Scandal: Season 1
  • Network: ABC
  • Series Premiere Date: Apr 5, 2012
  • Season #: 1 , 2
Scandal Image
Metascore
64 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critics What's this?

User Score
6.8 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 75 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
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  • Summary: A former White House communications director, Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) now runs her own crisis management firm, helping clients fix potential career-ending problems.
  • Genre(s): Drama

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 29
  3. Negative: 1 out of 29
  1. Boston Herald
    Reviewed by: Mark A. Perigard
    Apr 5, 2012
    83
    On "Grey's Anatomy," particularly in the first two years, Rhimes proved herself skilled at crafting gripping love stories. She's outdone herself here.
  2. Hitfix
    Reviewed by: Alan Sepinwall
    Apr 4, 2012
    75
    The formula doesn't always work (insert memories of your least favorite "Grey's" story arc here), but when it does, Rhimes is as successful at tugging for the heartstrings as anyone in the business.
  3. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: Matt Zoller Seitz
    Apr 9, 2012
    60
    It's the new Revenge, but so much goofier and more shameless that it makes Revenge look comparatively measured.
  4. Variety
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    Mar 30, 2012
    30
    As usual, Rhimes' workplace characters talk very fast, but the manic visual style can't obscure a series flawed on most every level.

See all 29 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 25
  3. Negative: 5 out of 25
  1. mrose2012
    10
    I discovered Scandal really late. I am not a fan of Private Practice or Greys so I avoided this show but I am now hooked,. Scandal is smart, fast and sexy. Its like a romance ,mystery , crime novel wrapped up in a nice package . I love it… Expand
  2. Dobby
    10
    I just watched the pilot episode and I'm really looking forward to this series. This is a political/legal drama, featuring a crisis management firm led by a former White House correspondent. While it's too early to predict whether the writers will be able to come up with enough interesting plots for every episode, the characters have such great chemistry, that viewers will be drawn in. I really loved the casting and was particularly impressed by the female lead (played by Washington). who really shines.… Expand
  3. dante_finn
    7
    An entertaining minefield of political mishaps and steamy campaigns
  4. rmjbones
    4
    The show started out with promise, but it has been reduced to a show where everyone shouts condescending speeches at each other. There are a few just whiny and awful characters that need to go. The main characters are good if they could have better writing. I hope the show gets back to a more realistic dialogue.… Expand

See all 25 User Reviews

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