The Swan was a hit reality series that ran for two seasons in 2004. It was a competition show that took two “ugly ducklings” every week and transformed them. One would win that week, and by the end, the top women competed in a pageant to walk away as the ultimate swan. However, behind the scenes was even more terrifying than viewers knew. Keep reading for more details on what went down.
The Swan Was Terrifying
So many men and women crave plastic surgery and to be completely transformed. For a handful of ladies, that dream became a reality when they were cast on The Swan. Not only would they get new bodies, but also new teeth and, essentially, head-to-toe makeovers. The plastic surgeons were Dr. Randal Haworth and Dr. Terry Dubrow of Botched and RHOC fame. This seemed to be a great idea for women who wanted to change their lives and looks, but it was also heavily criticized for encouraging an unrealistic body image.
Moreover, it forced women to go to great lengths to look a certain way in order to “win” or be pretty. After two seasons, it ended, and there were talks of a revival, but that never happened. Now, Hulu has a documentary exposing what really went on behind the scenes, and it is horrific. Contestants noted that they wanted to go home after suffering, but were told they would have to pay the show for their procedures. Kristy Garza, who competed, shared that she has no idea what was done to her and shared this:
“I know that they tweaked my eyes, I know I had a little bit of fat transfer here and there – but I couldn’t even tell you the exact surgeries I had.”
Moreover, the ladies did not have proper help afterward, so they were forced to care for one another:
“The other woman in your living situation had to change your linens, had to go get ice packs.”
Kari Bravata admitted that she almost died on The Swan, but cameras were never present when surgeries took a turn. Allegedly, she did not wake from her anesthesia, leading her lungs to fill with fluid. She was then placed on oxygen.
No Regrets
As bad as The Swan was, many say that they do not regret it. They look at it as a learning experience, although they have suffered greatly afterward. Moreover, they have had to pay out of pocket for ruptured implants and broken veneers. Potential viewers are very excited to see what Dr. Terry Dubrow has to say now that the documentary is coming out. Furthermore, they cannot believe that they were able to watch this show as kids. It seemed strange, but now, in hindsight, such a horrible example:
- Is Debrow gonna be on? He talks about how horrible this sho was all the time
- I can’t believe I was allowed to watch this as a kid but even then I remember thinking that most of these women just needed makeup and their hair done.
Others felt that the ladies received free plastic surgery, so why complain? It’s not that; it was the way that they were left to fend for themselves, essentially. Will you be watching The Swan documentary when it comes out on September 29th? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Amanda has been a professional freelance writer for over a decade, holding both a BA and an MA. Her passions include animals, iced coffee, gnomes, summer, music, and ‘Vanderpump Rules’.