From the start, it seemed too over-the-top to be taken seriously as a political drama, but “Scandal” (ABC, 10 p.m.) found a fiercely loyal audience that made a wine-pouring party out of watching and solidified the network’s Thursday night.
Olivia Pope ends her seven season run tonight with a finale written by show creator Shonda Rhimes about the Gladiators making a sacrifice in order to take down Cyrus and Jake.
Strange that there’s not a special to summarize or otherwise celebrate the show, but Rhimes and most of the cast — Kerry Washington, Guillermo Diaz, Darby Stanchfield, Katie Lowes, Tony Goldwyn, Jeff Perry, Joshua Malina, Bellamy Young, Scott Foley, Joe Morton, Cornelius Smith Jr. and George Newborn — are scheduled to be on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” (ABC, 11:35 p.m.).
In this moment between “Bachelor” seasons, those craving cringe-worthy dating shows in bikinis can be steered to “Ex on the Beach” (MTV, 9 p.m.), a variation of a popular British brand in which minor stars from other MTV shows go to Hawaii to mingle with similar singles only to find their exes showing up. Romeo hosts.
Would the UK versions fly on their own stateside? Here’s your opportunity with “Love Island” (Hulu, streaming), a meat market where hunky men are selected by party girls immediately after their arrival. Appalling but fascinating like an auto accident.
An much gentler Eastern variation occurs on the Japanese import “Ainori Love Wagon: Asian Journey” (Netflix, streaming) in which seven men and seven women travel in a pink bus en route to possible romance. Season two starts today.
Also new online is the six-part German hospital drama set in 1888, “Charité” (Netflix, streaming) about a penniless patient who has to pay her bill by working as a nursing assistant. Alicia von Rittberg stars.
A fourth season starts for “Jay Leno’s Garage” (CNBC, 10 p.m.).
Paper Boi tries to improve his attitude on “Atlanta” (FX, 10 p.m.).
“Marcia Clark Investigates the First 48” (A&E, 9 p.m.) re-examines the murder of Robert Blake’s wife.
A spate of bank robberies vex “Gotham” (Fox, 8 p.m.).
Shania Twain and Carrie Preston are guest judges on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” (VH1, 8 p.m.).
Neil Gaiman pops up on “The Big Bang Theory” (CBS, 8 p.m.).
The cast of “Jersey Shore Family Vacation” (MTV, 8 p.m.) may be getting too old to get this drunk.
“Chicago Fire” (NBC, 10 p.m.) responds to a residential fire at a drug cartel.
Diaz and Laurel meet with Mafia families on “Arrow” (The CW, 9 p.m.).
“Young Sheldon” (CBS, 8:30 p.m.) starts auditing a college class.
Honda confronts father issues on “S.W.A.T.” (CBS, 10 p.m.).
Sam and Dean must stop Rowena on “Supernatural” (The CW, 8 p.m.).
There’s suspicious overfishing on “Siren” (Freeform, 8 p.m.).
“Station 19” (ABC, 9 p.m.) holds tests for the new captain’s post.
Cookies have an added ingredient on “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC, 8 p.m.).
Christy considers getting a new sponsor on “Mom” (CBS, 9 p.m.).
Glenn has a gender reveal party on “Superstore” (NBC, 8 p.m.).
A painting may be a forgery on “Life in Pieces” (CBS, 9:30 p.m.).
On “Southern Charm” (Bravo, 9 p.m.), Patricia has a surprise baby shower for Cameran.
Maddie struggles with her demons on “Imposters” (Bravo, 10 p.m.).
Jack tries to find out who reported him on “A.P. Bio” (NBC, 8:30 p.m.).
Vince reconnects with his mother on “Champions” (NBC, 9:30 p.m.).
NBA Playoffs have Philadelphia at Miami (TNT, 7 p.m.), Portland at New Orleans (NBA, 9 p.m.) and Golden State at San Antonio (TNT, 9:30 p.m.).
Stanley Cup Playoffs have Boston at Toronto (NBC Sports, 7 p.m.) and Washington at Columbus (USA, 7:30 p.m.).
College baseball includes Vanderbilt at Missouri (ESPNU, 8 p.m.).
Daytime Talk
Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest: Antonio Banderas, Paula Patton, Max Frost. The View: Dana Perino, Giuliana Rancic. The Talk: Cedric the Entertainer, Gerrad Hall. Harry Connick: Kevin O’Leary, Stephanie Humphrey. Steve Harvey: Shiri Appleby, Alesha Renee, Dr. V. Ellen DeGeneres: Cardi B, Thomas Middleditch, Bazzi. Wendy Williams: Andrew Morton, Kahlana Garfield. The Real: Derrick Johnson, Erica Ash.
Late Talk
Stephen Colbert: Antonio Banderas, Sen. Kamala Harris, Snow Patrol. Jimmy Kimmel: Cast of “Scandal,” Chaka Khan. Jimmy Fallon: Tina Fey, Evan Rachel Wood, cast of the musical “Mean Girls.” Seth Meyers: Edie Falco, Jason Clarke, Sarah McBride, Steve Smith (rerun). James Corden: Busy Philipps, Eugenio Derbez, Emily VanCamp, Bishop Briggs. Carson Daly: Carrie-Anne Moss, Neck Deep, Will Yun Lee. Trevor Noah: Thandie Newton. Jordan Klepper: Jay Chandrasekhar, Steve Lemme. Conan O’Brien: Jason Sudeikis, Malin Akerman, Monrok.