Why Shonda Rhimes Decided It's Time for 'Scandal' to Come to an End

The show creator teased her "Shondaland.com" launch Friday, and the first thing that was sent out to followers was a newsletter in which she addressed the end of "Scandal."

"So next year we are going all out. Leaving nothing on the table. Creating this world in celebration. We are going handle the end the way we like to handle the important things in our Scandal family: all together, white hats on, gladiators running full speed over a cliff," Shonda wrote. "That's the message I gave Kerry Washington to read for me a few days ago at the ABC Upfront presentation. Which is where we announced that Season 7 will be Scandal's last season."

Rhimes noted she was glad she wasn't at the presentations itself.

"I didn't have to actually face it. The decision I made. This decision to end a thing I love. This decision to turn the lights out on a place I call home," she explained. "I was glad I didn't have to make it real by being there on that stage with my cast. Ending Scandal. This is a big huge roaring deal in my world. It's scary to make a change. New is ... well, new. You know what I mean?"

As for why now was the time to do it, the answer is simple: the story would not last forever.

"It had begun to occur to us that — warning, warning: swagger alert — shows written by me don't seem to ... end. Every show I've created has gone more than 100 episodes. People keep watching. The network is happy. And that's awesome," Shonda said. "But what happens if we let all the shows go on and on without end? What if we just hang on so long that people don't say WHY are you ending, but WHEN? What if we don't let anyone say WHEN?"

Rhimes also took time to talk about what content will be on her new lifestyle website, officially launching this fall.

"And here's the thing. The idea of this place? Is that here you will find a place to hang out. To spend time with your people. With your tribe. Your gladiators. Your warriors. Your friends who love their wine or popcorn or cereal or tequila. With your fellow citizens of Shondaland. You may even find some new people to stand in the sun with. Some buddies to dance it out with. Or maybe you will find some inspiration or exultation or relaxation. Maybe you'll just get a good laugh," Shonda added. "Because Shondaland.com is not about the shows. It's about the community of people who watch the shows. It's a place to be – more than just on Thursday night. So maybe you will come here on a really bad day and you will discover the most important thing: that you are not alone. Not in Shondaland."