‘Scandal’ Season 6 News Update: ABC Announces Official Plans, Kerry Washington Takes a Break from Social Media

All the fans of 'Scandal' who were worried about Season 6 in the wake of lead actress Kerry Washington's pregnancy, can finally heave a sigh of relief.

ABC has announced the official plans for the upcoming season 6 and true to the speculations floating around, it has been shortened. The season will have altogether 16 episodes, as opposed to the regular 22 episodes. It is notable that the same tactic was employed by ABC for the third season when Kerry was expecting her daughter.

Also, fans will have to wait for a little longer. The sixth season is not likely to premiere until February or maybe even March. Even though the network did not make this clear, speculations are rife about a considerable delay. ABC just said that Scandal won't be premiering until mid season.

Meanwhile, Kerry Washington has chosen to take a break from social media. She made an announcement to this effect on Instagram. She said that the time was right and she felt a calling to be quiet and still. There was no mention of the returning time but she did say that it will be soon enough.

Now this development has given rise to rumors that the actress is doing this to avoid backlash and complaints. Many feel that the ABC announcement and her break are not just coincidence. However, it might also be true that she felt the need to be by herself during her pregnancy.

Well, it has to be admitted that ABC was put in a tough situation after Kerry's pregnancy came to light and they could not have moved ahead without making changes in the upcoming season. Of course, the storyline would not portray a pregnant Olivia Pope as was being speculated. She had an abortion last season and Fitz discovered it in the finale.

So, the show creators could not have brought a pregnant Olivia as it would have made the plot look ridiculous. Shonda Rhimes certainly deserves to be applauded for handling challenges. She dealt with pregnancies of actresses Ellen Pompeo and Jessica Capshaw with great skill.