There are reports suggesting that the sixth season of “Scandal” will be the last of the series. The rumors stemmed from the fact that the show was moved to a mid-season premiere with a shorter episode order.
Executive producer Shonda Rhimes has earlier stated that the adjustments were made to accommodate Kerry Washington’s pregnancy since they cannot write Olivia Pope being pregnant into the show.
Speculations say that the fact that the season was only given 16 episodes means it’s on the ax list with reports pointing out that during Washington’s first pregnancy, the show was able to finish a normal order of 22 episodes.
However, rumors also point that ABC has already found a replacement for the show. The network premiered “Notorious” and took over the usual time slot of “Scandal.”
The show is a drama inspired by the true-to-life stories of criminal defense attorney Mark Geragod and cable news producer Wendy Walker. “Notorious” premiered on September 22.
The drama goes behind the scenes of the murky relationship between criminal law and the media as an influential attorney and a TV producer manipulate the headlines and public opinion.
Entertainment Weekly notes that the new series is the first show in three years that’s not produced or created by Rhimes that airs along Rhimes’ staples “How to Get Away with Murder” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”
As per Game & Guide, the show is being experimented again as Rhimes is having a hard time keeping the series afloat amid problems in ratings. Shondaland reportedly did not achieve the response they expected last season.
Usually, a show moving to a mid-season premiere is a sign that the network does not prioritize it over other shows that make good ratings. A decrease in the episode order is also a sign that the show is already getting chopped.
ABC nor Shonda has remained mum on the issue of cancellation. Fans of the political drama are also arguing that the show is doing well in terms of storyline despite a noticeable change in ratings from previous seasons.
Meanwhile, the sixth season will pick up with the campaign for the presidential elections and who will replace Tony Grant’s Fitz.
Repots suggest that Bellamy Young’s Mellie will win and will be the first female president of the country in the series. Fans remember that Mellie and Jake are running against Frankie Vargas and running-mate Cyrus.
In an interview with Bustle, cast members Brian Letscher, who plays secret service agent Tom, says that Fitz’s ex-wife has the bigger shot in winning the presidency. He adds that she would probably do a better job running a country than her ex-husband.
Letscher explains that despite not being a politician, she has been through so much and she knows the ins and outs of politics more than anybody else, except Cyrus perhaps.
Brian says that Mellie’s already been through a lot to get that seat and he believes that she would kick ass in the White House.
Bustle adds that despite the real presidential elections being already over when the season premiere, it will still mirror the events and the aftermath of the US elections.
Olivia is Mellie’s campaign manager and she can only hope to win for Mellie the presidential seat. There’s a lot at stake for Ms. Pope if Mellie and Jake win.
Fans will remember that Olivia made Jake a vice presidential aspirant as her last bid to outsmart her father Rowan, played by Joe Morton.