Expect more tartans and time travel. Midway through its second season, Starz has renewed Outlander for both a third and fourth season.
The historical drama stars Caitriona Balfe as Claire Randall, a WWII nurse who travels back to 18th century Scotland, where she marries and falls in love with Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan). The cast also includes Tobias Menzies, Graham McTavish, Gary Lewis, and Duncan Lacroix.
Like seasons one and two, the third and fourth seasons will correspond to books three and four (Voyager and Drums of Autumn) of the Outlander book series by Diana Gabaldon. So far, season two of the show has remained consistent with season one in the ratings, receiving an average of .26 in the 18-49 demo and around 1.17 million viewers.
From Starz CEO Chris Albrecht:
’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. On this 25th anniversary of the publication of the first book in the U.S., we are thrilled and honored 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.”
Read more details below:
Beverly Hills, Calif., June 1, 2016 – Starz Chief Executive Officer Chris Albrecht announced today the network has ordered “Book Three” and “Book Four” for the Golden Globe®-nominated STARZ Original series “Outlander,” the critically-acclaimed original series executive produced by Ronald D. Moore and adapted from Diana Gabaldon’s international bestselling books. Once again partnering with Sony Pictures Television, this is the first multi-book pickup for “Outlander,” assuring the series will run for several more years. The highly-anticipated second installment of the series premiered on STARZ in April 2016.
“Book Three” will be based on the third of the eight books in the Outlander series, entitled Voyager, followed by “Book Four” based on the fourth book in the series,Drums of Autumn.
CEO of Starz Chris Albrecht said, “’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. On this 25th anniversary of the publication of the first book in the U.S., we are thrilled and honored 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,” said Jamie Erlicht and Zack Van Amburg, Presidents, U.S. Programming and Production, Sony Pictures Television. “Starz has been an incredible partner and has truly helped shape this into one of the most iconic premiere series on the air today.”
“Outlander” received three 2016 Golden Globe® nominations, including Best Drama Series, Best Lead Actress and Best Supporting Actor. Fans recently named “Outlander” the “Most Bingeworthy Show of 2016” at the Critics’ Choice Awards®, as well as Favorite Cable Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV Show and Favorite Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV Actress for Caitriona Balfe at the 2016 People’s Choice Awards®. The series also received a Costume Designers Guild Awards® (CDGA) nomination this year.
The first 16-episode run of “Outlander,” filmed on location in Scotland, debuted in August 2014 with the season averaging 5 million multiplatform viewers per episode and regularly ranking in the top 10 weekly cable programs among women throughout the season. “Outlander” ranks in the Top 5 Daily Nielsen Twitter TV Ratings every week.
The “Outlander” second season premiere episode more than doubled viewing as compared to the “Outlander” first season premiere episode, setting a new STARZ record for an original series/season premiere (on a Live +SD, Live +3, and Live +7 basis). Through seven episodes in season 2, the series has also been a top two rated show across all of cable among women 18+ (Nielsen Live +3 F18+ ratings). (SOURCE: Starz internal data, Nielsen Npower, and Nielsen Twitter Ratings).”
What do you think? Do you watch Outlander? Are you glad it’s been renewed?
I have read all the Outlander books. I am a huge fan of the TV series on STARZ and hope they complete the series in all 9 books. The connection between Claire and Jamie is astounding. A true love story. It has it ups and downs, as life does, but, they always find their way back to each other. I have watched each season multiple times and can’t wait for Season 4. STARZ PLEASE RENEW THIS SERIES EACH YEAR UNTIL ALL BOOKS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED.
Outlander is the reason I buy STARZ and the only reason. Once they stop, I’ll stop paying. The fan base for Outlander show and books Sam Hueghan is Jamie Fraser.
I can’t get enough of Outlander!!!! I checked weekly to see when the next series is going to start I’ve been horribly afraid that it got canceled because I can’t pull up anything. I am so happy, this is a great piece of acting & authentic historical context!!!! Fantastic acting and actors brilliant, I haven’t read any of this book series but I will be ordering them to read – I can’t imagine the book being better than the TV series. Thank you Stars for renewing this series it’s Fantastic.
My daughter heard something about Outlander, and we just recently tuned into Starz and discovered the Outlander series. We ended up over the next week or so glued to Starz watching both Seasons 1 and 2. We love the show and think the series is terrific and superbly acted. We are anxiously awaiting Season 3. My only criticism is I don’t think the nudity is really necessary. The actors and the story do their job and sell this series very well. This series has got to be making major stars out the cast. Everyone who discovers it, loves it!
I love the programme and am very pleased to hear that they will be making series 3 and 4.
I am elated that this series has been renewed for seasons 3 & 4. I look forward to being transported to Scotland, for at least 1 hour a week. This is my favorite show. I will be sad when it ends.
One of the best series ever televised. Story and acting is superb!
YES YES YES
I’m so happy it’s being renewed. I’ve read the series more than three times and always thought they would be great for a movie. They’ve done such a good job, I’d hate them to quit now. I love this series!!!
I am so excited that the Outlander has been renewed for season 3 and 4. I LOVE this show!!!!
Thank you so much for renewing this program. It is a rare jewel of scenery, costume, acting and storytelling. You are completely swept away by the grandeur of the location and the magic of that one true love. In these days when every nightly newscast becomes increasingly ugly and frightening, this program is a wonderful escape. Incidentally, not just for women. My husband, a retired Fire Chief, is also a big fan. Looking forward to the next adventure!
So EXTREMELY EXCITED AND RELIEVED THAT OUTLANDER HAS BEEN RENEWED FOR SEASONS 3 AND 4…IT IS SUCH AN EPIC ADVENTURE AND SO BEAUTIFULLY DONE…I JUST WISH IT WAS ON YEAR ROUND OR AT LEAST SPLIT 2 SEASONS INTO ONEBYEAR…THE “DROUGHTLANDER” IS REAL, WHEN IT IS NOT ON…THIS IS THE FIRST TV SHOW OR MOVIE THAT HAS HAD THIS KIND OF EFFECT ON ME AND ALL OF MY FRIENDS. ..MEN AND WOMEN…SO THANK YOU STARZ AND RON MOORE AND OF COURSE THE EXCELLENT CAST AND BRILLIANT AUTHOR AND WRITERS….YOU HAVE ENRICHED MY LIFE AND AM CURRENTLY RESEARCHING MY ANCESTRY DUE TO… Read more »
I am so happy with the renewal, i love this series so much, and i hope it will get renewal for fifth and sixth seasons too, one of the best series ever.