'America's Next Top Model' to end after 12 years

tyra banks ms jay antp
The face of the series, Tyra Banks, thanked fans for their support on Wednesday.

The long catwalk for "America's Next Top Model" is coming to an end.

The reality show and model competition is sashaying to an end after 12 years and 22 cycles (or multiple seasons that take place throughout the TV year), a spokesman for The CW confirmed on Wednesday.

The show, which is hosted and produced by supermodel Tyra Banks, will air its series finale on December 4.

"Top Model" first premiered in 2003 on UPN, and ranked as one of the network's most popular shows before becoming the first series to debut on The CW in 2006.

"'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," Mark Pedowitz, president of The CW, said in a statement.

Banks, who has been the face and co-creator of the series from its inception, took to social media on Wednesday to thank the fans who had followed the show.

"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," Banks wrote on Instagram along with a photo of the number 22. "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

The popular series had many memorable moments, but is arguably best know for Banks' now viral rant at in which she yelled at a contestant, "I was rooting for you, we were all rooting for you! How dare you?!"

So even though viewers will be sad to see the show go, the series gave its fans many reasons to smile, or as Banks would say, "smize."

Newsletter

CNNMoney Sponsors