Scandal (TV series)

Scandal is an American political thriller television series created by Shonda Rhimes, which aired on ABC from April 5, 2012, to April 19, 2018, for a total of seven seasons. The series stars Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope, a former White House Communications Director who leaves to start her own crisis management firm, Pope & Associates, in Washington, D.C.

The show centers around Pope and her team, referred to as "gladiators in suits," who specialize in fixing the public images and lives of the nation's elite. Their clients include powerful politicians, high-profile figures, and other individuals embroiled in controversies. Throughout the series, Olivia and her team navigate complex cases, ethical dilemmas, and personal entanglements.

A central storyline of Scandal is the complicated and often volatile relationship between Olivia Pope and President Fitzgerald Grant III, portrayed by Tony Goldwyn. Their affair, and the political and personal fallout from it, forms a significant narrative arc throughout the show's run.

Other core characters include members of Pope & Associates, such as Harrison Wright (Columbus Short), Abby Whelan (Darby Stanchfield), Huck (Guillermo Díaz), and Quinn Perkins (Katie Lowes). The series also features notable recurring characters from the White House, including Chief of Staff Cyrus Beene (Jeff Perry) and Vice President Sally Langston (Kate Burton).

Scandal is known for its fast-paced storytelling, dramatic plot twists, and exploration of themes such as power, corruption, love, and betrayal. The show received critical acclaim for its diverse cast and Washington's performance as Olivia Pope, making her the first African-American woman to headline a network television drama since 1974. The series garnered numerous awards and nominations, including Primetime Emmy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards.