Shonda Rhimes Explains Why ‘Scandal’ Will Never Be a Franchise + The Most Back Handed Compliment She’s Received About the Show

If watching reruns doesn’t exactly do it for you, you’re in for a treat. In a recent interview with Vulture, the show’s creator, Shonda Rhimes, gives us a tiny bit of information on what ‘Scandal’ fanatics can expect on season three. The 43-year-old mother of two, rarely gives interviews and is very apprehensive about teasing what’s next for any shows, but thankfully, she shared just enough to to hold folk over ’til this fall. Peep a few excerpts below.

So last season ended with Olivia being confronted by reporters who’d found out she’d been having an affair with Fitz. How will you kick off season three?

When season three begins, I feel like we have some business to take care of. People are saying to Liv, “Are you the president’s mistress?” The first episode sort of leads to some very interesting negotiations between the president and the first lady and Olivia in a way.

Now that you’re two full years into Scandal, is there a character who’s the most radically different than what you first designed?

Cyrus. He is by far one of the most interesting characters that I’ve ever gotten to write. I knew that I wanted him to be sort of a beast. But I didn’t realize what I would be getting in Jeff Perry [who plays Cyrus]. He’s incredible. You know, he played a sort of very quiet, stuttering man on Grey‘s as Meredith’s father. And he’s the complete opposite character [on Scandal]. But he’s so much fun to write for. I remember waking up one morning during [season one] and going, “Cyrus is gay. He has a husband. And his whole thing is he can never be president, and he’s very bitter about that.”

You made it clear when you talked to Willa Paskin earlier this year that you’re not a fan of folks who call Scandal a “guilty pleasure.” Why do some folks still insist on that phrase?

It’s because I write Grey’s Anatomy, because I write things people think are a little fluffier in their mind. Which is weird, because Grey’s Anatomy is pretty dark. It’s the same reason that when people call it a soap opera I get pissed — because it’s not a soap opera. And I don’t think it’s a guilty pleasure. It just sounds like a back-handed compliment. If you think it’s a guilty pleasure, don’t watch it. The Real Housewives of any city is a “guilty pleasure.”

Can you imagine Scandal becoming a franchise — say, Scandal: Hollywood? Do you see offshoots, the way Grey‘s led to Private Practice?

I don’t think Scandal should be a franchise. I feel like Scandal is what it is. I’m getting to write the world’s most intriguing novel. And I’m having a great time. It’s an experiment to me, so I don’t think a franchise is what makes sense. Although, If you had asked me in season three of Grey’s Anatomy, I would have said [the show would be] four seasons and out.

In the meantime, set your DVRs now for October 3, as the third season kicks off.