At its peak in 2014, the show attracted over nine million American viewers and was broadcast in nearly 200 countries. This unprecedented reach turned a simple lingerie brand into a symbol of American cultural export. However, by 2019, the show faced a dramatic backlash. Audiences criticized the lack of diverse body representation and the exclusion of transgender models. Ratings plummeted, and the event was suspended amid calls for reform. It seemed that the era of the “Angels” had come to an end.
