February 11, 2026
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! The first episode begins with an open casting call in Cologne, where male hopefuls can seize the chance to make it onto the show—doing so right in front of Heidi Klum and fashion icon Jean Paul Gaultier.
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 round and join Heidi Klum on the epic "Germany's Next Topmodel" journey? Heidi Klum is also receiving support regarding the female contestants from fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier.
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 elimination round. US model Sean O'Pry assists in the decision-making process, and the contestants are outfitted by designer Maximilian Gedra. Ultimately, the question remains: who will impress, and who will have to leave the show?
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 fashion model Lottie Moss and designer Giuliano Calza from GCDS.
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 Giabiconi—model and longtime associate of Karl Lagerfeld—conducts a runway coaching session! Later, the catwalk transforms into a pulsating nightclub; the "Rave-Walk" demands energy and attitude.
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; the runway walk is demanding, too. Who will impress in both disciplines?
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 the runway during the decision walk. Heidi is joined by actor and model Michele Morrone, as well as choreographer and performance coach Nikeata Thompson.
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 all during the decision walk. Heidi is joined by guest judge and star designer Jeremy Scott.
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 Heidi Klum. This is followed by the major "public walk," where the contestants must present themselves before an audience. The Elevator Boys serve as guest judges, while fashion designer Daniel W. Fletcher is responsible for the styling.
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 photoshoot with Kristian Schuller. During the decisive runway walk—supported by Maria Koch, Creative Director of 032c—creations by designers Danny Reinke and Johannes Boehl-Cronau are showcased.
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 for the shoot with an "intimate teaching" session. Afterward, photographer Vijat Mohindra photographs the couples on a boat.
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 while wearing opulent ballgowns. But who will be exchanging more than just dance steps? Guest judge Brooks Nader is keeping a close eye on the couples!
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 who will receive a completely new look. Naturally, not everyone is happy about it...
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 elegantly showcase haute couture looks and then put what they have learned into practice during a haute couture runway walk at the ranch. Heidi Klum is joined by Coco Rocha and acclaimed designer Christian Siriano, who professionally evaluate the performances and provide feedback.
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 welcome party for a surprise guest, a contestant from the previous season makes a reappearance. How will the models handle this new situation?
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 achieve the perfect glamorous look. It’s going to be skimpy, sparkly, and sexy! Who will impress Heidi Klum and guest judges Julien Macdonald and top model Stella Maxwell?
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 into the world of the stars with Heidi Klum and Christian Düren: the focus is on handling the media professionally—only those who master this are ready for the big time!
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 grueling media trial by fire: at their first real press conference, they must face questions from prominent journalists. Back in L.A., things get spectacular with a glamorous confetti walk alongside model Amelia Gray.
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 Lovato's hit "Here All Night," set in the original music video location.
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 flying trapeze challenge, where the contestants are lowered from a height of ten meters—only to have to master a runway walk immediately afterward. Plus: who will land the coveted job at the Red Bull casting? Thomas Hayo joins Heidi Klum as a guest judge.
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 monitors backstage. Things really heat up during the subsequent elimination walk at a Hollywood club: the models must demonstrate confidence while wearing extravagant wigs. US actor Billy Porter joins Heidi Klum as a guest judge.
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 challenge: during a video shoot with American actress Lisa Rinna, the models act out scenes on the famous *Desperate Housewives* set—Wisteria Lane—at Universal Studios Hollywood.
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 the cover, while other models land editorial spreads in the magazines. In the subsequent campaign casting for Samsung, two models impress the client. Things get exciting on the runway during the "bald look" walk featuring Manon Bannerman from KATSEYE and model Calum Harper.
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 themselves to Heidi Klum and Editor-in-Chief Kerstin Schneider. Supermodel Candice Swanepoel is also joining the panel as a guest judge.
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 impress in the finale and become #GNTM 2026?