Overview and What to Expect
Scandal is an American political drama television series created by Shonda Rhimes that aired on ABC from 2012 to 2018. Season 7 is the show’s final season, consisting of 18 episodes, and it concludes the story of Olivia Pope and her crisis management firm. This evergreen explainer covers the basics of Season 7, including verified episode counts, cast returns, streaming availability on Hulu in the United States, and how to stay up to date with official information.
What Is Scandal Season 7
Season 7 of Scandal serves as the series finale and was ordered as part of the show’s renewal for a seventh and final season in May 2018. The season aired on ABC from September 2018 to April 2019. It follows Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) and her team at Quinn Perkins & Associates as they navigate high-stakes political crises while contending with personal and professional consequences. This season brings closure to long-running storylines, including the fate of Fitz and Olivia’s relationship, the legacy of President Fitzgerald Grant, and the future of the firm.
Key Details at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Season Number | 7 (final season) | Official announcement |
| Episode Count | 18 episodes | ABC/Network order |
| Original Run | September 28, 2018 – April 19, 2019 | Network schedule |
| Main Cast Returns | Kerry Washington, Columbus Short, Darby Stanchfield, Katie Lowes, Guillermo Díaz, Jeff Perry, Joshua Malina, Bellamy Young, Scott Foley, Cornelius Smith Jr. | Cast listings |
| Streaming Platform (U.S.) | Hulu | Distribution agreement |
| Content Rating | TV-14 | Broadcast standard |
Cast and Characters in Season 7
Season 7 features the core ensemble of Quinn Perkins & Associates as they manage high-profile political cases. Kerry Washington returns as Olivia Pope, the firm’s founder and lead crisis manager. Other principal cast members include:
- Columbus Short as Harrison Wright
- Darby Stanchfield as Abby Whelan
- Katie Lowes as Quinn Perkins
- Guillermo Díaz as Huck
- Jeff Perry as Cyrus Beene
- Joshua Malina as David Rosen
- Bellamy Young as President Mellie Grant
- Scott Foley as Jake Ballard
- Cornelius Smith Jr. as Marcus Walker
The season resolves character arcs that span the series, including Olivia’s evolving leadership, Fitz’s presidency, and the team’s shifting dynamics under pressure.
Where to Watch Scandal Season 7
In the United States, Hulu holds the streaming rights for Scandal Season 7 as part of its multi-year agreement with Disney–ABC Domestic Television. Episodes are typically available on Hulu the day after their original ABC broadcast. Subscribers can watch the full season on-demand, and Hulu + Live TV subscribers can access the most recent episodes in near real time. For the latest availability and regional restrictions, consult Hulu’s official Help Center or the Scandal page on Hulu.
Episode Guide and Structural Notes
Unlike some series that expand in later seasons, Scandal maintained a consistent 18-episode format for Season 7, aligning with its final-season status. The structure supports tightly plotted political cases interwoven with personal stakes, allowing for meaningful closure without unnecessary extension. Viewers can expect a mix of case-of-the-week episodes and overarching serial arcs that culminate in the series finale.
How to Stay Updated
To follow official news about Scandal and related projects, rely on authoritative sources:
- ABC Press: For renewals, episode guides, and executive statements.
- Hulu Help Center: For streaming details, episode releases, and technical support.
- Shonda Rhimes and Shondaland: For creator insights and behind-the-scenes context.
Avoid unverified social media claims; confirm major announcements through ABC or Hulu communications.