Tyra Banks Confirms The End Of ‘America’s Next Top Model’

The end of an era is upon us. Supermodel Tyra Banks is shutting down America’s Next Top Model after its season finale on Dec. 4. The popular program — which follows a set of aspiring models’ journey to become world-renowned fashion figures — will close the curtain soon.

The business maven took to her Instagram account to confirm the show’s departure, stating that it’s time to bring the series to a close. “Wow, I am SO proud of what Top Model has done,” she wrote. “#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.”

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

ANTM debuted in 2003 on UPN and found success year after year. A few graduates from the groundbreaking show went on to become actresses (YaYa DaCosta, Eva Marcille), or gave plus-sized models a platform to strut their stuff (Toccara Jones, Whitney Thompson).

In its current cycle, Tyra remained true to not only highlighting women, but allowed men to get a chance at winning the coveted competition. ANTM has also spawned other shows across the globe similar to its format from Australia’s Next Top Model to India’s Next Top Model.

“I set out to create a show where perfect is boring,” Tyra said. “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.”

The Cali native is currently the co-host of the new ABC talk show Fab Life, alongside fellow model Chrissy Teigen, Joe Zee, Leah Ashley, and Lauren Maak.