Kerry Washington, Nnamdi Asomugha expecting second child; ‘Scandal’ season 6 could be held back

Mrs. Carter: There’s some big news coming out from within the “Scandal” family!

As multiple outlets are confirming this morning, actress Kerry Washington and her husband Nnamdi Asomugha are expecting their second child together. It’s wonderful news for the two, and it comes at a time that Kerry has been more busy than ever. She recently starred in the HBO movie “Confirmation” as Anita Hell, and recently also inked a production deal ABC Studios.

The first time that Washington was pregnant, “Scandal” used a variety of different techniques to ensure that the show went on, but she had the time necessary to take care of herself and prepare. For example, the episode count was reduced from 22 episodes to 18 for the third season, and she had less screen time as Olivia Pope than she did in other seasons.

However, the timing of this particular announcement could have ABC considering some other options for the show. According to TVLine, one thing that the network is considering is holding back the season 6 premiere of the show until midseason. That way, there is a chance for her to have her proper maternity leave and for there to be a solid stretch of episodes. There is no word as of yet as to if show creator Shonda Rhimes will write the pregnancy into the show; she is more experienced than many when it comes to writing / not writing in pregnancies, given that Sarah Drew, Jessica Capshaw, Ellen Pompeo, and many others on “Grey’s Anatomy” have all been expecting over the course of the show’s run.

We’ll have more news on this subject as time passes, but for now congratulations to Washington and her entire family! You can head over here for more “Scandal” news, and sign up over here to get some further TV news on all we cover sent right over to you via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: ABC.)