‘America’s Next Top Model’ Cycle 23 Executive Producer Talks Perks of Moving from The CW to VH1, Highlights Ease of Showcasing Diversity

‘America’s Next Top Model’ cycle 23 executive producer Ken Mok revealed the perks and advantages of moving from The CW to VH1. He highlighted the ease of showcasing diversity on the show’s new network.

According to Variety, the 23rd cycle of the reality television series and interactive competition created and executive produced by former model and entrepreneur Tyra Banks drew nearly 1.3 million viewers on its premiere last December 12. Cycle 23’s episode 1, titled "Business, Brand, Boss," introduced the 14 new modeling aspirants as well as a new panel of judges composed of host Rita Ora, model Ashley Graham, “Paper” magazine chief creative officer Drew Elliot, and celebrity stylist Law Roach.

‘America’s Next Top Model’ wrapped its run on The CW last December 4, 2015 with the episode "Finale Part 2: America's Next Top Model is..." The episode drew 1.2 million viewers and revealed Nyle DiMarco as cycle 22’s winner. The CW announced season 22 to be its last run on the network.

VH1 picked up the series on February 2016, with original host Tyra Banks returning to serve as executive producer. It is produced by 10 by 10 Entertainment in association with The Tyra Banks Company, and is distributed by CBS Television Distribution. Executive producing with Banks are Ken Mok, Dana Gabrion, Paul Buscemi, and Jaimie Glasson.

During an interview with The Wrap, Mok revealed that the series’ new home on VH1 is advantageous for the show following its cancellation in The CW. He said, “I actually think VH1 is the perfect broadcast partner for us because they fit the particular demographic of our show. They really go after the millennials and the younger audience, which has really been the cornerstone of “Top Model” for all these years.”

Mok continued, “I think the other thing that has made them such a great broadcast partner, if you look at the history of the show, “Top Model” has always been probably one of the most, if not the most diverse shows on television … And that’s something our former network wasn’t always comfortable with. But it’s so refreshing with VH1. Not only are they on board with our diversity perspective, they completely champion it.”

The executive producer clarified that diversity didn’t only mean ethnicity but also size variations as well as LGBT community representations. He also explained their decision to revert back to the original format of all-female contestants saying, “When we decided to start fresh, we really wanted to go back to the roots of “Top Model,” which was all women in the cast. It’s interesting — and Tyra always said this from the beginning — the modeling industry is one of those rare industries where women rule … So we said to VH1 that we wanted to go back to our roots and start from our very base again. Play to the strengths of what the fashion world is.”

‘America’s Next Top Model’ cycle 23’s episode 3, titled “Make Your Mark,” is scheduled to air on VH1 on December 26, 2016.