When it comes to TV dramas, few people know better than David E. Kelley—the man behind hits like Ally McBeal and Boston Legal—how to make a killer series. His latest project, Anatomy of a Scandal, premieres on Netflix this month, and it just might be his best yet. Here’s what you need to know about the new show that’s taking over the world this April. Anatomy of a Scandal is a New Netflix Drama
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A look at the cast
The series stars two well-known Hollywood actors in its leading roles. The story itself explores important topics about humanity, politics and corruption. It’s adapted from Sarah Vaughan’s novel by David E. Kelley and Melissa James Gibson, who are also executive producers on FX Network’s Feud, which won multiple Emmy Awards last year. With its premiere date just over a month away, it seems Netflix is aiming to have another hit on their hands with Anatomy of a Scandal as they did with House of Cards.
Synopsis
The six episode series is written and directed by Melissa James Gibson, and features an all-star cast: including Kerry Washington, Eric McCormack, Mary-Louise Parker, Brendan Fraser, and others. The show follows political journalist Louise Lockhart (Kerry Washington) as she becomes embroiled in scandal after she meets tech mogul Ted Crawford (Eric McCormack), who was involved in an illegal medical trial that caused several patients to die. As Louise investigates further into Ted’s history and her story begins to unravel; however, it also begins to grab national attention as Louise looks to expose him for who he really is—in hopes of catching him for good.
Production details
Written by David E. Kelley and Melissa James Gibson, based on Sarah Vaughan’s novel. Directed by Marc Munden. Produced by Michael Costigan for IMG Media Ltd and Netflix Inc.. Executive Producers: David E. Kelley, Melissa James Gibson, Alexander Dinelaris Jr., Deborah Spera, Lisa Rubin, Sharmishta Bosaro. Original music composed by Christophe Beck (IMDB)
Where to watch
Many people are familiar with traditional TV shows that air on networks such as NBC and ABC. However, there are also many original series that can only be seen on streaming services like Hulu or Netflix. Take Anatomy of a Scandal for example—it’s an American anthology thriller drama streaming television miniseries developed by David E. Kelley and Melissa James Gibson, based on the novel of the same name by Sarah Vaughan (Amazon Publishing). The series consists of six episodes and premiered on Netflix on April 15, 2022.
What it’s about
The six episodes that comprise Anatomy of a Scandal are true to life, if not very true. For example, in many court cases sexual assault victims are challenged by lawyers who try to re-traumatize them through questioning and cross examination tactics that discredit their accounts. This happens all too often and sends people in Hollywood running for cover instead of reporting crimes. The series also breaks down what happens during rape trials; victim-blaming is still widely accepted even though it’s not based on fact or reality—it’s based on centuries old stereotypes about women who are sexually assaulted. They’re presumed to be seductive or lying.
Is Anatomy of a Scandal based on a true story?
The series does take inspiration from multiple real-life political scandals, but it’s not based on any one story in particular. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the scandal at its center was inspired by many sources. Though some critics have speculated that Anatomy of a Scandal might be based on former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner’s sexting scandal—since both Weiner and fictional president Conrad Grayson are Democrats from New York City—The Hollywood Reporter says Weiner wasn’t involved in production or consulted during filming. As many fans have already noticed, however, there are similarities between Anatomy of a Scandal and 2015 movie Spotlight (starring Michael Keaton and Mark Ruffalo), which was also about a team investigating sexual abuse cover-ups within the Catholic Church.
What is Anatomy of a Scandal based on?
Anatomy of a Scandal is based on Sarah Vaughan’s novel. As its name suggests, it tells stories behind scandals, exposing how they develop and how they play out in public and in private. The series focuses on three different cases: one involving an alleged rape victim who may have made up her story; another about a woman who killed her husband for cheating on her; and a third about a politician accused of sexual assault. The series also explores media coverage of these cases, showing how that can impact people’s lives.
Is James found guilty in Anatomy of a Scandal?
Spoiler Alerts!! (Narrator) We don’t find out. Unlike American Crime Story, which ended with O.J. Simpson found guilty in real life, Anatomy follows very closely to its source material and ends with James getting off scot-free.
Is Anatomy of a Scandal a film?
Yes, Anatomy of a Scandal is an American anthology thriller drama streaming television miniseries developed by David E. Kelley and Melissa James Gibson, based on the novel of the same name by Sarah Vaughan. The series consists of six episodes, and premiered on Netflix on April 15, 2022
How many episodes in Anatomy of a Scandal?
Six episodes. Also available for streaming on Amazon Video and Hulu. In its first three days, Anatomy of a Scandal had over 2 million views. There are seven different writers for six episodes, including David E Kelley who wrote two episodes and Melissa James Gibson who wrote three episodes.
Episodes
Anatomy of a Scandal
Sophie’s privileged life as the wife of powerful politician James unravels when scandalous secrets surface — and he stands accused of a shocking crime.
1. Episode 1
48m
James scrambles to mitigate the scandal’s impact, while a devastated but determined Sophie remembers happier moments and Kate debates her next move.
2. Episode 2
45m
Sophie feels the fallout from the accusations swirling around James, who rallies a longtime friend for support. Kate prepares for her first witness.
3. Episode 3
45m
Kate questions Olivia about what happened in the elevator as Sophie reels from new information about James and pressure mounts on the prime minister.
4. Episode 4
43m
Needing time to think, Sophie takes the kids to the countryside. Kate’s off her game in court. Memories surface of James’ long-ago encounter with Holly.
5. Episode 5
44m
Ahead of a critical day in court, Kate confides in a friend as Sophie pieces together the night she attended a university party with James and Holly.
6. Episode 6
46m
Sophie’s suspicions crystallize after James discloses more details of that fateful night at Oxford. An apprehensive Kate awaits the verdict.
Is Anatomy of a Scandal on Netflix yet?
Yes! It just premiered on April 15, 2022. Netflix has released 6 episodes so far, but don’t be alarmed if you only see 5. There are actually three episodes that drop on April 15th (the premiere date), and then one will release each week following at 3:01 am EST. The show’s official Facebook page has a countdown to episode 6! You can check it out here: Anatomy of a Scandal – Official Facebook Page
Is there another series of Anatomy of a Scandal?
Netflix has been knocking it out of the park with its originals. The latest addition to their growing collection is Anatomy of a Scandal, which came out today. Written by David E. Kelley (of Ally McBeal and Boston Legal fame) and Melissa James Gibson (an executive producer on House of Cards), Anatomy centers around political reporters Ben Stevenson and Kate Walsh as they investigate a potential sex scandal surrounding member-elect Congressman Paul Bishop.
Is Kate woodcroft holly?
As we have learned from her character on Madam Secretary, Téa Leoni’s namesake was Téa Obreht, who won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2014. The novel she won for was The Tiger’s Wife. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly about his new Netflix series, Kelley revealed that it might be more than just coincidental: The characters are loosely based on people in my own life.
When was Anatomy of a Scandal made?
This new thriller drama, created by David E. Kelley and Melissa James Gibson, debuted on April 15, 2022. The series consists of six episodes. It’s based on Sarah Vaughan’s novel of the same name about a political scandal that rocks Washington D.C., and it was produced for Netflix by David E. Kelley Productions and Kew Media Group.
Who plays Holly in Anatomy of a Scandal?
Written by Sarah Vaughan, and directed by David E. Kelley, Anatomy of a Scandal stars Scarlett Johansson as Holly Evans and Jeffrey Wright as Theodore Blake. The cast also includes Elisabeth Moss, Amanda Peet, Dermot Mulroney, Rosamund Pike and Justin Kirk.
Is Kate Holly?
The first big-budget production for Netflix comes in early April, in the form of Anatomy of a Scandal. David E. Kelley, known for his television shows Ally McBeal and The Practice, wrote and directed six episodes about lawyers investigating corporate scandals after researching it for years. While Kelley hasn’t been involved with as many projects as many other directors over his 30-year career, his TV shows are considered by critics to be nearly unparalleled in their attention to detail and realistic dialogues between characters.
How can I get that ivory dress Sienna wore in the first episode of Anatomy of a scandal?
Fans will have to wait until season two. In an interview with W magazine, Sienna said that every piece worn on her was custom made by her stylist Emma Watson. The fashion line will become available through Nordstrom in 2027.
Who played Kate’s best friend I anatomy of a scandal?
Elizabeth Banks played Megan Hennessey. She was also loved by Peter Krause’s character, Dan Voss, who she dated in season one and married in season two. The show left viewers wondering if she might cheat on him with Brian (Tom Cavanagh) because he is her boss and later we see her kiss him twice.
What brand of jeans is Sienna Miller wearing in the anatomy of a scandal?
Scandals and secrets can’t be buried forever. An all-star cast and an intricately woven narrative make Sarah Vaughan’s Anatomy of a Scandal binge-worthy.–From The Atlantic, by Melissa James Gibson. ‘Anatomy of a Scandal’ is now streaming on Netflix. Sienna Miller has always been in style, even when no one knew who she was.
Final thoughts
This new show on Netflix has already earned itself a rabid following and I think it’s safe to say that it’s one of my favorite series currently running. If you enjoy political intrigue, you’ll absolutely love Anatomy of a Scandal and I highly recommend you check it out while it’s still streaming. If anything, get on board now so we can discuss all things related to it together! Plus, if you haven’t read Sarah Vaughan’s novel, do yourself a favor and pick up your copy today. Just be sure to watch AOS first!
