A Model Life with Petra Nemcova (TLC)

A MODEL LIFE WITH PETRA NEMCOVA takes the America's Next Top Model concept and softens the focus. Instead of enduring crazy challenges and catty judging sessions, the six fresh faces on this show receive gentle mentoring from Nemcova, who is known as both a model and a humanitarian. The models come to New York City from as near as Florida and as far as Slovenia and are immediately thrust into the fast-paced world of big-city modeling. They go on test shoots, meet with potential clients, work with professional photographers, and get feedback from their agents at NEXT Modeling -- all while living together in a swank hotel.

In line with its softer, gentler approach, A Model Life doesn't do eliminations or necessarily have a grand prize. All of the models will be considered for a contract at the end of the season, so the show isn't a structured competition. Despite that, the young women sometimes seem competitive, and occasionally criticize one another during individual interviews. These interviews with the models, Nemcova, and the professionals who interact with the young women beef up the on-the-job footage to give viewers a sense of the entire process. Each model has her own strengths and weaknesses, and it's these, as well as strong personalities, that give the show its texture.

Though A Model Life is surely more realistic than America's Next Top Model, it suffers a bit from cheesiness. Nemcova seems like a very likeable and sweet person, but her equanimity feels a bit fake and bland.