10 Shows Like 'Scandal' Worth Checking Out If You Miss the Thrilling Kerry Washington Series

From the early to the late 2010s, "Scandal" captivated audiences with thrilling political drama, a compelling love triangle, Olivia Pope's strut, and most of all, her wardrobe, but TV's favorite fixer is only one of numerous other female leads with just as much grit and hunger for power.

It's 2012, and "Scandal" just debuted its first episode. True to its name, viewers are immediately immersed in Olivia Pope's world with her Gladiators, working daily to clean up political and scandalous misdoings of high-stakes public figures.

The series offers a near-microscopic look into how political leaders can manipulate their public image for personal gain. However, this story is not about them; Olivia, a.k.a. "The Fixer," isn't just another cutthroat crisis management attorney at their disposal.

While "Scandal" never fails to prove that Olivia does not mess around, the series also delves further into what makes her tick, like her romance with President of the United States Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III — and his best friend — and their chemistry.

Although fans can't help but root for Fitz and Olivia, like many US Presidents, Fitz has a First Lady, the loveable Mellie Grant. And while she might be in the way of Fitz and Olivia being together, Bellamy Young's portrayal of Mellie made audiences also vouch for her happiness.

"Scandal" also delves into the personal histories of Olivia's Gladiators, helping audiences understand why they're drawn to each of them. The Emmy-winning show was led by Kerry Washington (Olivia), Tony Goldwyn (Fitz), and Katie Lowes (Quinn Perkins).

It aired its final episode in 2018, but alongside it were other equally enthralling series with similar themes, calculative protagonists who'll bend the law if need be — or because they can — and impeccable acting. Find a curated list to get started below.

'Suits' (2011 – 2019)

Mike Ross is a college dropout with a mind-boggling ability to "consume knowledge." Viewers first meet the brilliant faux-lawyer-to-be after a drug deal goes wrong. On the run, he stumbles upon Harvey Specter conducting interviews with Harvard law graduates.

It doesn't take long for Mike to make a lasting impression that leads Harvey to bend the rules and hire an unofficially qualified protege. The first season will have audiences glued to the edge of their seats as their secret keeps coming close to spillage to the wrong people.

But that's only the beginning. Gabriel Macht (Harvey) and Patrick J. Adams (Mike) play everyone's favorite duo in this series, alongside former actress Meghan Markle, Gina Torres, and Sarah Rafferty.

'Madam Secretary' (2014 – 2019)

Former CIA analyst Elizabeth McCord is thrust into uncharted territory when she becomes the United States Secretary of State after her predecessor dies in a plane crash. It's a somewhat unfamiliar world for Elizabeth, but somehow, she handles it gracefully.

Still, it has its challenges as she tries to balance her new duties with being a wife and raising a family. Téa Leoni breathes life into Elizabeth in this political drama alongside Tim Daly, Zeljko Ivanek, and Patina Miller.

'How to Get Away with Murder' (2014 – 2020)

Crime, mystery, and drama all sum up the twisted happenings of this gripping series. Annalise Keating, an incredible no-nonsense law professor, teaches Criminal Defense 100 at a prestigious Philadelphia university — or she likes to call it: How to Get Away with Murder.

Annalise also practices law, and she recruits a group of ambitious students to work for her. However, things go awry when they're all sucked into a murder plot. "How to Get Away with Murder" ran for six seasons, starring Viola Davis (Annalise), Aja Naomi King, and Billy Brown.

'House of Cards' (2013 – 2018)

Frank Underwood and his wife, Carrie Underwood, are just two snakes in a large pit, doing whatever it takes to come out on top. Their story begins with Frank suffering betrayal and being hell-bent on exacting revenge on his enemies.

Alongside his wife, they scheme their way into doing just that, fueling their hunger for more power. "House of Cards" stars Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright as the troublesome couple, with Michael Kelly and Derek Cecil.

'The Good Wife' (2009 – 2016)

This show begins with a sex scandal involving State Attorney Peter Florrick, husband to Alicia Florrick, and the father of their kids. Following his demise, Alicia is forced to return to her profession as a litigator to provide for her family, and she does not play around.

"The Good Wife" dished out seven seasons, collecting numerous awards, including five Primetime Emmys. Julianna Margulies portrays the titular "good wife," Alicia, opposite Chris Noth and Matt Czuchry.

'Commander-in-Chief' (2005 – 2006)

"Commander-in-Chief" sees MacKenzie Allen take the mantle as the next President of the United States following the death of her predecessor, Teddy Bridges. In this story, she's the first woman to hold such a position of power.

As one may expect, President MacKenzie's abilities are questioned at every turn, but she's determined to make it work. The 2000s show ran for one season, starring Geena Davis as the woman making history, opposite Donald Sutherland and Harry Lennix.

'Damages' (2007 – 2012)

Following another cutthroat litigator, "Damages" sees Patty Hewes take on Ellen Parsons, fresh from law school, as her protegee. The ambitious pair take on several high-stakes cases that sometimes have them escaping murderous attempts on their lives.

Glenn Close brings life to Ellen's mentor, Patty, with actress Rose Byrne portraying the protegee. The award-winning series also starred Zachary Booth as Michael Hewes, Tate Donovan as Tom Shayes, and Ted Danson as Arthur Frobisher.

'White Collar' (2009 - 2014)

With some comedic relief and charm from the more gravely portrayed law series, Matt Bomer leads the crime comedy with a plot similar to "The Blacklist." The actor stars as Neal Caffrey, a seasoned con artist who lands in jail but gets a second chance on one condition.

Neal has to help the FBI catch other white-collar crime perpetrators. Bomer stars alongside Tim DeKay, Willie Garson, and Tiffani Thiessen in the series, which aired six seasons on USN.

'State of Affairs' (2014 – 2016)

Drawing similarities from "Commander-in-Chief" and "Madam Secretary," "State of Affairs" follows former CIA Analyst Charleston Tucker, who is removed from the field and thrust into a new position as Madam President's daily briefer.

Charleston deals with any matter that threatens the US, but things nearly go awry when she withholds one particular case from the president. The show only had one season, led by Katherine Heigl, Alfre Woodard, and Adam Kaufman.

'Quantico' (2015 – 2018)

Alex Parrish is an FBI trainee at the Quantico base in Virginia, pursuing her passion for protecting the United States. She's among several other recruits pushed beyond their limits in their attempt to join the force.

However, things take a drastic turn when Alex is alleged to be a sleeper terrorist. Alex is portrayed by award-winning actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas with Jake McLaughlin, Johanna Braddy, and Blair Underwood.