Germany's Next Topmodel: Season 21
Season 21 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of Germany's Next Topmodel Season 20.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 21 Progress Shield
Men's casting with Jean Paul Gaultier! Who has what it takes to be a top model?
Feb 11, 2026 · 103 min
A great new season with an exciting, special twist: the 21st season of "Germany's Next Topmodel – by Heidi Klum" kicks off with the men. It’s a launch full of suspense and style! T
The search for a top model continues! Who impresses with style and personality?
Feb 12, 2026 · 103 min
Now, the women are taking the #GNTM stage. For the 21st season, global star Heidi Klum is inviting female contestants to an open casting in Cologne. Who will make it to the next ro
First major fashion show, first farewell
Feb 18, 2026 · 101 min
In the third episode, the men move into a modern Berlin loft and immediately kick things off with their first major runway walk through a staged wheat field—followed by an eliminat
Moving into Berlin, Catwalk Fever & First Decision
Feb 19, 2026 · 115 min
The female models move into their loft at the Berlin "Fernsehwerft." Then, the first major runway walk takes place. For the decision-making process, Heidi is joined by English fash
Retro glamour on the Spree & underground rave with Baptiste Giabiconi!
Feb 25, 2026 · 115 min
During a photoshoot on the Spree, the models exude 1950s glamour in retro swimwear, styled by star photographer Andreas Ortner. The next highlight awaits in the loft: Baptiste Giab
A heavenly, beautiful photoshoot & 80s power on the catwalk
Feb 26, 2026 · 120 min
The models face their first major photo shoot—"Angel and Demon"—with photographer Armin Morbach and supermodel Nadja Auermann. But it is not just the shoot that poses a challenge;
Job hunt & makeover: Casting week is about to begin
Mar 4, 2026 · 131 min
It’s casting week for the models! Several exciting job opportunities are on the agenda. Who will manage to impress the clients? Ultimately, the models have to prove themselves on t
Ready, set, go! Who lands the first job?
Mar 5, 2026 · 123 min
The first castings are coming up for the female models. They have numerous opportunities to land jobs. Who stands out? Who manages to secure a gig? The models have to give it their
Heidi's crazy date, a men's showdown & a public walk with the Elevator Boys!
Mar 11, 2026 · 113 min
The men compete against each other in pairs during a sports-themed photoshoot with star photographer Ellen von Unwerth. The winner of each pairing is rewarded with time spent with
Red carpet, designer showdown & the big L.A. decision!
Mar 12, 2026 · 120 min
Red carpet with Heidi: The top three contestants from the previous week accompany her to a premiere at the Friedrichstadt-Palast in Berlin. This is followed by an extravagant photo
L.A. Kick-off: Ranch life, intense gazes & first kisses
Mar 18, 2026 · 101 min
Welcome to L.A.! Men and women meet for the first time at a ranch. Their very first joint shoot involves a kissing scene. Actress and acting coach Nina Rausch prepares the models f
Pounding hearts, a Vivaldi dance & sensual glances in the ballroom!
Mar 19, 2026 · 105 min
Get ready for some heart-pounding excitement! The models are taking a trip back in time to the 18th century. Set to the music of Vivaldi, they practice elegant ballroom dances whil
The Big Makeover
Mar 25, 2026 · 98 min
Snip, snap—off with the hair! The big makeover takes center stage. Heidi Klum surprises the contestants during a meal at the ranch: using beanies, she selects six women and six men
Bending with Style: Coco Rocha, Christian Siriano & the Couture Challenge!
Mar 26, 2026 · 104 min
Elegance is the order of the day in this episode, as a haute couture masterclass with internationally renowned supermodel Coco Rocha is on the agenda. The contestants learn how to
Casting fever, comp card shoot & a surprise guest
Apr 1, 2026 · 99 min
The season's most important shoot is coming up: the comp card shoot. Now is the time to give it their all, as the comp card is their ticket to landing jobs with clients. During a w
Venice Beach glamour: spray tans & sparkling outfits
Apr 2, 2026 · 104 min
An exciting beach walk awaits the models at sunny Venice Beach! Before they show off their skills in Julien Macdonald’s exclusive collection, tanning artist Jimmy Coco ensures they
Media crash course & an intense nude shoot with Rankin!
Apr 8, 2026 · 99 min
The ultimate transformation is coming up! Star photographer Rankin stages the models as mystical, alien-like high-fashion fish for a breathtaking nude shoot! Plus, the models dive
The model lifestyle begins: casting, travel & the first press conference.
Apr 9, 2026 · 107 min
The dream becomes reality! A casting call for a global brand sends the models on a jet-set journey between Los Angeles and Munich! But that’s just the beginning. Next comes a gruel
Beverly Hills glamour, Demi Lovato & music video performance
Apr 16, 2026 · 104 min
The models move into their luxury villa in Beverly Hills. Then, the next casting is already underway! The highlight: a decisive runway walk featuring their own choreography to Demi
Underwater Action & High-Altitude Drama
Apr 23, 2026 · 112 min
From great heights to the depths below: for a spectacular underwater shoot with star photographer Russell James, the models must impress in pairs. Next up is the breathtaking flyin
Entry into the top 10
Apr 30, 2026 · 114 min
During a high-energy photoshoot with celebrity photographer Max Montgomery, the models pose in a downtown Los Angeles nightclub—while watching their competitors' shoots live on mon
Movie Edition: Drama on Wisteria Lane!
May 7, 2026 · 114 min
The models kick things off with a spectacular grid walk on the Sepulveda Dam; their performance is judged by designer Mona May and model Elias Becker. Next up is an acting challeng
The final auditions and the dream of the semi-final
May 14, 2026 · 111 min
At the model villa, the contestants vie for major magazine moments during a cover shoot—the men for *Esquire* and the women for *InStyle Sport*. One person from each group secures
Semi-finals: Who gets to fight for the title?
May 21, 2026 · 113 min
It’s the #GNTM semi-final! The models are facing the most important shoot of the season: the cover shoot for Harper's Bazaar. For the contestants, it is the final chance to prove t
Final
May 28, 2026 · 96 min
The finale! After an exciting journey in the fashion world, the aspiring models face their final challenge in Season 21 of "Germany's Next Topmodel – by Heidi Klum." Who will impre