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Season guide

Scandal: Season 6

16 episodes Premiered Jan 26, 2017 Updated Oct 1, 2026

The work of Olivia Pope's crisis management firm continues in Season 6 as Fitz leaves office and a new president steps in. The political thriller television series, created by Shonda Rhimes and starring Kerry Washington as a former White House Communications Director who starts her own crisis management firm, follows characters who realize their clients are not the only ones with secrets, as dirty little secrets alwa

Previously on Scandal

Season 6 Lore Primer

Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.

  • ⚡ Olivia Pope is a former White House Communications Director who started her own crisis management firm.
  • ⚡ The series is an American political thriller television series starring Kerry Washington and created by Shonda Rhimes.
  • ⚡ Everyone has secrets and Olivia Pope has dedicated her life to protecting and defending the public.
  • ⚡ Clients are not the only ones with secrets in the world of the crisis management firm.
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Season overview

The work of Olivia Pope's crisis management firm continues in Season 6 as Fitz leaves office and a new president steps in. The political thriller television series, created by Shonda Rhimes and starring Kerry Washington as a former White House Communications Director who starts her own crisis management firm, follows characters who realize their clients are not the only ones with secrets, as dirty little secrets always come out.

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Season 6 Episodes

Episode Guide

🛡️ SPOILER SHIELD

Season 6 Progress Shield

Future titles & synopses blurred. Tap "Reveal" on any card to peek.
Binge Efficiency Engine

Season 6: Filler vs. Essential Canon

Filter episodes by narrative weight. Focus on essential mytharc and skip standalone side quests.

31%
69%
Mytharc (5): Crucial lore & season climaxes
Core (11): Character development & subplots
Side Quest (0): Standalone / filler
S6·E1 Mytharc

Survival of the Fittest

Jan 26, 2017 · 45 min

The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome.

S6·E2 Core

Hardball

Feb 2, 2017 · 44 min

After a tight race and shocking conclusion to the election, flashbacks reveal what happened on the campaign trail and just how far Olivia was willing to go to win. Meanwhile, Fitz

S6·E3 Core

Fates Worse than Death

Feb 9, 2017 · 44 min

In the midst of a national crisis, Cyrus's fate is sealed. Meanwhile, Olivia and the gladiators will stop at nothing to get to the truth.

S6·E4 Core

The Belt

Feb 16, 2017 · 44 min

Cyrus faces his ultimate challenge but continues to stop at nothing to prove his innocence. Meanwhile, Olivia and the gladiators uncover shocking new evidence about the night Frank

S6·E5 Mytharc

They All Bow Down

Mar 9, 2017 · 44 min

Jake and Vanessa's messy relationship poses a threat to the campaign, forcing Olivia to take action. Meanwhile, a game-changing revelation about the conspiracy surrounding Francisc

S6·E6 Core

Extinction

Mar 16, 2017 · 45 min

Rowan is caught by surprise when someone from his past resurfaces, and Olivia has to make a life-changing decision about the campaign. Meanwhile, flashbacks reveal exactly what hap

S6·E7 Core

A Traitor Among Us

Mar 23, 2017 · 44 min

After discovering new information about the assassination of Frankie Vargas, Olivia makes a shocking decision and asks Huck to complete one of the most difficult tasks yet.

S6·E8 Core

A Stomach for Blood

Mar 30, 2017 · 44 min

The events leading up to election night are retold from Abby's perspective, revealing a formidable thirst for power and the explosive secret she's been keeping.

S6·E9 Mytharc

Dead in the Water

Apr 6, 2017 · 44 min

It's a race against the clock when Olivia and OPA's investigation into the conspiracy puts one of their own in grave danger.

S6·E10 Core

The Decision

Apr 13, 2017 · 44 min

With the ugly truth behind Frankie's assassination revealed, a torn Olivia wonders how different her life — and the country — would be if she, Mellie and Cyrus had never rigged Fit

S6·E11 Core

Trojan Horse

Apr 20, 2017 · 44 min

Olivia and the team are determined to bring down Peus, but as the Electoral College vote nears, the fight for power claims another victim.

S6·E12 Core

Mercy

Apr 27, 2017 · 44 min

Just when Peus' iron grip seems inescapable to Olivia and everyone she holds dear, a shocking threat to the White House turns everything on its head.

S6·E13 Core

The Box

May 4, 2017 · 43 min

As the future of the country hangs in the balance, Olivia and Fitz are at odds with Rowan, and Jake employs surprising tactics to manipulate the Mystery Woman.

S6·E14 Core

Head Games

May 11, 2017 · 44 min

While outgoing President Fitz considers his legacy, the Gladiators question what's next for OPA, and Jake finally discovers the motivation behind Peus's and the Mystery Woman's rei

S6·E15 Mytharc

Tick Tock

May 18, 2017 · 44 min

As the clock ticks down to the inauguration of the first female President of the United States, Olivia takes a big risk to ensure Mellie's safety.

S6·E16 Mytharc

Transfer of Power

May 18, 2017 · 44 min

In the final days of his presidency, Fitz uses his power to make some unexpected changes.

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