Tyra Banks Announces Reality Show ‘America’s Next Top Model’ To End After Cycle 42

Tyra Banks announced Wednesday that her reality competition series, “America’s Next Top Model” (ANTM) will end its run after 12 years and 22 seasons.

The supermodel posted the announcement on her Instagram. Banks, who helped mold contestants into being great models, expressed her belief that it is about time for the show to end, Today reported.

She wrote, “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.”

The ANTM host also noted that her goal in creating America’s Next Top Model was to prove to everyone that “perfect is boring.” She wrote, “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 b--bs, your full chest, your ivory or ebony skin (or every color in between) –the stuff about you that makes you, well…you.”

Aside from being the show’s host, Banks was also its executive producer, together with Ken Mok since it premiered in May 2003 on UPN, Variety reported. On her Twitter account, she wrote, “Thinking #ANTM22 should be our last cycle. I truly believe it’s time. May your pics be forever fierce. Keep smizing!”

ANTM was one of UPN’s top-rated programs during its height of the game. It was the first show to air on the CW during its September 2006 debut, following the merger of CW and UPN. Aside from giving exposure to fashion-industry insiders such as Nigel Barker, Janice Dickinson, and Twiggy by having them as the contest’s judges, the program also launched the careers of actress Analeigh Tipton, and model and reality TV personality, Adrienne Curry, and other models who have had success on and off the runways.

According to CW President, Mark Pedowitz, ANTM was a successful franchise for two networks, namely UPN and CW, where the show was not just a ratings hit, but a global phenomenon. 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.”

The finale of the 22nd season and the last show will air on Dec. 4 on the CW, which also happens to be Banks’ birthday.