CW retires Next Top Model after 12 years

America’s Next Top Model is to end on US broadcast television after its next run.

The competition reality show’s 22^nd cycle will be its last, host Tyra Banks revealed on Twitter yesterday. Broadcaster The CW later confirmed the news.

Guess what. The series finale of #ANTM #cycle22 & final Top Model show ever will air on Friday, December 4th. My birthday. #ironic

— Tyra Banks (@tyrabanks) October 14, 2015

Next Top Model initially premiered on The CW predecessor UPN in 2003. After UPN and The WB merged to create The CW, the series became its first-ever show. The new season finale is scheduled for December 4, bringing to an end the format after 12 years.

“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 The CW president Mark Pedowitz.

Internationally, the format, which pits models against each other in a competition to win a contract, remains popular.

Chinese broadcaster Chongqing Satellite Television earlier this year revealed a beefed-up new season of its version following a deal with distributor CBS Studios International.

A new versions was this year created in India for MTV, while local formats continue to run in Germany and other major territories.