The Gladiators turned out in full force on Thursday night for the mid-season finale of “Scandal,” which was up 12 percent from last week to a two-month high, drawing 9.3 million viewers.
The ABC series, starring Kerry Washington, also grew 7 percent, to a 3.2 rating in the advertiser-coveted demo of adults 18-49 — its best performance since October.
The episode was notable for a blistering showdown between Fitz (Tony Goldwyn) and Olivia’s father, Rowan (Joe Morton).
Compared to its year-ago winter finale, “Scandal” spiked 31 percent in total viewers and 33 percent among adults 18-49, proving its status as TV’s fastest-growing returning show this season.
“Scandal” returns with new episodes Feb. 27.