There’s even more scandal brewing in the Hamptons: Mike Kelley, executive producer of ABC’s Sunday soap Revenge, is leaving the series he created after two seasons.
“In a difficult mutual decision between myself and ABC studios, the end of my current contract will mark my final season as showrunner for Revenge,” Kelley says in a statement provided to Hollywood.com. “Helming this series has been the ride of a lifetime, and my producing partner, Melissa Loy, and I will look back on our Revenge time with deep gratitude and respect for Emily [Van Camp] and Madeleine [Stowe] and the rest of the incredible cast, our heroic crew, the dedicated and imaginative producing and writing team, and the tireless post production department.”
The show, about a woman seeking vengeance against the rich New York socialites who framed her father for terrorism and sent him to jail, where he died, was a critical darling in its first year but received a much cooler reception for its second season.
The creative confusion could be owed to the fact that Kelley had argued with ABC Studios that his show would fare better with a cable-style 13- to 15-episode season, a la Fox’s serial killer hit The Following, Deadline points out, adding that Kelley hasn’t exactly gotten an Emily Thorne-style red X over his face. He could stick around in a consulting position once the show is officially renewed for Season 3.
Either way, he’s still working on the show’s second season finale. “I would also like to thank Paul Lee, his marketing team, and the creative executives at ABC and ABC studios for their profound support throughout this journey,” Kelley says. “I’m excited about finishing post production on the season two finale, which I hope will stand among the best episodes of the series thus far. Continued success to all.”
Adds ABC Studios Executive Vice President of Creative and Production Barry Jossen, “Mike Kelley created a distinctive series for our studio and network with tremendous passion and dedication. We wish him all the best as he moves on to his next television achievement.”
More:
Did ‘Revenge’ Just Get Good Again?
Okay, Maybe ‘Revenge’ Has Not Gotten Good Again
‘S**t Is Going Down’ on ‘Revenge,’ Says Creator Mike Kelley
‘Revenge’ Cast Tease Dark Times, Lost Love, and Violence Ahead
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