For The Win: BET Adds ‘Scandal’ To Its Summer Line-Up

Already on a TV ratings winning streak after rave reviews of Being Mary Jane with Gabrielle Union, BET is sure to gain even more positive traction with its latest deal. The network has just landed ABC’s unexpected mega hit drama, ‘Scandal’ in a syndication deal.  The Shonda Rhimes series, which stars Kerry Washington and Columbus Short, ranks as the No. 1 broadcast series among African-Americans, averaging 2.8 million viewers a week.

In case you’re still wondering what the show is really about, Kerry Washington plays the role of Olivia Pope, the head woman in charge of  a crisis management team in D.C. who is also at the center of her own scandal – an ongoing affair with her ex-boss, the president of the United States. Guest stars like Elise Neal, have even joined in on the fun. The shocking political drama averaged 8.5 million total viewers and thanks to Kerry Washington’s idea for the cast to live-tweet during the show, even ranked as as Thursday’s most tweeted about show this season — out-tweeting heavy competition like American Idol with more than 4.2 million total tweets – almost 2,200 tweets per minute.

For Scandal addicts needing a fix, BET will start airing seasons one and two of the show this summer . As for the upcoming season (no, dates have not been annouced just yet), the series will air on BET no sooner than eight days after its original first-run episodes are broadcast on ABC.  If the show continues – which is highly likely – BET will still have its syndication rights.

Both networks should benefit directly from this move as  BET‘s Debra Lee shared her excitement: 

We’re thrilled to be joining forces with ABC in airing this dynamic series, Scandal is a cultural phenomenon that has resonated with viewers for the past two seasons and we’re excited to be part of its continued journey.

@Melissa_Kimble

[The Hollywood Reporter]