{blackbabes} Scandal's Season 3 Episode Order Cut Down

Duck the Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas - The Robertsons

Kerry Washington

Scandal will have a slightly shorter third season than expected: The season's episode order has been cut down from 22 to 18, TVGuide.com has confirmed.

ABC didn't provide a reason behind the decision, but it's likely to accommodate Kerry Washington's real-life pregnancy. The actress is due in the spring and the series has chosen not to write the pregnancy into Olivia's story line.

Scandal will air its 10th episode of the season next Thursday and then return for the final eight episodes starting Feb. 27.

Scandal airs Thursdays at 10/9c on ABC.

Merry Christmas - Mariah Carey