‘America's Next Top Model’ to end with Cycle 22

After 12 years of providing aspiring models a chance at claiming their time in the spotlight, one of the biggest reality-based model searches, “America's Next Top Model”, is set to end with the finale of Cycle 22 on December.

Host, judge, and top model Tyra Banks made the announcement on October 15.

In a tweet, she said, “Thinking #ANTM22 should be our last cycle. I truly believe it's time. May your pics be forever fierce. Keep on Smizing!”

Banks followed up with a longer message through an Instagram post.

According to her, “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,” the top model and mentor added.

The host continued on to inspire girls with the message of self-love and self-appreciation, hoping that she has somehow sent this message across to the model aspirants and the viewers alike in the years of airing the reality show.

“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,” Banks said.

 

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

The last episode of ANTM Cycle 22 will air on December 4, Tyra Banks' birthday.

According to CW, the network that airs the show, ANTM has not just been a hit but a pop culture phenomenon.

“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,” said Mark Pedowitz, President, The CW.

He added, “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.”

Ken Mok is the producer of the show alongside Tyra. It has been a successful reality series and is considered as the longest-running show currently on the network.

Guess what. The series finale of #ANTM #cycle22 & final Top Model show ever will air on Friday, December 4th. My birthday. #ironic

— Tyra Banks (@tyrabanks) October 14, 2015

ANTM will be remembered not only for the top models it trained and introduced to the whole world, but also for the makeovers, house drama, photo shoots, entertaining banter, enemies and friends made, and everything else in between.

Since airing in 2003, the show has branched out with other international versions and also included plus-sized and male models in the following seasons.

Aside from Tyra, models Janice Dickinson and Twiggy, and fashion photographer Nigel Barker were some of the judges on the show.



— Bianca Rose Dabu/DVM, GMA News