'ANTM' is finally ending
This definitely isn’t something to smize about.
With just a handful of episodes left until Tyra Banks crowns the winner of America’s Next Top Model Cycle 22, the legendary model has revealed that she’s ready to wrap up the legendary reality series for good.
Shocking fans on social media Wednesday, she tweeted, “TYRA MAIL! Thinking #ANTM22 should be our last cycle. I truly believe it’s time. May your pics be forever fierce. Keep on Smizing!”
E! News has confirmed that the series finale will air Friday, December 4. The network is currently in discussions about broadcasting a retrospective special that will air sometime in late 2016.
Mark Pedowitz, President of the CW, said in a statement, “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.”
ANTM first premiered on UPN in May of 2003 and was the first series to debut on The CW on September 20, 2006.
Tyra later elaborated on Instagram with a lengthier explanation of her decision, as well as a celebration of the long-running series.
“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,” she wrote. “Yeah, it’s time. It really is. Wow, I am so proud of what Top Model has done.”
Are you bummed by Tyra’s decision? Or is it time for ANTM to close up shop?
America’s Next Top Model airs Fridays at 9 p.m. on The CW.