Full Breakdown
Kerry Washington and Tony Goldwyn Imagine Olivia Pope and Fitz Grant’s Post-Series Life
6/7/2026, 2:22:02 AM
Background & Context
“Scandal,” created by Shonda Rhimes, aired on ABC from 2012 to 2018. It followed crisis-manager Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) and President Fitzgerald Grant III (Tony Goldwyn). The series was noted for casting a Black woman as the lead and for its intense political drama.
Core Event: Actors Discuss Olivia & Fitz’s Future
In a June 6, 2026 episode of Variety’s “Actors on Actors,” Washington and Goldwyn revisited their characters, speculating on where Olivia Pope and Fitz Grant might be living after the series finale. Their conversation blended humor with earnest reflection on the characters’ unresolved arcs.
Timeline
- 2012 – Series premiere.
- 2018 – Series finale, Olivia and Fitz reunite on the National Mall.
- June 6, 2026 – Washington and Goldwyn interview on “Actors on Actors.”
Official Statements & Responses
Washington and Goldwyn agreed that the characters ultimately ended up together, envisioning a quiet life in Vermont where they might make jam and attend couples therapy to break “toxic patterns.” Both praised the series finale’s simple “Hi” exchange as a fitting closure. Goldwyn also confirmed he is frequently asked about a real-world presidential run, a notion he declines.
Criticism & Opposition
Washington acknowledged that Olivia and Fitz “weren’t the healthiest couple,” noting their relationship’s volatility as a key draw for fans. This self-critique highlights the tension between romantic idealization and the characters’ morally ambiguous actions throughout the series.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The actors’ speculation is not canon; no official storyline confirms the Vermont setting, jam-making, or therapy. Their remarks represent personal imagination rather than scripted continuation, leaving the characters’ definitive post-show fate ambiguous.
Why It Matters / Impact
Scandal reshaped television by foregrounding a Black female lead in a political thriller and expanding representation. The enduring fan devotion to the “Olitz” ship demonstrates the series’ cultural imprint and the audience’s desire for narrative closure beyond the televised ending.
Verbatim Quotes
- “People feel very strongly that they’re in Vermont, making jam and all that,” — Kerry Washington
- “I feel that Fitz and Olivia are together,” — Tony Goldwyn
- “I think Olivia probably taught him how to make jam, but then when she ate his jam, she’s like, ‘Your jam sucks!'” — Tony Goldwyn
- “You’d assemble a really wonderful Cabinet and team around you. And you care!” — Kerry Washington
What’s Next
Shonda Rhimes has hinted at the possibility of a future “Scandal” reboot, though no concrete plans have been announced. Fan speculation about Olivia and Fitz’s lives continues to fuel online discussions.
