History of America's Next Top Model in Timeline

America's Next Top Model is a reality TV competition created by Tyra Banks, where aspiring models vie for the title and a modeling career. Premiering in 2003, it aired on UPN, then The CW, and later VH1 after a cancellation and revival. Banks hosted most cycles, with Rita Ora hosting one. The show features a panel of judges, a creative director, and a runway coach. It was a top-rated program, becoming the highest-rated on The CW from 2007-2010 and garnered significant advertising revenue.

May 2003: Series Premiere

In May 2003, America's Next Top Model, created by Tyra Banks, premiered as an American reality television series and competition.

January 20, 2006: UPN Renewal Commitment

Prior to the announcement of merging with The WB, on January 20, 2006, UPN had committed to renewing America's Next Top Model through its ninth cycle.

January 24, 2006: Move to The CW Announced

On January 24, 2006, it was announced that America's Next Top Model would be part of the new The CW network.

July 21, 2006: Writers' Strike Begins

On July 21, 2006, the writers of America's Next Top Model went on strike while working on cycle 7, seeking representation through the Writers Guild of America, West.

September 2006: Cycle 7 Set to Premiere

In September 2006, Cycle 7 of America's Next Top Model was set to premiere on the new CW Network amidst a writers' strike that began on July 21, 2006.

September 20, 2006: Rally During Network Premiere

On September 20, 2006, coinciding with the premiere of the new network, a large rally of Hollywood writers focused on the America's Next Top Model strike.

October 2006: Allure Magazine Criticism

In its October 2006 issue, Allure magazine criticized America's Next Top Model for not producing any actual supermodels.

November 2006: Writers Taken Off Payroll

In November 2006, the writers on strike for America's Next Top Model were taken off payroll.

2006: Top Show on The CW

From 2006-2009, America's Next Top Model was the #1 show in average viewers on The CW.

2007: Highest-Rated Show on The CW

From 2007 to 2010, America's Next Top Model was the highest-rated show on The CW.

October 2008: Spin-off Pilot Ordered

In October 2008, The CW announced that it had ordered a spin-off pilot of America's Next Top Model, titled Operation Fabulous, but ultimately declined to pick up the show.

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2008: America's Next Top Model: Exposed

In 2008, America's Next Top Model aired a special installment called "America's Next Top Model: Exposed" in two parts on February 6 & 13, reviewing memorable moments from cycles 1 to 9.

2008: Modelville Launched

In 2008, Tyra Banks launched a new reality show inside the Tyra Show, called Modelville featuring past ANTM contestants competing for a contract with Carol's Daughter.

2008: Doll Line Released

In fall 2008, the America's Next Top Model Dolls were released by MGA Entertainment as a promotional tie-in with the show.

2009: Top Show on The CW

From 2006-2009, America's Next Top Model was the #1 show in average viewers on The CW.

2009: Top Model Obsessed Airs

In 2009, Oxygen Network aired a series based on the show called Top Model Obsessed, featuring past contestants.

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June 1, 2010: Video Game Release

On June 1, 2010, a video game loosely based on the series, also titled America's Next Top Model, was released for the Nintendo DS and Wii.

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2010: Highest-Rated Show on The CW

From 2007 to 2010, America's Next Top Model was the highest-rated show on The CW.

May 2011: Banks Announces No More Normal Seasons

In May 2011, Tyra Banks announced on The CW upfronts that there would not be a "normal" season of America's Next Top Model anymore.

2011: Advertising Costs

During the 2011–12 television season, advertisers paid $61,315 per 30-second slot for America's Next Top Model, the highest of any series on The CW.

2011: Top Show on The CW

From 2010–2011, America's Next Top Model was the No.1 show in average viewers on The CW.

2012: Semiannual Airing Ends

America's Next Top Model aired semiannually until 2012, after which it began airing annually from 2013.

2012: DVD Release of Cycles 2 and 3

In 2012, cycles 2 and 3 of America's Next Top Model were available to pre-order on DVD via CBS Home Entertainment.

2013: Annual Airing Begins

In 2013, America's Next Top Model started to air annually, after airing semiannually until 2012.

October 2015: First Cancellation

In October 2015, America's Next Top Model was first cancelled after airing on The CW.

2016: Series Revival on VH1

In 2016, America's Next Top Model was revived and has been airing on VH1 ever since.

April 2018: Competition Update

As of April 2018, 24 people have won the America's Next Top Model competition.

May 2019: Speculation About Renewal

By May 2019, a year after cycle 24's conclusion, VH1 had still not announced any news about a renewal or a cancellation, though Tyra Banks expressed interest in a 25th cycle.