'America's Next Top Model' to End After 12 Years: 'I Truly Believe It's Time,' Tyra Banks Says

After 22 cycles, 12 years on the air, and an infinite number of "fierce" photos, America's Next Top Model is ending. The fashion-focused reality competition will air its final episode this fall.

Host and executive producer Tyra Banks tweeted the news of ANTM's demise to her 12.9 million followers on Wednesday, writing, "Thinking #ANTM22 should be our last cycle. I truly believe it's time. May your pics be forever fierce. Keep on Smizing!"

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On Banks' Instagram account, the FABLife host provided a lengthier message to the show's "diehard" fans.

"ANTM brought the intimidating modeling world to the masses," she wrote. "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."

"America's Next Top Model was a successful franchise for two networks," said CW president Mark Pedowitz, "first at UPN and then The CW, and it became not just a ratings hit, but a global pop culture phenomenon. 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."

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ANTM is responsible for launching the careers of several models and actresses including Adrianne Curry, YaYa DaCosta and Analeigh Tipton.

At least we can all thank ANTM for teaching us the term, "smize" -- even if it still seems nearly impossible to do…

The series finale of America’s Next Top Model will air on Friday, Dec. 4 at 9pm ET/PT on The CW.

Will you miss watching America's Next Top Model? Share your thoughts with @LeanneAguilera on Twitter!