Outlander renewed for seasons three and four
David Farnor | On 01, Jun 2016
Outlander has been renewed for another two seasons.
The show, which spans the genres of romance, science fiction, history, and adventure, follows the story of Claire Randall (Caitriona Balfe), a married combat nurse from 1945, who is mysteriously swept back in time to 1743. Upon her arrival, she is thrown into an unknown world where her freedom and her life, are threatened. But when she is forced to marry Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan), a chivalrous and romantic young Scottish warrior, a passionate relationship is ignited. As a result, Claire’s heart is torn between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.
The programme is executive produced by Ronald D. Moore and based on the Diana Gabaldon series of novels, which spans eight books and has sold more than 26 million copies worldwide.
Now, Starz has ordered adaptations of books three and four, Voyager and Drums of Autumn.
Starz Chief Executive Officer Chris Albrecht unveiled the news today, saying that Outlander is like “nothing seen before on television”.
“From its depiction of a truly powerful female lead character, to the devastating decimation of the Highlander way of life, to what is a rarely seen genuine and timeless love story, it is a show that not only transports the viewer, but inspires the passion and admiration of its fans,” adds Albrect.
“On this 25th anniversary of the publication of the first book in the U.S., we are thrilled and honoured to be able to continue the story that began with author Diana Gabaldon, and is brought to life by the incredibly talented Ronald D. Moore. There are no better storytellers for Outlander than this team, both in front and behind the camera.”
“The world of Jamie and Claire is expansive and emotionally complex. The audience has rewarded ‘Outlander’ with their praise and loyalty, and we know we will deliver the best seasons yet in the years ahead,” comments Jamie Erlicht and Zack Van Amburg, Presidents, U.S. Programming and Production, Sony Pictures Television.
The announcement arrives after the premiere of the second season on Starz in the US and on Amazon Prime Video in the UK. The announcement also follows three Golden Globe nominations for the series earlier this year, including Best Drama Series, Best Lead Actress and Best Supporting Actor.
It’s been popular with audiences too. The first 16-episode run of Outlander, filmed on location in Scotland, averaged 5 million multi-platform viewers per episode for Starz, while the second season’s opening episode more than doubled the first season’s premiere viewing figures, setting a new Starz record for an original series/season premiere.
You can catch up with both Season 1 and Season 2 of Outlander on Amazon Prime Video in the UK, as part of a £5.99 monthly subscription. Or you can read our reviews here.