America’s Next Top Model has officially been renewed for its 20th season, but there are two big twists. The show will air in the summer instead of the spring, and for the first time, it will feature male contestants.

The long-running reality competition hosted by Tyra Banks is currently in its 19th cycle, but unlike past years, the show won’t return in the spring. Instead, the CW will debut season 20 over the summer of 2013, continuing to expand the network’s summer programming.

The bigger twist, however, is the addition of men. Yes, the slate of contestants will include a mix of male and female models, all of whom will be living together in the house.

This could inevitably lead to sexy hook-ups, romantic tension and boatloads more drama for the aging series. It will also help to fill the void left from Bravo’s now-canceled Make Me a Supermodel, a competition which featured male and female models competing against each other.

First The Price is Right hired a male model, now America’s Next Top Model is welcoming men. It’s nice to see the male gender making strides in the names of equality when it comes to objectification.

Are you excited to see dude models competing for Tyra Banks? Are you disappointed that you’ll need to go an entire spring without Tyra?

America’s Next Top Model cycle 19 currently airs Fridays at 8pm on the CW.

(Image courtesy of the CW)

John Kubicek

Senior Writer, BuddyTV

John watches nearly every show on TV, but he specializes in sci-fi/fantasy like The Vampire DiariesSupernatural and True Blood. However, he can also be found writing about everything from Survivor and Glee to One Tree Hill and Smallville.