The wait is almost over. “Scandal” is almost back.
ABC’s popular drama begins its sixth season on January 19.
The episode chronicles the aftermath of the election.
“The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome,” says ABC regarding the eagerly anticipated season premiere.
In advance of the January 19 broadcast, which airs at 9PM ET, ABC provided backstage and production photos from the episode. Those follow:
SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) TOM VERICA (DIRECTOR) SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) TINA LIFFORD SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) JOSHUA MALINA SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) SCOTT FOLEY SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) SCOTT FOLEY, GARY ROBINSON, TONY GOLDWYN SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) TONY GOLDWYN SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) DARBY STANCHFIELD SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) TONY GOLDWYN, GARY ROBINSON SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) KATE BUTLER, GARY ROBINSON, TONY GOLDWYN SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) TONY GOLDWYN SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) KATE BUTLER SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) DARBY STANCHFIELD SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) DARBY STANCHFIELD, GARY ROBINSON SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) KATE BUTLER, GARY ROBINSON, TONY GOLDWYN SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) KATE BUTLER, SCOTT FOLEY, GARY ROBINSON, TONY GOLDWYN, JOSHUA MALINA SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) TOM VERICA (DIRECTOR) SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) JOSHUA MALINA SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) TONY GOLDWYN SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) KERRY WASHINGTON, TONY GOLDWYN SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) TONY GOLDWYN SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) KERRY WASHINGTON, TOM VERICA (DIRECTOR) SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) KERRY WASHINGTON SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) KERRY WASHINGTON, TONY GOLDWYN SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) KERRY WASHINGTON SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) GARY ROBINSON, KERRY WASHINGTON SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) GARY ROBINSON SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) GARY ROBINSON SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) KERRY WASHINGTON SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) TONY GOLDWYN SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) KERRY WASHINGTON SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) KERRY WASHINGTON SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) KERRY WASHINGTON, DARBY STANCHFIELD, BELLAMY YOUNG SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) DARBY STANCHFIELD SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) TOM VERICA (DIRECTOR) SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) SCOTT FOLEY, JESSALYN GILSIG SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) TOM VERICA (DIRECTOR) SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) TONY GOLDWYN SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) TOM VERICA (DIRECTOR) SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) JESSALYN GILSIG SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) TEAGAN ROSE SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) DARBY STANCHFIELD, KERRY WASHINGTON SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) DARBY STANCHFIELD, KERRY WASHINGTON, BELLAMY YOUNG SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) GUILLERMO DIAZ, KATIE LOWES SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) GEORGE NEWBERN, KATIE LOWES SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) KERRY WASHINGTON SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) KATIE LOWES, GUILLERMO DIAZ, KERRY WASHINGTON SCANDAL – “Survival of the Fittest” – The election results for the presidential race between Mellie Grant and Francisco Vargas are announced, and the shocking results lead to an explosive outcome, on the highly anticipated season premiere of “Scandal,” airing on THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Tony Rivetti) GEORGE NEWBERN Brian Cantor Brian Cantor is the editor-in-chief for Headline Planet. He has been a leading reporter in the music, movie, television and sporting spaces since 2002. Brian's reporting has been cited by major websites like BuzzFeed, Billboard, the New Yorker and The Fader -- and shared by celebrities like Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj. Contact Brian at brian.cantor[at]headlineplanet.com.