• ‘Scandal’ Season 6 episode 1 airdate, spoilers: What to expect when the show returns plus possible premiere date

‘Scandal’ Season 6 episode 1 airdate, spoilers: What to expect when the show returns plus possible premiere date (Photo : Facebook/Scandal/ABC)

"Scandal" Season 5 comes to an end with an explosive finale airing on May 12, Thursday. Meanwhile, reports suggest that Season 6 will be shorter than the previous seasons of the ABC's fan-favourite television drama. Here are potential spoilers and speculations for the upcoming season. Read on to find out what happens next. Also, find out when will the episode 1 premiere.

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[Spoiler alert! This article contains potential spoilers for "Scandal" Season 6. Do not read further if you don't wish to know more about it.]

"Scandal" Season 5 finale will see the tension rise as the presidential candidates announce their running mates. The show will see some big reveals. And, Olivia will find herself in an unexpected situation. Meanwhile, Cyrus will receive shocking information that will change the course of the entire presidential race.

In an interview with In Style, "Scandal" star Bellamy Young, who plays the role of Mellie Grant, one of the candidates, suggests that the season finale will lay the foundation for Season 6.

"It sets up Season 6 so brilliantly-and it is really a jaw-dropper. I think we're just bringing it home beautifully. "This week's episode is the one that really got us in the table reads. We all cried, like, three times. It's a doozy of an episode, and a real gem," Young said.

Therefore, "Scandal" Season 6 is expected to pick up from where season 5 finale leaves. Also, it is expected to explore the current presidential election storyline further.

At the same time, "Scandal" Season 6 has been trimmed down due to Kerry Washington's second pregnancy. According to TV Line, the network has reduced the episode count from 22 to 16 for the upcoming season.

This is not the first time the show has reduced the episode count. Previously, when Washington was pregnant with her first child, the season 3 run was cut down from 22 to 18 episodes.

Also, the website is speculating that the network might opt for a delayed production and premiere of "Scandal" Season 6. While ABC is yet to announce the official premiere date, the episode 1 might air in 2017 when the show usually returns for its midseason run. Fans must note the report lacks official confirmation. Thus, the information should be considered with a pinch of salt.

"Scandal" Season 5 finale airs 9:00 pm on ABC. Stay tuned for spoilers and updates for Season 6 episode 1.