This Season Of "America's Next Top Model" Will Be The Last

Smize through the tears.

After 22 cycles, America's Next Top Model will come to an end.

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Tyra Banks announced the news on her Instagram on Wednesday, thanking fans.

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"Yeah, I truly believe it's time," Banks wrote. "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," Banks wrote.

When it premiered in 2003, ANTM was the only reality show set in the fashion world, Banks said.

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"I never thought my little idea would have people everywhere thinking differently about how they take photos," she wrote.

The current Cycle 22 will air its final episode on Dec. 4. A CW spokesperson said the network is also in discussions to air a retrospective special sometime in late 2016.

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"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," CW President Mark Pedowitz said in a statement to BuzzFeed News.

"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," he said.

Banks, the show's other judges, and the rotating cast of beauties brought to life the drama of the fashion world as well as the behind-the-scenes realities of photo shoots and runway shows.

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Over the show's cycles, Banks brought in a diverse cast of female models -- even adding men to the mix. Various casts featured petite and plus-size models from around the country.

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"I set out to create a show where perfect is boring," Banks wrote. "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."

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"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," Banks wrote. "And please, keep on Smizing each and every day for TyTy."

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