Tyra Banks continues to prove bankable for The CW.
For, the network today announced the renewal of the diva’s long-running ‘America’s Next Top Model’ franchise for a new season – its 22nd “cycle”.
Details below…
According to TV Line, Top Model – which is nearing the end of its 21st cycle – will be back in 2015.
Launched in 2003, the show has been the network’s main reality staple for a decade and, while ratings aren’t what they once were, it continues to pull in respectable numbers. The last episode, for example, drew 1.2 million viewers.
In a bid to reinvent itself, the last two seasons of the series have seen doors opened to both female and male contestants, a trend which has been confirmed to continue for its next run.
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While several years removed from its heyday, the renewal is very much a victory for Banks and the dedicated fans of the show. Sure, it hasn’t succeeded in finding and launching the new Naomi Campbell or Kate Moss. Yet, in an era where shows such as The Voice and modern-day American Idol return year in and out with previous winners nowhere in sight, is it fair to fault Top Model for skewing more entertainment than anything else? We vote no. Especially when the show has launched the “careers” (albeit not modelling) of Eva Marcille, Yaya DaCosta, Toccarra Jones and more.