Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Political thriller mixes sex with violence and murky ethics.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Scandal
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 8 parent reviews
Based on 20 kid reviews
Kids say the show is a thrilling mix of political drama and character-driven storytelling, with many highlighting strong themes of morality and the complexities of power. However, it also features significant violence, explicit scenes, and morally ambiguous situations that might not be suitable for younger audiences, making it more appropriate for mature teens and adults.
- strong female lead
- graphic violence
- mature themes
- political intrigue
- educational value
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
SCANDAL is a dramatic series starring Kerry Washington as former White House communications director Olivia Pope, who's now running a successful Washington, D.C., crisis-management firm designed to help high-profile clients protect their public image while keeping their scandalous secrets under wraps. Along with an eclectic team of experts -- including womanizing defense attorney Stephen Finch (Henry Ian Cusick), lawyer Harrison Wright (Columbus Short), computer hacker Huck (Guillermo Diaz), investigator Abby Whelan (Darby Stanchfield), and new hire Quinn Perkins (Katie Lowes) -- the fast-thinking and quick-talking Pope works day and night to help her clients, including a decorated Iraq War veteran accused of murder and a Supreme Court nominee who has allegedly dealth with prostitutes. But while the team commits itself to fixing other people's problems, Pope's relationship with her former boss, U.S. President Fitzgerald Grant (Tony Goldwyn), causes problems of its own, especially when his chief of staff, Cyrus Beene (Jeff Perry), is monitoring her every move.
Is It Any Good?
Although Scandal is a work of fiction, it's hard to ignore the thinly veiled parallels between the show's plot lines and some of the real-life scandals that have rocked the United States' political elite throughout the country's history. Because Scandal focuses on attempts to hide these incidents rather than judging or absolving people for them, the events' ethical implications are often overlooked.
Scandal is well written, but some viewers may find the content exploitative of some of the worst stereotypes about politicians and other leaders. Those looking for a character with a strong moral compass won't find it here, either. But others may simply enjoy the show as a guilty pleasure. Regardless, it's a series best left for mature audiences.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about politicians being role models. Should political leaders be held to a higher standard of behavior because of their role in society? Does featuring their negative behavior as fictional TV entertainment reinforce real-life stereotypes about politicians?
The media often associates sex with scandal, especially when it has to do with politicians, celebrities, and other public figures. Is it necessary for the public to know these details about them, regardless of whether they're true? How do we benefit from having this information? What's the down side? Does the media go too far when reporting these incidents?
Is the main character a role model? What are her admirable qualities? What are her not-so-great traits?
TV Details
- Premiere date : April 5, 2012
- Cast : Columbus Short , Katie Lowes , Kerry Washington
- Network : ABC
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Winner
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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