Fifteen years after Revenge first premiered, the Hamptons are still calling.
The ABC drama debuted on September 21, 2011, introducing viewers to Emily Thorne—actually Amanda Clarke—and her elaborate plan to dismantle the powerful people responsible for destroying her family. The series ran for four seasons and became one of television’s defining serialized dramas of the early 2010s.
At Televerse 26, the cast came together to celebrate the show’s 15th anniversary, revisiting the relationships, rivalries and twists that made Revenge such an enduring fan favorite.
For me, the reunion was personal.
I had last seen Emily VanCamp and Nick Wechsler at PaleyFest in 2012, while my conversations with other members of the Revenge family have continued over the years—including more recent reunions at the ATX TV Festival. Three months after first meeting Connor Paolo at ATX, I found myself speaking with him again at Televerse. And after years of podcast conversations with Gabriel Mann, Televerse marked the first time we were finally able to record together in person.
That history made the reunion feel like much more than another press opportunity.
Connor Paolo: “Hopefully you don’t get past things you love.”
Connor Paolo reflected on why fans continue returning to Revenge 15 years after its premiere.
“Hopefully you don’t get past things you love,” Paolo said, explaining that the art we connect with can become part of us. He compared television and film to time capsules, capable of transporting audiences back to specific moments in their lives.
Paolo also credited the fans with helping create the lasting bond among the cast.
He noted that the audience’s continued support gave the actors enough time together to “fall in love with each other” as friends and colleagues.
For Paolo, some of his favorite memories came from the larger ensemble scenes. Although Declan Porter spent much of his time with Jack and Charlotte, played by Nick Wechsler and Christa B. Allen, Paolo said he particularly enjoyed opportunities to work with other members of the ensemble.
Gabriel Mann: “It’s time for a reboot.”
If anyone was going to suggest that Revenge isn’t finished, it was Gabriel Mann.
When asked what the enduring fan response says about the series, Mann immediately offered his own interpretation:
“It’s time for a reboot.”
And he wasn’t joking about the possibilities.
Mann imagined what a modern Revenge could look like with today’s technology and I suggested that Nolan Ross could even have a protégé.
The conversation became an impromptu exploration of what the surviving characters might be doing now, with Mann specifically wondering what Jack, Emily and Lydia Davis could be up to.
The interview then took an unexpected turn—literally.
While Mann and I were talking, Josh Bowman quietly approached from behind. The camera captured Bowman spotting both of us, noticing the camera, ducking down to avoid being seen and then sneaking up for a hug.
Bowman eventually announced himself with the enthusiasm only Daniel Grayson could bring to the moment:
“We’re here, we’re fucking here boys and girls. Come on!”
It was one of the most spontaneous and memorable moments of the entire reunion—and a perfect visual reminder that the relationships between these actors extend well beyond the show.
Mann also reminisced about Courtney Love’s appearance during the final season, recalling the surreal experience of working with an artist he had long admired.
But the most personal moment came near the end of our conversation, when I reminded Mann of his declaration that I was officially part of the Revenge family.
“As you should,” Mann replied. “As you well should, my friend.”
Nick Wechsler: “Thanks for still caring.”
My conversation with Nick Wechsler carried an especially strong sense of history.
When I reminded him that the last time we had seen each other was at PaleyFest in 2012, Wechsler was genuinely stunned.
“Holy shit, really?”
I had specifically requested to cover the Revenge reunion because of that history—and because celebrating 15 years of the series with the cast was something I didn’t want to miss.
Wechsler’s response to the show’s enduring fandom was characteristically candid.
“I just want to thank everybody for still giving a shit.”
He admitted that actors often finish one show and immediately move on, never knowing whether the audience will continue to care years later.
Wechsler also recalled how ABC publicity pushed him onto Twitter during the show’s original run. His response was essentially that he would use the platform to be himself—and he did.
That authenticity, he said, made interacting with fans something he genuinely enjoyed.
When asked where Jack Porter and Emily might be today, Wechsler initially imagined them happily boating around and enjoying life.
But then he offered a more provocative alternate future.
He said he had always wondered whether Jack and Emily should have ended up together, given Emily’s continued pursuit of revenge and the way it repeatedly pushed Jack away.
In his imagined version of Revenge, perhaps they wouldn’t have ended up together immediately. A reboot could then allow them to find their way back to one another.
Emily VanCamp: “We were the best of friends then, we’re the best of friends now.”
Ending the Revenge interviews with Emily VanCamp felt particularly appropriate.
I had last seen VanCamp at PaleyFest in 2012, and our conversation began with a callback to another defining role from her career: Everwood.
VanCamp reflected on how lucky she has been with the shows she has been part of—including Revenge.
When asked about the show’s continued popularity, she expressed gratitude to the longtime fans while also marveling that new viewers are discovering the series.
“It’s kind of crazy that it holds up,” she said.
For VanCamp, that’s ultimately the point.
She also shared a glimpse into her recent 40th birthday celebration at the home of longtime friend Andrew Walker, describing it as a celebration surrounded by the people she loves.
And when asked what it feels like to reunite with her former co-stars, her answer captured the entire weekend:
“We were the best of friends then, we’re the best of friends now.”
That may be the simplest explanation for why a show that premiered 15 years ago can still generate this much excitement.
The Revenge cast didn’t simply make a television series together. They built relationships that survived it.
Continuing on this trajectory, I will be releasing a new podcast entitled, Revisit the Hamptons: A Revenge Rewatch Podcast, which is set to premiere on September 21st. This not only coincides with the show’s 15th anniversary but also The Buzz’s 20th season.
More information will be revealed in the coming weeks.
However, if you want to watch the Revenge interviews, click on the player above or visit Spotify to stream/download the episode.
Keep your red sharpies handy!
