Starz delivered mixed news for fans of Outlander who are currently suffering through Droughtlander. The popular series based on Diana Gabaldon’s bestselling books has been renewed for season eight. Unfortunately, that eighth season will be the show’s final season.
In the one-minute video accompanying the renewal announcement, Sam Heughan notes that every good story has to come to an end. John Bell promises that the series will go out with a bang. The video also features clips from Outlander events, and Heughan and Caitriona Balfe profusely thanking the fans for being there for the series since episode one.
Season seven will consist of 16 episodes and is set to premiere this summer. Season eight will consist of 10 episodes.
The network also announced they’ve greenlit the prequel series Outlander: Blood of My Blood with Matthew B. Roberts, Ronald D. Moore, and Maril Davis executive producing. The prequel will focus on the lives and relationship of Jamie Fraser’s parents, Brian Fraser and Ellen MacKenzie. Outlander showrunner Roberts will be serving as showrunner on the prequel and will write the 10-episode series.
“Outlander: Blood of My Blood is, at its heart, a love story. It will explore what lengths a person will go to find love in a time when love is considered a luxury and when marriages are made strategically, often for political or financial gain,” stated Matthew B. Roberts, showrunner and executive producer. “The title is a nod to Jamie Fraser’s marriage vow to Claire, and there will be several names and faces that Outlander fans will know and recognize. Jamie and Claire’s TV story may be coming to an end with season eight, but Diana is continuing on with their literary journey in her wonderful book series and is working diligently on book ten. With Jamie and Claire, and now Brian and Ellen, there is still so much more to come in the Outlander universe, and we cannot wait to continue sharing these stories with our dedicated fans.”
“For nearly a decade, Outlander has won the hearts of audiences worldwide and we’re pleased to bring Claire and Jamie’s epic love story to a proper conclusion,” said Kathryn Busby, President, Original Programming for STARZ. “But before we close this chapter, there is plenty of their passionate story to tell over the course of 26 new episodes and even more to explore of this dynamic world and its origin story. We’re thrilled to continue to partner with Matthew, Maril and Ronald and can’t wait to see where their alluring storytelling takes us next.”
Diana Gabaldon will be involved as a consulting producer.
Season seven stars Caitríona Balfe as Claire Fraser, Sam Heughan as Jamie Fraser, Sophie Skelton as Brianna MacKenzie, Richard Rankin as Roger MacKenzie, John Bell as Young Ian, David Berry as Lord John Grey, Caitlin O’Ryan as Lizzie Beardsley, and Paul Gorman as Josiah and Keziah Beardsley. Newcomers to the Outlander world include Charles Vandervaart as William Ransom, Izzy Meikle-Small as Rachel Hunter, and Joey Phillips as Denzell Hunter.
