018.[20] Fashion designer Michael Michalsky joined around cycle 11 in 2016, replacing Wolfgang Joop, and served through multiple seasons, critiquing design sensibility and brand compatibility until at least 2018.[32][16] In later cycles, particularly from cycle 14 onward, the panel shifted toward guest judges to introduce fresh perspectives, with Klum as the sole permanent member; this format persisted into the 20th anniversary season in 2025.[33] Guests in season 20 included Klum's daughter Leni Klum, supermodel Naomi Campbell, designer Lessja Verlingieri, and veteran Kristen McMenamy, each appearing in specific episodes to evaluate challenges like castings and photoshoots.[33][34] Mentors complement the judges by providing specialized training, notably runway and movement coach Micky Kurz, who joined as a guest in cycle 15 (2020) and has coached contestants on catwalk technique, posture, and performance under pressure in subsequent seasons including 2025.[35] This role addresses practical skills often highlighted in eliminations, such as adapting to themed walks or high-energy shoots.[36]Seasons Overview
Cycles 1-5: Establishing the Format (2006-2010)
The first cycle of Germany's Next Topmodel premiered on ProSieben on January 25, 2006, featuring 12 contestants selected through auditions and competing in a format centered on modeling challenges, photo shoots, runway training, and panel judging sessions hosted by Heidi Klum.[2] [1] Weekly episodes included critiques from a panel of industry experts, leading to eliminations based on performance in tasks like posing, walking, and commercial simulations, culminating in 17-year-old Lena Gercke from Cloppenburg as the winner on March 29, 2006, who received a modeling contract and media exposure as prizes.[37] This structure, adapted from the American counterpart but localized with German-language production and Klum's central role, established the show's annual rhythm of semi-final casting reductions followed by intensive competition phases.[2] Cycle 2 aired from March 1 to May 31, 2007, expanding slightly on the template with 13 initial finalists after auditions, maintaining emphasis on photo shoots and runway evaluations under Klum's hosting and judging oversight.[38] Barbara Meier, aged 20, emerged as winner, securing similar prizes including agency representation that propelled her into professional modeling.[37] The season reinforced the elimination process, where poor performance in challenges like themed shoots or live presentations resulted in weekly exits, solidifying viewer familiarity with the progression from a pool of aspirants to a single victor through merit-based assessments.[2] Subsequent cycles 3 through 5, airing in 2008–2010, adhered closely to this foundational model while incrementally scaling contestant numbers to 15–20 for broader appeal, with premieres in late February or early March to align with ProSieben's programming slate.[1] Cycle 3 (February 28–June 5, 2008) crowned Jennifer Hof, 16, after competitions emphasizing youthful marketability; cycle 4 (February 12–May 21, 2009) saw Sara Nuru, 19, win amid challenges incorporating international elements like U.S. city shoots; and cycle 5 (March 4–June 10, 2010) awarded Alisar Ailabouni a contract with ONEeins agency and a car.[37] [20] These seasons entrenched the format's core mechanics—audition-heavy entry, skill-building tasks, and judge-driven eliminations—without major deviations, fostering a predictable yet engaging narrative arc that prioritized photogenic potential and adaptability over time.[2]| Cycle | Premiere Date | Winner | Key Format Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (2006) | January 25 | Lena Gercke | 12 contestants; initial establishment of weekly photo/runway challenges and panel eliminations.[1] [37] |
| 2 (2007) | March 1 | Barbara Meier | 13 finalists; reinforced audition-to-final progression with media tie-ins.[38] [37] |
| 3 (2008) | February 28 | Jennifer Hof | Expanded focus on commercial viability in judging criteria.[37] |
| 4 (2009) | February 12 | Sara Nuru | Introduction of overseas shoots to test travel adaptability.[37] |
| 5 (2010) | March 4 | Alisar Ailabouni | Standardized prizes including agency contracts; consistent elimination pacing.[20][39] |
Cycles 6-10: Expansion and Format Tweaks (2011-2015)
Cycle 6, airing from March 3 to June 9, 2011, on ProSieben, crowned Jana Beller of Recklinghausen as winner in a live finale featuring performances by Lady Gaga and Keri Hilson.[40][41] In response to declining ratings observed in cycle 5, producers shifted focus from cycle 6 onward toward amplifying entertainment through heightened interpersonal drama and contestant conflicts, aiming to sustain viewer interest amid falling quotas.[42] This period also marked expansion in scale, with cycle 7 in 2012 drawing from a pool of 51 applicants across initial castings, a notable increase from prior seasons' smaller groups. Luisa Hartema, a 17-year-old from Leer, won the season, which premiered February 23 and emphasized challenges in international locales like New York.[43] Prizes remained consistent, including a management contract with Günther Klum's OneEins GmbH and features in major publications, though Hartema later pursued modeling in New York post-win.[37] Cycle 8, under the slogan "Closer than ever" and airing February 28 to June 2, 2013, implemented further tweaks including a shortened episode count to counter persistent quota drops and reduced advertising revenue, alongside jury refreshes such as the addition of new permanent judges.[44][45] Lovelyn Enebechi, aged 16 from Hamburg, became the youngest winner to date, securing standard prizes like a Cosmopolitan cover and vehicle.[46] The format continued prioritizing conflict-driven narratives to elevate drama. Subsequent cycles sustained this trajectory: cycle 9 (February 6 to May 8, 2014) under "Show Yourself" expanded casting to online submissions and events in ten German cities, yielding Stefanie Giesinger as winner.[47] Cycle 10 (February 12 to May 28, 2015), themed "Celebrate Beauty," selected 17 finalists from broad applicants, with Vanessa Fuchs of Bergisch Gladbach taking the title over runner-up Anuthida Ploypetch.[48][49] These adjustments, blending larger-scale production with drama-centric edits, helped stabilize the series through 2015 despite ongoing critiques of post-win contract disputes among victors like Beller, who legally exited her prize agreement shortly after cycle 6.[37]| Cycle | Premiere Date | Winner | Notable Expansion/Tweak |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | March 3, 2011 | Jana Beller | Introduction of drama-focused edits for ratings recovery[42] |
| 7 | February 23, 2012 | Luisa Hartema | 51 initial candidates, emphasizing global challenges[43] |
| 8 | February 28, 2013 | Lovelyn Enebechi | Shortened season and jury changes amid quota pressures[44] |
| 9 | February 6, 2014 | Stefanie Giesinger | Broader casting via online and multi-city events[47] |
| 10 | February 12, 2015 | Vanessa Fuchs | Sustained focus on beauty celebration themes[48] |
Cycles 11-15: Digital Integration and Challenges (2016-2020)
Cycle 11, aired in 2016, concluded with Kim Hnizdo as the winner after outperforming finalists Elena Carrière and Fata Hasanovic in the finale photo shoot and runway presentation.[50] Hnizdo, who had deferred her law studies to participate, received prizes including a modeling contract and participation in New York Fashion Week.[37] Cycle 12, launched in February 2017, saw Céline Bethmann claim victory over runner-up Serlina Hohmann, with the season emphasizing high-fashion photo shoots and catwalk training.[51] Bethmann, aged 26 at the time, transitioned post-win to commercial modeling assignments.[37] In cycle 13 of 2018, Toni Dreher-Adenuga, representing an 18-year-old from Stuttgart, won the competition, defeating Julianna Townsend in the final.[52] Her prizes encompassed a Günther Klum modeling contract and editorial features, highlighting her cheerful persona during challenges like themed editorials and live performances.[53] Cycle 14 in 2019 crowned Simone Kowalski the winner, with the season featuring intense eliminations and a quit by contestant Kim Dammer amid the competitive pressures of runway battles and group shoots.[37] Kowalski, 27, expressed post-show intentions to step back from public exposure due to the format's demands.[37] The fifteenth cycle, airing from January to May 2020, ended with Jacqueline Wruck, known as Jacky, declared the winner on May 21, securing a Harper's Bazaar cover among other rewards.[54][55] Wruck, initially not selected from over 18,000 applicants, advanced through resurgent participation, facing challenges like international travel restrictions emerging from the COVID-19 outbreak that began impacting Europe in early 2020.[55]| Cycle | Year | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | 2016 | Kim Hnizdo [50] |
| 12 | 2017 | Céline Bethmann [51] |
| 13 | 2018 | Toni Dreher-Adenuga[52] |
| 14 | 2019 | Simone Kowalski |
| 15 | 2020 | Jacqueline Wruck [55] |