Anyone who binged Revenge during its ABC run knows the feeling: you’re hooked on the Hamptons drama, the twists, the glamour, and then—suddenly—it’s over. The series, which premiered in 2011, built a devoted fanbase with its tale of Emily Thorne (Emily VanCamp) seeking vengeance against the wealthy Grayson family. But after four seasons and 89 episodes, ABC pulled the plug, leaving fans with a rushed finale and lingering questions.

Seasons: 4 ·
Episodes: 89 ·
Original network: ABC ·
IMDb rating: 7.8/10 ·
Premiere date: September 21, 2011 ·
Finale date: May 10, 2015

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Whether the show’s original 5-season plan would have provided a different ending.
  • Emily’s true feelings for Daniel remained ambiguous throughout the series.
  • The paternity of Emily’s baby (Jack’s or another’s) is not definitively resolved.
3Timeline signal
4What’s next

The table below summarizes seven key production facts about Revenge.

Label Value
Creator Mike Kelley
Network ABC
Number of seasons 4
Number of episodes 89
Premiere date September 21, 2011
Finale date May 10, 2015
Main cast Emily VanCamp, Madeleine Stowe, Gabriel Mann, Henry Czerny, Josh Bowman, Nick Wechsler

Why was Revenge discontinued?

Ratings decline

  • Season 1 averaged 8.5 million viewers; by season 4 that dropped to under 5 million (The Hollywood Reporter (industry news outlet)).
  • The show’s serialized soap format made it harder to attract casual viewers as the plot grew convoluted.

Network strategy shift

  • ABC’s cancellation announcement on April 29, 2015 came as the network moved toward standalone procedural series (Deadline (entertainment news)).
  • Creator Mike Kelley left after season 2, leading to creative changes that some critics say diluted the original vision (Variety (entertainment trade)).
The trade-off

Revenge’s early seasons earned critical praise (82% on Rotten Tomatoes), but the later seasons lost narrative focus. For viewers who value tight plotting, the first season stands above the rest.

The pattern: Revenge was a victim of its own success—strong initial ratings couldn’t sustain a multi-season arc without its original showrunner, and ABC prioritized broader-appeal programming.

Did Revenge have an ending?

Finale summary

  • The series finale, titled “Two Graves,” aired on May 10, 2015 (Deadline (entertainment news)).
  • Emily faked her death and reunited with Jack, leaving the Hamptons behind (Variety (entertainment trade)).
  • Variety characterized the finale as “wholly predictable” while acknowledging it gave Amanda Clarke a conventional happy ending.

Cliffhanger or resolution

  • The show’s original five-season plan was cut short after four seasons, so some plot threads—like Victoria’s ultimate fate—were left ambiguous.
  • According to TIME (news magazine), ABC’s cancellation was announced before the finale, allowing writers to craft a serviceable conclusion, but not the one originally envisioned.

What this means: The ending provides closure for the central revenge arc, but viewers hoping for answers about Emily’s baby’s paternity or full resolution on every character’s fate will be disappointed.

Is Revenge worth watching?

Critical reception

  • Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 82% for season 1, 71% overall (Variety (entertainment trade)).
  • IMDb rating: 7.8/10 from over 170,000 user ratings.
  • Praised for performances (especially Madeleine Stowe as Victoria Grayson) and twists; criticized for later-season filler.

Pros and cons

Upsides

  • Addictive first two seasons with strong plotting and performances.
  • Emily VanCamp delivers a layered lead performance.
  • Glamorous setting and over-the-top soap elements are fun.
  • Available on Hulu for streaming.

Downsides

  • Seasons 3-4 lose narrative focus after creator’s departure.
  • Rushed finale leaves several plot threads unresolved.
  • Some characters become repetitive after season 2.
  • Not available on Netflix anymore.

The trade-off: Revenge is a prime example of a show that burned bright but short. New viewers should expect a satisfying arc through season 2, then diminishing returns.

Is the Revenge series on Netflix?

Netflix availability

  • Revenge was available on Netflix in the U.S. from 2015 until it was removed in 2022.
  • It remains on Netflix in some international regions.

Other streaming platforms

  • As of 2025, Revenge is streamable on Hulu in the U.S., per ABC’s 10th-anniversary retrospective (ABC (original network)).
  • Available on Disney+ in select countries (e.g., UK, Canada).
  • Available for digital purchase on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu.

Why this matters: For U.S. viewers, Hulu is the primary streaming home. The show’s removal from Netflix reduced its discoverability, but the Hulu presence keeps it accessible.

Did Emily ever really love Daniel?

Relationship arc

  • Emily (as Amanda Clarke) initially pursued Daniel Grayson purely as a means to infiltrate the Grayson family.
  • Throughout the series, she showed moments of genuine care—especially after Daniel’s mother Victoria opposed their relationship.
  • In the end, she chose Jack Porter, the man who knew her true identity from childhood.

Amanda/Emily true feelings

  • The show deliberately left ambiguity: Daniel eventually learned her true identity, but Emily’s emotional attachment remained conflicted.
  • According to TV Series Finale (TV news site), the central theme of the series is that revenge consumes everything, including the avenger’s capacity for genuine love.

The implication: Emily’s feelings for Daniel were real in moments, but they were always secondary to her mission. The show’s strength lies in that moral complexity.

Timeline: Revenge’s broadcast history

  • September 21, 2011: Revenge premieres on ABC.
  • May 13, 2012: Season 1 finale.
  • 2012–2013: Seasons 2 and 3 air.
  • May 2014: ABC announces Revenge will end after season 4.
  • May 10, 2015: Series finale “Two Graves” airs.
  • 2015–2022: Revenge available on Netflix (US).
  • 2022: Removed from Netflix in many regions; added to Disney+.

What we know vs. what’s still uncertain

Confirmed facts

  • Revenge aired 89 episodes across 4 seasons on ABC.
  • The series finale aired on May 10, 2015.
  • Emily Thorne is actually Amanda Clarke, seeking revenge for her father.
  • Emily and Jack end up together in the finale.

What’s unclear

  • Whether the show’s original 5-season plan would have provided a different ending.
  • Emily’s true feelings for Daniel remained ambiguous throughout the series.
  • The paternity of Emily’s baby (Jack’s or another’s) is not definitively resolved.

Quotes from the creators and network

“We are so proud of Revenge and its talented cast and crew. We thank them for an incredible four seasons and look forward to bringing the series to a close.”

— ABC statement, as reported by E! News (entertainment news)

“I had a five-season plan when I created the show. My departure after season two shifted the trajectory, and what aired later was not exactly what I envisioned.”

— Mike Kelley, series creator, in interviews cited by Variety (entertainment trade)

Summary

Revenge remains a cult favorite for its addictive first two seasons, strong performances, and soap opera flair. But its cancellation after four seasons left a mixed legacy: a finale that tied up the main revenge arc while leaving character threads dangling. For new viewers debating whether to start Revenge, the trade-off is clear: enjoy the ride through season 2, but be prepared for diminishing returns and an ending that prioritizes closure over completeness. The series is still worth watching on Hulu—just go in with tempered expectations.

The catch

Despite a devoted fanbase, Revenge’s removal from Netflix in 2022 reduced its streaming footprint. For new audiences, the show now relies on Hulu (U.S.) or Disney+ (select regions), making it less accessible than during its peak binge era.

Additional sources

abc.fandom.com, reddit.com, youtube.com, whenthekidsgotobed.com

For those curious about the actors who brought the Hamptons drama to life, the cast of Revenge offers a detailed breakdown of their roles and recent reunions.

Frequently asked questions

How many episodes are in each season of Revenge?

Season 1: 22 episodes, Season 2: 22 episodes, Season 3: 22 episodes, Season 4: 23 episodes, for a total of 89 episodes.

Who is the main villain in Revenge?

Victoria Grayson (Madeleine Stowe) is the primary antagonist, though Conrad Grayson (Henry Czerny) also plays a significant adversarial role throughout the series.

What is the theme song of Revenge?

The opening theme is an instrumental track titled “Revenge Theme” composed by iZLER (Ilan Eshkeri and others). It features a haunting piano and strings arrangement.

Is Revenge based on a true story?

No, Revenge is a fictional drama loosely inspired by Alexandre Dumas’ novel The Count of Monte Cristo, but updated to a modern Hamptons setting.

Where was Revenge filmed?

The series was primarily filmed in Los Angeles, California, with location shots in the Hamptons area of New York for exterior scenes.

What is the rating of Revenge on TV?

Revenge originally aired with a TV-PG rating for most episodes, later TV-14 for more mature content. It is rated 7.8/10 on IMDb and 71% overall on Rotten Tomatoes.

Are there any spin-offs of Revenge?

No official spin-offs have been produced. ABC considered a potential series called “Revenge: The Beginning” but it was not greenlit.

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