Scandal has solidified itself as one of the most shocking dramas on the air since it premiered in April of 2012.
There is no subject matter this iconic series will stray away from, and that’s what makes it so fresh and exciting.
But what about when the cameras are NOT rolling?
Based on an article in The Hollywood Reporter in celebration of the series airing its 100th episode, it turns out that just as many stunners have existed on the set as on the script pages.
To wit…
The Original Olivia Pope?
ABC originally wanted Connie Britton to be Olivia Pope, but the casting director and Shonda Rhimes were defiant that Olivia Pope was black. Could you imagine just how different the show could have been today? Kerry Washington emerged as the first black woman to topline a drama in 37 years. No, that was not a typo.
Shonda Was Against Making Another Show
Shonda Rhimes was a very busy woman. She had Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice on the air, and she initially thought it would be too much to have another show on the air. After sitting down with real-life crisis manager, Judy Smith, Shonda changed her tune, and the idea grew into Scandal from there.
Platonic Olitz?
In the original pitch there was no mention of Olivia bedding the Fitz. Paul Lee (Former Head of ABC) called Shonda to see if the relationship could be taken out, but Shonda said the show should not be made without that plot. Behold, the power of Shonda Rhimes.
An Internation Flop?
There were even some complaints that a black lead could hinder the show’s chances internationally. It’s great Shonda and company proved the naysayers wrong.
No One Wanted To Be President
During pilot season, most actors were spoken for and a lot of them were too expensive for the show. Tony Goldwyn was signed to a Fox pilot and Shonda called him as soon as he was dropped from the project, poaching him for some scandalous scenes with Kerry Washington.
Stephen, Is That You?
Scott Foley was a favorite of Shonda’s while he was on Grey’s Anatomy. She killed his character off after telling him she wrote the role of Stephen for him. However, the network rejected him and went with Henry Ian Cusack, who got the role because of his international appeal. Foley moved on to Fox comedy, The Goodwin Games and Shonda poached him to play Jake the day it was canceled. Things are certainly fast-paced in Hollywood.
A Real Life Scandal
While shooting the pilot, the cast and crew were trapped in the building they were shooting in. The reason? The jewellery shop downstairs was being robbed.
A Social Scandal
Kerry Washington’s friend said the cast should be on Twitter, so the cast and crew made a plan to live tweet when the episodes were airing. The show is one of the most social series ever. This could definitely be attributed to the success the show has achieved over the years.
Premature Cancellation
The cast and crew thought the show was going to be canceled after lukewarm ratings. Then, all of the promotional budget was put towards the episode with Fitz being shot and the show exploded in the ratings.
A Doozy
Joe Morton was initially apprehensive of taking on the role of Rowan Pope when he was fist called about it. However, he was promised at the end of the call that his character would be Olivia’s father and it would be revealed at the close of Season 2. Talk about a watercooler moment.
Pointless Spin-Off Alert!
The B613 plot divided fans, but Shonda seemed to think it had the legs to spin-off into its own show. Thankfully, it was shelved.
ABC Wanted To Cut Which Scene?
ABC wanted to cut Olivia’s abortion scene from Scandal Season 5, but Shonda threatened to have articles everywhere about how they altered the scene.
Trump Changed Scandal
Hollis was originally supposed to become President, but then Donald Trump got the job in real life.
A Limit on Mellie
Bellamy Young was told her character would only be around for a handful of episodes, but she was so good to write for that they kept her around.