This gripping spy thriller centers on Carrie Mathison, a brilliant but volatile CIA officer, who becomes convinced that a returning American Marine POW has been turned by Al-Qaeda. The show is a tense exploration of national security threats, espionage, and the psychological toll on those who fight terrorism.

While less focused on domestic political scandal, Homeland shares Scandal's high stakes, intricate plotting, and complex, often morally compromised, protagonist. Claire Danes' portrayal of Carrie Mathison is intense and compelling, earning her multiple awards. If you were drawn to the thriller aspects and the flawed, driven characters in Scandal, Homeland provides a deeply immersive experience.

Tea Leoni stars as Elizabeth McCord, a former CIA analyst and college professor who is unexpectedly appointed U.S. Secretary of State. The series follows her as she navigates complex international diplomacy, political challenges, and office politics while trying to balance her family life.

Madam Secretary provides a detailed and often optimistic look at the workings of the State Department. While it tackles serious global issues, it tends to focus more on diplomatic solutions and character relationships than the high-octane scandals and thrillers of Scandal. It's a good fit if you liked the political setting of Scandal but prefer a show centered on foreign policy and diplomacy with a strong, capable female lead.

Step into the dark and cynical world of Frank Underwood, a ruthless congressman who, along with his equally ambitious wife Claire, will stop at nothing to climb the ladder of political power. This show is a masterclass in political manipulation and intrigue.

Unlike Scandal's focus on crisis management and resolution, House of Cards is about the relentless pursuit and exercise of power through cunning and betrayal. Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright deliver captivating performances as the central Machiavellian couple. If you enjoyed the political maneuvering and behind-the-scenes look at Washington in Scandal, but prefer a more dramatic and less hopeful tone, this is for you.

This acclaimed series follows Alicia Florrick, who returns to her career as a defense attorney after her husband, a state's attorney, is jailed following a public sex and corruption scandal. Alicia must rebuild her life and career while navigating the complexities of the legal world and the political fallout.

The Good Wife offers a more grounded, yet equally compelling, look at the intersection of law, politics, and personal life. It features complex characters, intricate legal cases, and explores the nuances of power and reputation. While perhaps less overtly melodramatic than Scandal, its sharp writing and strong female lead make it a must-watch for fans of political and legal dramas.

Imagine the U.S. Capitol is attacked, wiping out most of the government, and a low-level cabinet member suddenly becomes President. Kiefer Sutherland stars as Tom Kirkman, who is thrust into the role of Commander-in-Chief and must navigate the political chaos, hunt down terrorists, and rebuild the government.

While less focused on personal scandal than Scandal, Designated Survivor excels in political thriller elements and crisis management, presenting a constant stream of high-stakes situations that Kirkman must handle while grappling with the immense responsibility. It captures the tension and rapid response often seen in Scandal's crisis-of-the-week plots.

Starring Katherine Heigl as a CIA analyst who advises the President on high-stakes security issues, this series plunges into the complex world of intelligence, politics, and crisis management. Each episode features the President's Daily Briefing, highlighting the critical decisions made behind closed doors.

The show combines geopolitical thrillers with the personal drama of its lead character, who is haunted by past trauma and navigating complicated relationships within the political sphere. If you were drawn to Scandal's mix of national security threats and intense personal stakes, State of Affairs offers a similar adrenaline rush.

This limited series centers on the Hammond family, led by Elaine Barrish, the divorced former First Lady and current Secretary of State. Sound familiar? It offers a fascinating look into the personal and political lives of a powerful family, dealing with public scrutiny, internal conflicts, and international crises.

Sigourney Weaver is superb as Elaine Barrish, navigating the demanding world of politics while grappling with her family's issues. The show is a blend of family drama and political intrigue, offering a peek behind the curtain of Washington power dynamics, much like the inner workings explored in Scandal.

Co-created by Marcia Clark, the lead prosecutor in the O.J. Simpson trial, this legal thriller follows a former prosecutor who returns to Los Angeles for another chance to bring a convicted murderer to justice after his first attempt failed spectacularly.

With its focus on the intense legal battles, media circus, and the personal toll of high-profile cases, The Fix shares Scandal's penchant for blending legal drama with nail-biting suspense and personal stakes. It's a journey filled with courtroom confrontations and behind-the-scenes maneuvering that will appeal to anyone who enjoys a good legal procedural with a strong, determined female lead.

Dive into the world of Annalise Keating, a brilliant, charismatic, and complex defense attorney and law professor. Much like Scandal, this Shondaland creation throws you into a whirlwind of legal cases, dark secrets, and intricate character relationships.

The show is renowned for its fast-paced narrative, non-linear storytelling, and shocking plot twists that keep you guessing at every turn. Viola Davis delivers an absolutely powerhouse performance as Annalise, earning an Emmy for the role – the first African-American woman to win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. If you loved the high-stakes drama and morally ambiguous characters of Scandal, HTGAWM will absolutely hook you.