What Happened to Scandal (TV series)?

The American television series 'Scandal,' created by Shonda Rhimes, premiered on ABC on April 5, 2012, and quickly established itself as a cultural touchstone. The show centered on Olivia Pope, a formidable crisis manager in Washington D.C., played by Kerry Washington, who also had a complicated affair with the President of the United States, Fitzgerald Grant (Tony Goldwyn). 'Scandal' was lauded for its intricate, high-stakes plots, rapid-fire dialogue, and its ability to blend political intrigue with intense melodrama.

A key turning point and lasting impact of 'Scandal' was Kerry Washington's role as the first Black actress to lead a primetime network drama in 40 years, a significant milestone that paved the way for increased diversity in lead roles across television. The series also became a pioneer in social media engagement, with its cast and creator actively live-tweeting during episodes, fostering a strong and interactive fan community known as 'Gladiators.' Viewership steadily grew, with the Season 2 finale in May 2013 becoming the series' most-watched telecast at the time with 9.1 million viewers, a record surpassed by the Season 3 finale in April 2014, which drew 10.6 million viewers.

'Scandal' concluded its run after seven seasons and 124 episodes on April 19, 2018. Creator Shonda Rhimes had decided to end the series, feeling that the story had reached its natural conclusion. The show's ending left an ambiguous fate for Olivia and Fitz, allowing fans to interpret their future. The series' influence extended beyond its narrative, contributing popular catchphrases like 'It's handled' and impacting fashion trends with Olivia Pope's distinctive wardrobe.

In the years following its conclusion, 'Scandal' maintained its relevance. After being removed from Netflix in May 2020, all seven seasons made a highly anticipated return to the streaming platform on June 17, 2025, much to the delight of its fanbase. The show's cast has remained close, with a notable reunion occurring in July 2023 when several members gathered to support the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.

As of August 12, 2026, the legacy of 'Scandal' continues to be celebrated. In June 2026, Kerry Washington and Tony Goldwyn, who played Olivia Pope and President Fitzgerald Grant, reunited for Variety and CNN's 24th season of 'Actors on Actors,' discussing their iconic on-screen chemistry and the show's enduring impact. Other cast members like Dan Bucatinsky, Guillermo Diaz, Scott Foley, and Katie Lowes are actively involved in new film and television projects. Shonda Rhimes, the show's creator, has continued her prolific career, signing a multi-year deal with Netflix and producing hit series like 'Bridgerton,' further solidifying her status as a television powerhouse. The series is still recognized for its commentary on government and society, with some analysts in 2026 revisiting its themes in light of contemporary political events.