TV

The model competition reality series will end its run after 12 years and 22 seasons spread between two networks.

• Oct 15, 2015

AceShowbiz - Tyra Banks took to Twitter on Wednesday, October 14 to announce that "America's Next Top Model" was coming to an end after 22 seasons. She wrote, "TYRA MAIL! Thinking #ANTM22 should be our last cycle. I truly believe it's time. May your pics be forever fierce. Keep on Smizing! [love]Tyra."

Tyra posted a longer message to "ANTM" fans on Instagram along with a picture of number 22. The 41-year-old model then added on Twitter, "Guess what. The series finale of #ANTM #cycle22 & final Top Model show ever will air on Friday, December 4th. My birthday. #ironic."

TYRA MAIL! Thinking #ANTM #cycle22 should be our last cycle. Yeah, I truly believe it's time. Our diehard fans know we've expanded the definition of beauty, presented what Flawsome is, tooched and booched and boom boom boomed, shown the world how to show their neck, rocked couture/catalogue/commercial poses, have found our (and your) light, strutted countless runways, gone on tons of go-sees, added guys to the girls mix, and have traveled around the globe and back again. Yeah, it's time. It really is. Wow, I am SO proud of what Top Model has done. #ANTM brought the intimidating modeling world to the masses. We were the first reality show based in the fashion world. I never thought my little idea would have people everywhere thinking differently about how they take photos. And I never thought we'd do 22 cycles. Whoa! So many!!! And what rhymes with 22? You. And you and you and you and you! YOU made Top Model what it is. We are a global force that has so many international versions around the world because of YOU! That's amazing and beyond anything that I ever dreamed. I set out to create a show where Perfect is Boring. So I hope you continue to love your freckles, your moles, your big forehead, your big eyes, your small eyes, your pointy chin, your tiny boobs, your full chest, your ivory or ebony skin (or every color in between) - the stuff about you that makes you well...you. And I hope you've learned a heck of a lot from watching. I have an inkling you have. May your photos (and selfies) be forever fierce. May you always find your light. And may you werk hallways like runways. Always remember, you are beautiful & BOOTYful. And please, keep on Smizing each and every day for TyTy. Fierce & Love, 💛Tyra

A photo posted by Tyra Banks (@tyrabanks) on Oct 14, 2015 at 12:44pm PDT

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CW President Mark Pedowitz responded to Tyra' announcement in a statement, saying, "America's Next Top Model was a successful franchise for two networks, first at UPN and then The CW, and it became not just a ratings hit, but a global pop culture phenomenon. I want to thank Tyra and Ken for all their years of success in establishing a show that was not just popular in the U.S., but all across the world." According to CW, there are talks about assembling a retrospective special targeted to air late next year.

Tyra created "America's Next Top Model" along with Kenya Barris, and Ken Mok. The reality competition series premiered in May 2003 on UPN before moving to CW in 2006. It produced several well-known models including Analeigh Tipton, Adrianne Curry, CariDee English, Yaya DaCosta, Lisa D'Amato, Whitney Thompson, Dani Evans and Eva Marcille.