‘America’s Next Top Model’ finally sets premiere date for male-model cycle 20

For many months now, “America’s Next Top Model” has been eagerly awaiting an opportunity to find out just when it will return for its landmark 20th cycle. The show was last on in the late summer / early fall, and since that time, an entire season featuring both female and male models has been filmed.

Well, The CW has apparently decided to keep the show off of the fall schedule yet again, and opting for a premiere date when there is not as much competition on the other major networks.  The premiere date for the new season will be Friday, August 2, where the show will have a two-hour premiere beginning at 8:00 p.m. Eastern time. Fridays may sound strange at first, but the series fared decently in the spot last year, and the network is also looking to make the night into something female-friendly given that many other networks (see NBC and Fox) have often chosen to opt for more male-centered programming to air at that time.

As for whether or not cycle 20 is the end, that remains to be seen, but what we can say is that at least Tyra Banks and the producers have introduced a few interesting twists to the show this time around. Having half of the contestants be male models includes the possibilities for model-on-model romance, and it also presents a new challenge and a new dynamic. Plus, waiting for a full year for a new season may actually allow some interest to creep back into what was otherwise a pretty dead show for many years.

Are you excited for the new season, or even think that this premise is going to lead to something interesting? We want to hear all of your thoughts below! If you want to see the entire fall schedule for the network, the best place to do so is over at the link here.

Photo: The CW