America's Next Top Model Is Ending After 12 Years

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This will be the last cycle for America's Next Top Model. Host and creator Tyra Banks just posted on Instagram that the show will end after 22 cycles and 12 years on the air, and the Hollywood Reporter has it that Friday, December 4th will be the series finale of the reality model search series. There could possibly be a retrospective ANTM special episode in late 2016.

The show first aired in 2003 on UPN, and moved over to CW in 2006. "America's Next Top Model was a successful franchise for two networks," CW president Mark Pedowitz said in a statement to THR, "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 [Mok] for all their years of success in establishing a show that was not just popular in the US, but all across the world."

Here's how Tyra began her lengthy Instagram post about the show's influence over the years:

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.

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