While new reality programs are hitting the schedule at more infrequent rates these days, there are still a slew of long-running reality competition programs that are going strong—especially on network TV. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and news this week indicates that the long-running America’s Next Top Model will be ending after Season 22. The news comes straight from the horse’s mouth. Tyra Banks, who has hosted the long-running series since its inception, indicated this morning that the show will be ending via social media.
There’s no word from the CW right now that indicates whether the decision was from the network or from Banks and the rest of her creative team, although a little bit of both might be the answer, as well. America’s Next Top Model has had a long fall from its heyday, where it brought in millions of viewers and launched the careers of plenty of women, including Analeigh Tipton, YaYa DaCosta and other big names. The show has been declining in viewership for some time. In fact, back in 2012, the CW shifted its schedule to move ANTM to Friday nights, a primetime timeslot that is notoriously difficult to work with. Last Friday’s episode, for instance, only saw 1 million total viewers tune in, yielding a paltry .3 rating for the series.
All things considered, it's probably time for the show to call it quits. Regardless of the reason for the show’s ending, America’s Next Top Model will air its final episode on Friday, December 4 at 9 p.m. ET, according to Tyra.
Clearly, there’s a niche group of fans who have stuck with America’s Next Top Model over the years and will be sorry to see the series go. But at least the show is getting a proper ending with the Season 22 finale and will go out with a slew of seasons and winners under its belt. That’s a distinction that many—nay most—shows never really get.
While we wait for America’s Next Top Model to finish its run, check out our fall TV premiere schedule.
