True Beauty

True Beauty is a captivating reality television series that was aired on ABC from 2009 to 2010 for a mesmerizing two seasons. This show stands out because it doesn't purely focus on physical attractiveness, but rather extends into the nuances of inner beauty, presenting an amalgamation of beauty and morals for a more holistic perspective. It is, in essence, a unique alteration of beauty competition shows, commanding the interest of viewers who appreciate the idea that beauty goes beyond skin depth.

The show was brilliantly masterminded by Ashton Kutcher and Tyra Banks, both intellectual think-tanks who understand glamour and beauty, and know just how to create an attractive television series. They definitely used their vast experiences – from modeling to show hosting to acting – while creating True Beauty, which has become evident in each curated episode.

The premise of the show is deceptively simple: a group of contestants enter a beauty competition, not knowing that they are under constant surveillance and being judged not just on their physical beauty but also their inner beauty. The twist in the tale comes as they are unaware of this dual-judgement scale, creating a platform for a highly engaging and exciting unscripted drama.

In each episode, contestants participate in photo shoots, fashion shows, or other tasks highlighting their physical beauty and style, with judges assessing the results accordingly. But behind the scenes, cameras are also on a constant roll, recording their every move and interaction with each other and the world at large. They are smoke-screened into believing that the competition is all about outer appearances when, in reality, their true characters are also under the scanner.

The contestants think that their behavior offstage does not affect their chances in the competition. Unbeknownst to them, an additional panel of judges observes their actions and behaviors in various scenarios. These could range from their responses to staged situations, how they deal with unexpected problems, or their behavior towards each other and towards the staff and the public. The seamlessly integrated hidden camera setup documents every positive and negative behavioral trait, which has its influence on the results.

The judging panel consisted of a diverse group of people with varied professional insights who collectively decided the fate of the contestants. The external beauty judges were Vanessa Minnillo and Carson Kressley, best known for his role in the Emmy winning show 'Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.' Here, he uses his expertise as a fashion stylist to judge contestants based on physical appeal and fashion sense. Vanessa, a TV personality and former Miss Teen USA, brings her experience from the beauty pageant world to the table. For inner beauty, the judges' panel included different prominent figures like Cheryl Tiegs, an actress and model, who was replaced in the second season by Beth Ostrosky Stern, a model, actress, and animal rights activist.

In a final twist, contestants were revealed the truth about the competition during elimination round. The judges would present a montage of their behavior throughout their time on the show, showcasing their good and bad moments, depicting how they had unknowingly been judged.

True Beauty was a trailblazer in encouraging viewers to reevaluate their understanding of beauty. It added an extra layer of intrigue and depth, making it more than just another reality TV show. The inclusion of 'inner beauty' as an essential judging criterion reflected the understanding that character is as important, if not more important, than physical appearance. The show was nothing short of an eye-opening experience for contestants and viewers alike, serving real-life lessons about humanity and compassion wrapped in a glossy TV package.

All in all, True Beauty is a reality competition show with a fresh twist that covertly observes the good, the bad, and the ugly of human behavior. It is a compelling exploration of the true essence of beauty, untouched by superficiality, and a must-watch for reality television enthusiasts.