# Scandal

> 2012 American political thriller television series

**Wikidata**: [Q1525645](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1525645)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scandal_(TV_series))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/scandal

## Summary
*Scandal* is a 2012 American political thriller television series created by Shonda Rhimes, known for its sharp storytelling and exploration of power dynamics in Washington, D.C. The show aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) from April 5, 2012, to April 19, 2018, spanning seven seasons and becoming a cultural phenomenon in political drama television.

## Key Facts
- **Title**: *Scandal*
- **Genre**: Political thriller, drama television series
- **Creator**: Shonda Rhimes
- **Production Company**: ShondaLand
- **Original Network**: American Broadcasting Company (ABC)
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Premiere Date**: April 5, 2012
- **Finale Date**: April 19, 2018
- **Number of Seasons**: 7
- **Seasons**:
  - Season 1 (2012)
  - Season 2 (2012–2013)
  - Season 3 (2013–2014)
  - Season 4 (2014–2015)
  - Season 5 (2015–2016)
  - Season 6 (2016–2017)
  - Season 7 (2017–2018)
- **IMDb ID**: tt1837576
- **TV.com ID**: 907504
- **Freebase ID**: /m/0gtvjv8
- **AllMovie ID**: 9522
- **TV Guide ID**: 345855
- **TMDb ID**: 294668
- **AlloCiné ID**: 02542328n
- **Metacritic ID**: shows/scandal-2011
- **Rottentomatoes ID**: scandal
- **Website**: [https://abc.go.com/shows/scandal](https://abc.go.com/shows/scandal)
- **Twitter Handle**: @ScandalABC
- **Runtime**: 42–43 minutes per episode
- **Number of Episodes**: 124
- **Average Rating**: 7.0 (based on available data)
- **Sitelink Count**: 35 (Wikipedia links)

## FAQs

**Who created *Scandal*?**
*Scandal* was created by Shonda Rhimes, an American television producer, writer, and author renowned for her work on shows like *Grey’s Anatomy* and *How to Get Away with Murder*. Rhimes developed the series through her production company, ShondaLand, which she founded in 2005.

**What is *Scandal* about?**
*Scandal* is a political thriller that follows the life of Olivia Pope, a former White House Communications Director who starts her own crisis management firm. The series delves into the intricate power struggles, corruption, and personal dramas within Washington, D.C., blending suspense with sharp political commentary.

**How many seasons does *Scandal* have?**
*Scandal* ran for seven seasons, from its premiere on April 5, 2012, to its finale on April 19, 2018. Each season explores evolving storylines centered around Olivia Pope’s firm and its entanglements with the political elite.

**Where was *Scandal* broadcast?**
The series aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC), a major American television network owned by The Walt Disney Company. ABC has been a key platform for Shonda Rhimes’ productions, including *Grey’s Anatomy* and *How to Get Away with Murder*.

**What awards or recognition has *Scandal* received?**
While specific awards for *Scandal* are not detailed in the provided source material, the series is notable for its critical acclaim and cultural impact. Shonda Rhimes, its creator, has received numerous accolades, including the Writers Guild of America Award and induction into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

**Who are the key figures associated with *Scandal*?**
Key figures include Shonda Rhimes (creator and producer), the cast led by Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope, and the production team at ShondaLand. The series also features contributions from actors like Tony Goldwyn and Bellamy Young.

**What is the significance of *Scandal* in television history?**
*Scandal* is significant for its bold storytelling, diverse casting, and exploration of political themes. It contributed to the rise of political thrillers on television and reinforced Shonda Rhimes’ reputation as a pioneering creator in the industry.

## Why It Matters
*Scandal* matters as a groundbreaking political thriller that redefined the genre on television. It brought complex narratives about power, corruption, and crisis management to mainstream audiences, blending entertainment with sharp social commentary. The series is notable for its diverse cast and strong female lead, Olivia Pope, who became an iconic character in modern television. By tackling real-world political issues through fictional storytelling, *Scandal* engaged viewers in conversations about ethics, governance, and media influence. Its success also solidified Shonda Rhimes’ influence in television, demonstrating the appeal of serialized political dramas. The show’s cultural impact extends beyond its runtime, inspiring discussions about representation, leadership, and the intersections of personal and professional lives in high-stakes environments.

## Notable For
- **Pioneering Political Thriller**: One of the first major television series to blend political intrigue with personal drama in a serialized format.
- **Diverse Casting**: Featured a predominantly diverse cast, including Kerry Washington as the first Black female lead in a network political drama since *The West Wing*.
- **Shonda Rhimes’ Signature Style**: Exemplifies Rhimes’ storytelling techniques, including fast-paced dialogue, cliffhangers, and morally complex characters.
- **Cultural Phenomenon**: Sparked widespread discussions about politics, media, and power, influencing public discourse during its run.
- **Long-Running Success**: Aired for seven seasons, maintaining high viewership and critical interest throughout its tenure.
- **Innovative Narrative Structure**: Used non-linear storytelling and multiple perspectives to explore its central themes.
- **Impact on Television**: Helped popularize the political thriller genre, paving the way for shows like *House of Cards* and *The Good Fight*.
- **Strong Female Lead**: Olivia Pope became an iconic character, known for her intelligence, resilience, and moral ambiguity.
- **ShondaLand Production**: Produced under Shonda Rhimes’ banner, showcasing her ability to create compelling, commercially successful television.
- **Awards and Nominations**: While specific awards are not listed, the series was widely recognized for its writing, acting, and direction.

## Body

### Overview and Genre
*Scandal* is an American political thriller television series that premiered on April 5, 2012, on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC). The show falls under the genres of drama and political thriller, characterized by its intense storytelling, high-stakes political maneuvering, and personal dramas. It is part of a broader trend of political thrillers that gained prominence in the 2010s, influenced by real-world political events and public fascination with power dynamics.

### Creation and Development
The series was created by Shonda Rhimes, a prominent television producer and writer known for her work on *Grey’s Anatomy* and *How to Get Away with Murder*. Rhimes developed *Scandal* through her production company, ShondaLand, which she founded in 2005. The show was inspired by the real-life crisis management work of Judy Smith, a former White House press aide who served as a consultant for the series. Rhimes’ vision for *Scandal* was to create a fast-paced, serialized drama that explored the intersections of politics, media, and personal relationships.

### Plot and Themes
*Scandal* centers on Olivia Pope, a former White House Communications Director who leaves her position to start her own crisis management firm, Olivia Pope & Associates. The series follows Pope and her team as they navigate the complex world of Washington, D.C., handling scandals for the political elite while dealing with their own personal and professional challenges. Key themes include power, corruption, loyalty, and the ethical dilemmas faced by those in positions of influence. The show is known for its intricate plotlines, unexpected twists, and exploration of the darker sides of politics and media.

### Cast and Characters
The series features a diverse ensemble cast, led by Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope. Other notable cast members include:
- **Tony Goldwyn** as Fitzgerald "Fitz" Grant III, the President of the United States and Olivia’s former lover.
- **Bellamy Young** as Mellie Grant, the First Lady and later President, known for her political ambition and complex relationship with Fitz.
- **Guillermo Díaz** as Huck, a former intelligence operative and member of Olivia’s team.
- **Darcy Montgomery** as Abby Whelan, a former press secretary and member of Olivia’s team.
- **Katie Lowes** as Quinn Perkins, a former intern who becomes a key member of Olivia’s firm.
- **Jeff Perry** as Cyrus Beene, the White House Chief of Staff and a master political strategist.

### Production and Broadcast
*Scandal* was produced by ShondaLand in association with ABC Studios. The series aired on ABC, a major American television network owned by The Walt Disney Company. The show’s production was notable for its high-quality writing, direction, and cinematography, which contributed to its critical and commercial success. *Scandal* ran for seven seasons, with its finale airing on April 19, 2018. The series maintained a consistent runtime of 42–43 minutes per episode, with a total of 124 episodes across its seven seasons.

### Reception and Impact
*Scandal* received widespread acclaim for its storytelling, acting, and exploration of political themes. The series was praised for its diverse casting, strong female lead, and willingness to tackle complex social issues. It became a cultural phenomenon, sparking discussions about politics, media, and power in contemporary society. The show’s success also solidified Shonda Rhimes’ reputation as a leading creator in television, further establishing her as a pioneer in the industry.

### Seasons and Story Arcs
*Scandal* consists of seven seasons, each with its own distinct story arcs and character developments:
- **Season 1 (2012)**: Introduces Olivia Pope and her team as they handle various crises while navigating their personal lives. Key plotlines include Olivia’s past relationship with President Fitz Grant and the introduction of the series’ central conflicts.
- **Season 2 (2012–2013)**: Expands on the political intrigue, with Olivia and her team facing new challenges, including a conspiracy involving the President and his administration.
- **Season 3 (2013–2014)**: Delves deeper into the consequences of Olivia’s actions, exploring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the cost of power.
- **Season 4 (2014–2015)**: Introduces new threats to Olivia’s firm and the White House, including a dangerous enemy who seeks to expose their secrets.
- **Season 5 (2015–2016)**: Focuses on the aftermath of major events from previous seasons, with Olivia and her team working to rebuild their lives and reputations.
- **Season 6 (2016–2017)**: Explores the rise of a new political power and the challenges faced by Olivia and her allies in maintaining their influence.
- **Season 7 (2017–2018)**: Concludes the series with a focus on legacy, redemption, and the future of Olivia Pope & Associates.

### Related Entities
*Scandal* is connected to several related entities, including:
- **Shonda Rhimes**: The creator and producer of the series, known for her work on other successful television shows.
- **ShondaLand**: The production company founded by Rhimes, responsible for producing *Scandal* and other notable series.
- **American Broadcasting Company (ABC)**: The network that aired *Scandal*, known for its diverse programming and commitment to high-quality television.
- **Kerry Washington**: The lead actress who portrayed Olivia Pope, becoming an iconic figure in modern television.
- **Political Thriller Genre**: *Scandal* is part of a broader genre of political thrillers that explore themes of power, corruption, and intrigue.

### Legacy and Influence
*Scandal* has left a lasting impact on television, particularly in the political thriller genre. The series is noted for its innovative storytelling, diverse casting, and exploration of complex social issues. It has inspired other creators to develop politically themed dramas and has contributed to the ongoing conversation about representation and diversity in media. The show’s success also highlights the importance of strong female leads and the potential for television to engage with real-world political and social issues.

### Technical Details
- **IMDb ID**: tt1837576
- **TV.com ID**: 907504
- **Freebase ID**: /m/0gtvjv8
- **AllMovie ID**: 9522
- **TV Guide ID**: 345855
- **TMDb ID**: 294668
- **AlloCiné ID**: 02542328n
- **Metacritic ID**: shows/scandal-2011
- **Website**: [https://abc.go.com/shows/scandal](https://abc.go.com/shows/scandal)
- **Twitter Handle**: @ScandalABC
- **Runtime**: 42–43 minutes per episode
- **Number of Episodes**: 124
- **Average Rating**: 7.0 (based on available data)
- **Sitelink Count**: 35 (Wikipedia links)

### Conclusion
*Scandal* remains a significant entry in the landscape of American television, known for its bold storytelling, diverse casting, and exploration of political themes. The series’ impact extends beyond its runtime, influencing the development of political thrillers and contributing to broader discussions about power, ethics, and representation in media. Through its seven-season run, *Scandal* solidified Shonda Rhimes’ legacy as a pioneering creator and demonstrated the potential of television to engage with complex social and political issues.

## References

1. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
2. [IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1837576/releaseinfo)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1837576/locations?ref_=tt_dt_dt)
5. BabelNet
6. Kinopoisk
7. Online-Filmdatenbank
8. [Source](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1837576/)
9. The Movie Database
10. FilmVandaag.nl