When is the last episode of Scandal?

Series finale air date and basic facts

The last episode of Scandal, titled "Over a Cliff," is the series finale and aired on Thursday, April 19, 2018 on ABC. The show ran for 7 seasons and 124 episodes from April 5, 2012, to April 19, 2018. Creator Shonda Rhimes shaped the finale as a planned conclusion rather than a cancellation ending. The below table summarizes key dates and episode details.

What happened in the series finale

In the finale, Olivia Pope and Fitz grapple with the aftermath of their long, complicated relationship while working to secure a future for their children and the administration they have shaped. Key figures navigate legal proceedings, public accountability, and personal reckonings. The episode interweaves closure for central cases with intimate character moments, aiming to resolve long-running storylines and set up possible futures for core characters.

How many episodes in the final season

Season 7 consisted of 18 episodes, serving as a shortened final season compared to earlier seasons. The structure allowed the show to pace major reveals and emotional beats toward the series-ending events.

• Episode 1: The beginning of the end (Season 7, Episode 1)
• Ongoing arcs: Election aftermath, B613 investigation, family decisions
• Finale: Episode 18/Season 7, also the series finale (April 19, 2018)

Where to watch the finale today

You can watch the series finale on several platforms via purchase or subscription. Options include streaming the complete series on Netflix (availability may vary by region), purchasing episodes on digital stores such as Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play, and Vudu, or renting on YouTube. Local listings and carriage may vary on ABC and local affiliates.

• Stream the full series on Netflix
• Purchase or rent on major digital video stores
• ABC app and website may offer past episodes with cable login

Cast and characters in the finale

The finale features the core ensemble as they conclude their storylines, including Olivia, Fitz, Mellie, Jake, Huck, Quinn, Abby, and others. Each character faces consequences, reconciliations, and choices that reflect the series’ themes of power, media, and morality.

Cultural impact and legacy

Scandal became a defining drama of the 2010s, known for serialized storytelling, rapid-fire dialogue, and Shonda Rhimes’ ensemble approach. The finale aimed to provide closure while acknowledging the show’s heightened, often unrealistic tone. Its cultural footprint includes watercooler moments, fashion references, and ongoing conversations about representation and storytelling in prime-time television.

Behind the scenes and production notes

Filming for the finale and final season wrapped in early 2018. Cast and crew emphasized intentionality in choosing how stories ended, with showrunner Shonda Rhimes guiding the overall plan. Production design, music, and ensemble staging were used to balance emotional climaxes with the series’ trademark momentum.

Planning your viewing: finale details recap

Mark April 19, 2018, as the date of the series finale, officially titled "Over a Cliff." It was the 18th and final episode of Season 7 and the show’s 124th episode overall. Expect a mix of resolution, reflection, and forward-looking moments as the core characters close this chapter.

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