The journey to becoming "America's Next Top Model" apparently ends on its 22nd cycle, 12 years after it premiered. Perhaps some observers agree it's about time host and producer Tyra Banks retire the TV series. Even the supermodel herself thought so.
"I truly believe it's time," Banks said in a message posted on Instagram. "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," she reiterated.
The reality show started as a competition among female models that later welcomed men.
"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 CW President Mark Pedowitz, as noted by Entertainment Weekly. "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."
"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," Banks pointed out in her Instagram announcement. "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."
"May your photos (and selfies) be forever fierce," she went on. "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," she added, mentioning a slang term the coinage of which had been attributed to her.
Currently, the show averages 1.25 million viewers, as reported by Nielsen, Variety noted.
The end of ANTM does not spell the end of Banks' TV hosting career, as she had recently launched a talk show on Disney/ABC called "FabLife" just last month.
The show's finale will be on December 4 at 9 p.m.
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