In the series premiere, the twelve swimsuit model hopefuls get their first taste of walking down the runway when they strut down the catwalk for the judges and celebrity guest Cheryl Tiegs. Meanwhile, their first physical challenge puts the girls' desires to become the next Sports Illustrated swimsuit model to the test as they prepare for their first beach shoot in front of the judges.
With the number of supermodel hopefuls cut to 8, the girls prepare for their next competition with guest stars The Los Angeles Clippers' Spirit Dance squad. However, before they strut their dance moves, they must come to terms with the drastic changes to their look after a full model makeover provided by a celebrity stylist.
In the third round, the contestants are put to the test in a rigorous volleyball challenge and their nerves are tested when they must endure a photo shoot in extremely cold temperatures.
With the group of model hopefuls down to a final four, the girls begin to show signs of stress as some alleged cheating in the last model shoot causes them to turn on each other. Meanwhile, they hit the waves for a fierce surfing competiton with a diamond prize and their last and most difficult modeling challenge -- a live runway show.
Whisked away to tropical Bora Bora for their final photo shoot, the remaining three contestants attempt to use all the skills they've learned in order to convince the judges and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Isssue Editor Diane Smith they have what it takes to grace the pages of this year's SI swimsuit issue.
With the final elimination looming, the two finalists head home for some much-needed time with their families and to prepare for the viewers' decision. However, one final surprise awaits them in Los Angeles as the voted off contestants join them for this final decision with one model walking away with a $1,000,000 modeling contract and the knowledge that she has made it onto the pages of the world-renowned Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.