'Veep' Creator Armando Iannucci Explains Why He's Still Leaving The Show Before Season 5 After Best Comedy Series Emmy Win

The 2015 Emmys were a big night for the HBO comedy “Veep” as it took home four trophies, including the coveted Outstanding Comedy Series award. However, it seems that the show’s success as of late isn’t going to be enough to keep creator Armando Iannucci around.

It was previously revealed by The Hollywood Reporter that Iannucci had decided to quit the show after four seasons in order to focus on his family, who are located in the UK. The show films four months out of the year in Baltimore, Maryland. Luckily, his leaving doesn’t mean the show is over, as HBO has green lit it for a fifth season and named David Mandel the new showrunner.

“We have had conversations with Armando for some time about the challenges of maintaining his family life in London and producing a show in the states,” HBO told the outlet in a statement. “Armando is not replaceable but we are confident that ‘Veep’ will continue to be produced at the highest levels with new showrunner David Mandel. David has worked with HBO for many years as executive producer, writer and director for 'Curb Your Enthusiasm.'”

After the show won its award at the 67th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, Iannucci was asked by reporters in the press room if the golden trophy was enough to make him want to return to the show, an idea that he quickly shot down.

“Like Italian tennis players who bow out as soon as they win the Open, I think this is a good course to follow. I just felt that I took the show to where I wanted to take it and I’m pleased to pass it on and challenge Dave Mandel to sort out the constitutional issue that we’ve dumped on his floor,” he said, referring to the series’ Season 4 cliffhanger. “I think it feels like the right time. Every show can benefit from new energy and new names and new ideas, and what better time to do that? So I think it feels right.”

The 51-year-old’s decision to still depart the show isn’t exactly surprising. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight in June, the writer confessed that his decision to go was less of a departure and more of a self-firing.

“Any showrunner would look at his team and say, ‘Who’s not quite giving 100 percent?’ I actually felt, if I carry on doing it like this, I won’t be giving 100 percent – so I’m fired,” he said. “I’ve decided to fire me from the show.”

“Veep” will return for its fifth season at a yet unannounced date next year.