‘America’s Next Top Model’ is Coming BACK to Television, Picked Up by VH1 for New Episodes

But insiders said the move may have been inspired by one of two things: either Banks’ exit from the show slashed the salary expenses enough for it to be viable with a new host; or the collapse of her follow-up show “FAB Life” means that she’s available to helm “Top Model” once again.

“The CW canceled (“ANTM”) even though it was their most downloaded show,” said our insider, “but the speculation was that it’s because Tyra’s salary is so high. It’s an expensive show to make because she gets a s—load of money.”

Banks announced that the show had reached the end of the runway in October on Twitter, saying “Thinking #ANTM22 should be our last cycle. I truly believe it’s time.”

She launched syndicated talk show “FAB Life” in September 2015 as its host and an executive producer, but quit just two months later, saying in a statement that she planned to spend more time on her cosmetics company.“She said it was time for ‘Top Model’ to end but her show bombed and now it (‘ANTM’) is getting picked up again,” noted the source, with some suspicion.

Also no word yet on whether or not J. Alexander, the show’s veteran judge who had returned for its final two seasons after an absence, or People’s Revolution founder Kelly Cutrone — who was a judge for the last five seasons — will return.

We’re told that executive producer Ken Mok — who has run the show since its first season and recently produced Jennifer Lawrence movie “Joy” — negotiated the VH1 deal.

The show had suffered a steady ratings slide until its final episode on Dec. 4, 2015, but had continued to perform well online. 

ANTM always held a special place in our hearts, so we’re excited to see how this all shakes out.