ABC's political drama "Scandal" is set to feature its sixth season in 2017, but because only 16 episodes were ordered instead of the usual 22. And because it is expected to air next year rather in fall this year, rumors have surfaced that it's going to be the last season for the series.

The reason reportedly given for the changes in the show is primarily lead actress Kerry Washington's pregnancy. It is still unknown if she has finished shooting all episodes, but during the filming of some of them, the people behind the production of "Scandal" provided her with ways to hide her growing baby bump.

"Big coats, big bags, hiding behind different body parts of other actors," Washington told talk show host Ellen DeGeneres on "The Ellen Show." She also mentioned lamps and vases.

The 39-year-old actress gave birth to her second child, a son named Caleb Kelechi Asomugha, on Oct. 5.

Regarding the lower number of episodes, according to Parent Herald, show creator Shonda Rhimes said that it's not the first time the show had a shorter season. Season 3 only had 18 episodes reportedly because of Washington's pregnancy with her first child.

Still, there are rumors that "Scandal" will soon be canceled. While there is no firm basis for this, GameNGuide gives several points that supposedly indicate the show's impending cancellation, including low ratings, that it will only have six episodes, and that another show, "Notorious," will be taking its timeslot. Movie News Guide also mentions Rhimes' busy schedule.

"Scandal" season 5 ranked 29 in the list of shows with the most number of viewers, with 10,682 overall viewership, according to Deadline.

Washington portrays crisis manager Olivia Pope, who gets romantically involved with the married president of the United States. She faces political intrigues, crises, and other challenges that she has to deal with.

Apart from Washington, "Scandal" season 6 also stars Tony Goldwin as President Fitz Grant, Bellamy Young as Senator Mellie Grant, Portia de Rossi as Vice President Chief of Staff Elizabeth North, Joe Morton as Eli Pope, Scott Foley as Jake Ballard, and Guillermo Diaz a Huck Muñoz, among others. It will air on ABC in 2017.