Make Me a Supermodel (Bravo)

MAKE ME A SUPERMODEL combines the eye candy of America's Next Top Model with the participatory experience of American Idol, but without the satisfaction of either. Fourteen models -- a mix of women and men -- live together in a posh New York City townhouse while competing for a single modeling contract with a top agency. In each episode, the models participate in photo shoots and runway shows under the watchful eye of hosts and (former) supermodels Niki Taylor and Tyson Beckford. The hosts -- as well as photographers, agents, and designers -- pick apart the models' bodies, personalities, abilities, and ambition. At the end of each episode, viewers vote off the weakest model from a group of three chosen by the judges.

While the format of the show resembles ANTM in many ways, it's less contrived -- there are no elaborate challenges or forced heart-to-hearts -- but it's also less interesting. The occasional model stands out with a charming personality or sense of humor, but most fade into the background or exude only painful-to-watch desperation. Perhaps looking to infuse the show with more drama, silly issues are squeezed dry, such as when one contestant refuses to wear a thong on the runway.

In one-on-one interviews, contestants frequently talk about being competitive and their hopes that the others will fail. While this seems a natural instinct under the circumstances, it leaves a bad taste in your mouth. The focus on body image is also a concern. In a typical scene, the head of a New York modeling agency tells a model that her hips are large and she'll "have to watch that." Or a contestant is told to hide her ears when she meets clients because they stick out. These criticisms, as well as the many scenes of models prancing around in underwear, create an intense focus on physical appearance with a fairly negative tone. Teens won't gain any useful lessons from this program.