Reality shows are now getting the reboot treatment, as VH1 plans on bringing back America’s Next Top Model, even if Tyra Banks isn’t hosting.
VH1 announced today that it is partnering with CBS Television Distribution for a new Top Model series that will be a reinvention for a “new generation,” even though the show only ended last year. Banks and Ken Mok will return as executive producers. The new season will include 14 episodes to start with.
“We're thrilled to bring 'America's Next Top Model' back to VH1 and partner with CBS Television Distribution and Tyra Banks to reinvent this franchise for a whole new generation,” VH1 General Manager Chris McCarthy said in a statement. “This is a homecoming for the series, as VH1 helped catapult the show to cultural icon status as the first cable network to air the show after it launched.”
Banks said that she is excited for the show’s rebirth. “Top Model fans, you demanded that the show come back, and VH1 answered the call. Get ready for a fierce-a-fied rebirth,” she added.
Top Model began in 2003 on UPN and continued to air on The CW after UPN and The WB merged. The show ran 22 seasons or cycles, which aired two per traditional TV season. VH1 was among the cable networks that ran repeats. At the height of the show’s popularity, Canada, the U.K., Australia, Israel, New Zealand, South Korea, Mexico, Spain and several other countries had their own Top Model series.
The new season of Top Model will be filmed in New York. A premiere date has not been set.