'Revenge' Creator Mike Kelley Exits His Show

ABC’s “Revenge” is still waiting to hear whether or not it will be renewed for a third season… and with just four shows left to air of season two, creator Mike Kelley has announced he is stepping down.

Kelley, who has served as executive producer and showrunner since the beginning, will be leaving his post, though potentially staying on as a consultant.

 “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 (VanCamp) 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,” Kelley said.

Kelley also thanked ABC president Paul Lee, his marketing team, and the creative executives at ABC.

“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.”

“Mike Kelley created a distinctive series for our studio and network with tremendous passion and dedication,” said ABC Studios EVP Barry Jossen. “We wish him all the best as he moves on to his next television achievement.”

Rumored to succeed him if “Revenge” gets the nod for another season is writer and executive producer Sunil Nayar.

While no official announcement has been made as the reason for Kelley’s exit, rumor has it that Kelley was continually in tension with ABC and ABC Studios regarding high-volume episode orders. Kelley wished to cut back episode numbers per season to a smaller number more suited to cable networks, as the pressure for the standard 22-episode season meant a scramble for material and overall decline in quality.