When “Scandal” premiered on ABC in April 2012, it quickly rose as one of the most monumental drama television shows of its time. The show was created and developed by the legendary Shonda Rhimes, popularly known for her other show, “Grey’s Anatomy.”
The protagonist starred Kerry Washington as the crisis manager, Olivia Pope, working alongside her talented costars such as Tony Goldwyn and Katie Lowes. The show combined political intrigue, moral complexities and ludicrous plot twists that re-captivated audiences.
The series wrapped up in 2018 after airing for seven seasons. In 2025, the reemergence of interest in the soap drama appeared. Viewers found that they could connect the show’s plot points to actual political events, making it especially fascinating after the past few years of political turmoil.
“Scandal” proves that narratives can gain prominence over time. A significant factor in the renewed interest has been the show’s return to Netflix in June 2025 after being absent from streaming platforms since its end. Streaming services often revive older television favourites, “Scandal” being a prime example. Its presence on Netflix reached new, younger audiences.
“Scandal” features Olivia Pope, a crisis manager for DC’s most elite, diffusing scandals in the name of protecting the republic. She is deeply flawed, but resonates with many young women with big aspirations. For a romantic backdrop, Pope engages in an affair with President Fitzgerald Grant, generating lots of suspicion at the White House.
The writing is similar to that of a soap opera. The constant plot twists and cliff hangers keep audiences hooked. Rhime’s series cleverly intertwines character arcs along with developed threats for the characters to face.
Some say the show lost its focus in the later seasons. The intricate plots carried holes and missing context that viewers found uninspiring. Conceding to that concept, this phenomenon happens with most series after five or so seasons. It is natural for shows to lose their spark, but “Scandal” can still be appreciated in its entirety for its relevance today.
