After 12 years, this season of “America’s Next Top Model” will be its last. Creator and host Tyra Banks leaked the news Wednesday on Twitter by posting, “Thinking #ANTM22 should be our last cycle. I truly believe it’s time. May your pics be forever fierce. Keep on Smizing!” The CW network confirmed the news shortly afterward.
Originally launched on the UPN, the show moved over to the CW for the network’s inaugural season in 2006 — and it has remained the last series to continue from the now-defunct UPN.
The series is responsible for launching the careers of several well-known models and actresses, including Adrianne Curry, YaYa DaCosta and Analeigh Tipton.
Accoring to CW president Mark Pedowitz, the competition series “was a successful franchise for two networks … and became not just a ratings hit, but a global pop culture phenomenon.”
Banks, of course, has moved on to her new syndicated panel talk show, “FABLife,” on which she both stars and executive produces. The series has launched to a strong start with daytime audiences across the country.
The series finale of “America’s Next Top Model” will air Dec. 4, though the network is said to be mulling a possible retrospective special for some time in late 2016.
