Scandal

Set in the political glare of Washington, Scandal follows Olivia Pope, a former White House communications chief who now runs a top tier crisis management firm. Her motto is simple: save the day without anyone finding out the truth behind the mess. She and a small team of hot shot fixers handle delicate scandals for powerful clients, keeping compromising facts buried and reputations intact. The work is precise, stylish, and relentlessly fast paced. But as their professional worlds collide with personal loyalties, the people who mend other lives discover that fixing everyone else can’t always fix their own. The show also leans on a glossy production style, from sleek interiors to kinetic editing that keeps the pace brisk.

Created by Shonda Rhimes, Scandal premiered on ABC in 2012. It began as a bold original political thriller with a glossy rapid tempo, establishing Rhimes's brand and setting a standard for serialized drama on network television.

Olivia Pope quickly became a cultural shorthand for crisis control and power in politics. The series popularized the phrase gladiators in suits, turning Olivia's red lip and tailored wardrobe into a recognizable aesthetic. Scandal influenced conversations about ethics, media spin, and gendered leadership in TV, sparking memes and fashion buzz.

Critics praised its fast pace, sharp dialogue, and Kerry Washington's central performance, though some noted a formulaic rhythm. The show explores loyalty and ethics in the age of spin, the cost of protecting reputations, and how private appetites collide with public duties. It also probes loyalty and secrecy and leadership.

The series earned nominations from major awards bodies during its run, highlighting Kerry Washington's standout performance and the show's bold storytelling. It became a touchstone for prestige television in its early seasons and helped launch a broader era of Shonda Rhimes produced dramas and media responsibility.