The TV series Scandal took the world by storm when it first aired in 2012. Created by the legendary Shonda Rhimes, the show quickly built a loyal fanbase thanks to its gripping political storylines, complex characters, and dramatic plot twists. Among its seven thrilling seasons, Scandal Season 5 stands out as one of the most talked-about installments. Fans continue to search for answers about its episodes, cast, and connections to later seasons like Season 6 and Season 7.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Scandal Season 5 and also revisit other popular seasons such as Season 2, Season 3, and the emotional series finale. Whether you’re rewatching the show or discovering it for the first time, this breakdown will help you relive the drama and political intrigue of Olivia Pope and her gladiators.
1. Overview of Scandal Season 5
When fans talk about Scandal Season 5, the words that usually come up are chaotic, emotional, and politically charged. Premiering in September 2015, Season 5 immediately captivated viewers with storylines that blended personal betrayal with national politics.
The season kicks off with a major twist: Olivia Pope and President Fitzgerald Grant’s relationship becomes public. For years, fans had followed their secret love affair, but in Season 5, the world finally knows about it. This revelation sets off a series of scandals (no pun intended) that shake Washington, D.C., to its core.
Key story arcs in Season 5 include:
- Olivia Pope adjusting to being in the public eye as the President’s partner.
- The fallout of Mellie Grant’s political ambitions.
- Cyrus Beene’s ongoing manipulations behind the scenes.
- The never-ending power struggles in the White House.
With 21 dramatic episodes, Season 5 balances political storylines with personal struggles, making it one of the most dynamic seasons of the entire series.
2. Scandal Second Season: Why Fans Still Love It
Before diving further into Season 5, let’s rewind a bit. Many fans consider the second season of Scandal the one that truly defined the show’s legacy.
Premiering in 2012, Scandal Season 2 expanded the storylines introduced in Season 1 and gave viewers some of the most unforgettable episodes in TV history. The season introduced darker themes, shocking betrayals, and the infamous B613 storyline.
Some highlights from Scandal Season 2 include:
- The deepening of Olivia and Fitz’s complicated relationship.
- The rise of Huck’s backstory and his ties to the secret organization B613.
- The reveal of Verna Thornton’s involvement in Fitz’s election scandal.
- Mellie’s evolution into a more central character.
Fans searching for “scandal second season” often revisit it for its high stakes and iconic episodes like Nobody Likes Babies, which changed the direction of the show forever.
3. Scandal Season Five: Diving Deeper into the Drama
Now back to Scandal Season Five, which can be described as the season of political battles mixed with deeply personal conflicts.
One of the biggest focuses is Olivia Pope’s struggle with morality and identity. While she was always known as the fixer who handled scandals, this season pushed her into the spotlight in an unprecedented way. Being the President’s partner wasn’t just about romance — it came with judgment from the public, political fallout, and enormous pressure.
Major subplots include:
- Olivia making the difficult choice regarding her pregnancy.
- Mellie Grant working to establish her own career and independence.
- Jake Ballard’s role as both an ally and threat.
- The return of Rowan Pope (Olivia’s father), who always knows how to stir chaos.
The season closes with unforgettable twists that set the stage for Scandal Season 6 and raise questions about loyalty, justice, and power.
4. Scandal Season Three: A Turning Point
If you’re looking at Scandal season by season, the third season is often described as a turning point. It aired in 2013 and focused heavily on themes of family, secrets, and betrayal.
What made Season 3 unique was its exploration of Olivia’s past. Fans finally learned more about her parents, Rowan Pope and Maya Lewis. Their storylines opened up an entirely new layer of drama that connected Olivia’s personal life with Washington’s political mess.
Important events in Scandal Season 3 include:
- The introduction of Maya Lewis (Olivia’s mother), who was presumed dead.
- Rowan Pope solidifying himself as one of TV’s greatest villains.
- The shocking revelation of Operation Remington.
- Fitz’s re-election campaign and its messy consequences.
For fans searching “scandal season three” or “scandal cast season 3,” this season remains unforgettable because of its emotional depth and game-changing revelations.
5. Season 5 of Scandal: Episodes Breakdown
The season 5 of Scandal is made up of 21 episodes, each filled with tension, betrayal, and jaw-dropping moments.
Some standout episodes include:
- Episode 1: Heavy Is the Head – Olivia and Fitz deal with the fallout of their public relationship.
- Episode 9: Baby, It’s Cold Outside – The emotional mid-season finale that leaves fans with major cliffhangers.
- Episode 21: That’s My Girl – The explosive season finale that sets the stage for Season 6.
Each episode balances the political landscape with deeply personal dilemmas, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
6. A Very Royal Scandal Season 1 vs. Scandal’s Political Drama
While fans of Scandal often focus on Olivia Pope’s world of politics, many TV lovers also search for “A Very Royal Scandal Season 1.” This British drama takes a different approach to scandal—focusing on the monarchy instead of Washington, D.C.
Unlike Shonda Rhimes’ Scandal, which revolves around fixing political crises, A Very Royal Scandal examines the private lives of royals and how their choices impact their public image. While the two shows are different in tone, they both thrive on one thing: secrets becoming public.
For fans of Scandal Season 5, this British drama can feel like a distant cousin. Where Olivia battles political enemies, the royals face family betrayals and public opinion. The shared theme of power, control, and reputation makes both shows addictive.
7. Scandal Season 7: Episodes, Cast, and Final Chapter
The search terms “scandal season 7 episode 7,” “scandal cast season 7,” and “scandal season finale” highlight just how impactful the final season of Scandal was.
Scandal Season 7 aired in 2017 and wrapped up Olivia Pope’s journey with a bold conclusion. At this point, Olivia had stepped away from being just a fixer — she was involved directly in the political game at the highest level.
Some highlights from Season 7 include:
- Episode 7 (“Something Borrowed”) that shocked fans with its character arcs.
- Quinn Perkins’ kidnapping, one of the most suspenseful plotlines in the series.
- The rise of Mellie Grant as President.
- The final showdown between Olivia and her father, Rowan Pope.
The finale left fans divided but satisfied, as it tied up loose ends and gave Olivia Pope the legacy she deserved.
8. Scandal Season 6: Key Episodes and Presidential Shifts
For fans asking “how many episodes of Scandal in Season 6” — the answer is 16 episodes. Though shorter than other seasons, Season 6 was packed with intensity.
One of the most burning questions fans often search is: “Who becomes president in Scandal Season 6?” The answer is Mellie Grant. Her storyline in Season 6 finally pays off as she rises to the Oval Office, changing the direction of the show forever.
Notable episodes include:
- Episode 6 – A chilling chapter that revealed shocking truths.
- Episode 10 – A turning point that deepened the power struggles.
Season 6 also centered on election conspiracies, murders, and betrayals, keeping the political thriller alive and intense.
9. Scandal Characters and Cast Across Seasons
One reason Scandal stayed so popular is its unforgettable cast of characters. From the gladiators to political leaders, every role felt vital.
Some of the most searched terms include:
- “scandal cast season 3”
- “scandal characters season 3”
- “scandal actors season 5”
- “cast scandal season 7”
The cast lineup included:
- Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope
- Tony Goldwyn as President Fitzgerald Grant
- Bellamy Young as Mellie Grant
- Jeff Perry as Cyrus Beene
- Scott Foley as Jake Ballard
- Guillermo Díaz as Huck
- Darby Stanchfield as Abby Whelan
Each season introduced new faces while expanding old characters, creating a world where alliances shifted constantly.
10. Iconic Scandal Episodes Fans Still Talk About
The show’s episodes remain some of the most talked-about in TV history. Fans search for specific chapters like:
- “Scandal Season 4 Episode 14” – A jaw-dropping storyline filled with betrayal.
- “Scandal Season 6 Episode 6” – A chilling political twist.
- “Scandal Season 7 Episode 7” – A turning point in the final season.
- “Scandal Season 4 Episode 10” – Emotional revelations.
And, of course, many fans still ask: “What season and episode does Olivia get kidnapped in Scandal?” The answer: Season 4, Episodes 9–10. These episodes showcased Kerry Washington’s powerful performance and remain among the most memorable in the entire series.
11. Scandal Season 1: Where It All Began
Before the shocking twists of Scandal Season 5 or the high-stakes battles of Season 7, it all started with Season 1 in 2012. Fans still search for “Scandal Season 1 recap” and “Scandal Season 1 episode 1 watch online free” because this season laid the foundation for everything.
Season 1 introduced us to Olivia Pope, a former White House communications director who started her own crisis management firm. Her team of gladiators—Huck, Abby, Stephen, and Quinn—helped powerful clients clean up messes before they became public.
Some iconic highlights include:
- Olivia’s secret romance with President Fitz being revealed.
- Amanda Tanner’s storyline, which tested Olivia’s loyalty.
- The introduction of Cyrus Beene as a master manipulator.
Even though Season 1 had only 7 episodes, its impact was huge. It created the blueprint for what would become one of Shonda Rhimes’ most successful series.
12. Scandal Season 2 & 3: Expanding the Political Universe
The second and third seasons took the foundation of Season 1 and expanded it dramatically.
Scandal Season 2 Highlights
For fans searching “Scandal season two episodes” or “Scandal season 2 characters,” here’s what made it special:
- Introduction of B613, the shadowy government agency.
- Huck’s dark past being revealed.
- Fitz and Olivia’s relationship growing more complicated.
- Shocking betrayals from within the White House.
This season is often remembered as one of the most gripping due to its 22 episodes filled with explosive scandals.
Scandal Season 3 Highlights
Searches for “Scandal season three episodes” and “Scandal season 3 cast” reflect the popularity of this season. Season 3 brought in heavy family drama, introducing Rowan Pope (Olivia’s father) and reuniting Olivia with her mother, Maya.
This was also the season where the re-election campaign for Fitz took center stage, blending personal conflicts with national stakes.
Together, Seasons 2 and 3 solidified Scandal as a must-watch drama with layers of suspense and political intrigue.
13. Scandal Season 4: Betrayals and Heartbreak
When fans search “Scandal season 4 episode 14” or “Scandal season 4 ep 10,” they’re diving back into one of the most emotional chapters of the series.
Season 4 was filled with dramatic arcs that tested every character:
- Olivia Pope being kidnapped in Episodes 9 and 10.
- Fitz and Olivia’s relationship facing new obstacles.
- Mellie’s growth into her own political force.
- Jake Ballard’s shifting role between ally and rival.
The kidnapping storyline in particular stands out as one of the darkest, showing Olivia’s vulnerability in a way fans had never seen before. This season also built the foundation for Mellie’s future as President in Season 6.
14. Scandal Season 6: Elections and Consequences
For those asking “season 6 episodes Scandal” or “season 6 episode 10 Scandal,” this season was all about power and corruption in politics.
Season 6 tackled an election storyline that mirrored real-life controversies. The unexpected twists about voter rigging, assassination plots, and backroom deals kept audiences hooked.
Some of the biggest moments include:
- Mellie finally becoming President.
- The truth about Francisco Vargas’ assassination.
- Rowan Pope continuing to pull strings behind the scenes.
At only 16 episodes, Season 6 was shorter than most seasons but arguably one of the most intense.
15. Scandal Season 7 Finale: The End of an Era
The final season left fans both emotional and nostalgic. Searches like “Scandal season finale” and “Scandal is this the last season” prove how invested viewers were until the very end.
In the finale, Olivia Pope’s story reached closure. The battles with her father, her complicated relationship with Fitz, and her role in Washington’s power struggles all came full circle. The ending was bittersweet but fitting for a show that thrived on morally gray characters and shocking revelations.
While some fans wished for Season 8, Shonda Rhimes confirmed that Season 7 was the planned conclusion, ensuring Olivia Pope’s story ended with dignity.
Conclusion
From the early days of Scandal Season 1 to the unforgettable drama of Scandal Season 5, and finally the powerful closure in Season 7, the series remains one of the most iconic political thrillers in TV history.
Its characters—especially Olivia Pope—reshaped television, showing audiences that a female lead could be both powerful and flawed. Each season brought scandals that tested loyalty, power, and morality, making it a binge-worthy show that continues to attract new viewers even years after its finale.
If you’re searching for “season 5 of Scandal” or wondering “how many episodes of season 7 of Scandal,” this guide gives you everything you need to revisit the show. Whether you’re rewatching favorite episodes or discovering it for the first time, Scandal will always deliver drama, intrigue, and unforgettable storytelling.
