Starz has today given full season orders to Outlander books three and four. Announced by Starz Chief Executive Officer Chris Albrecht, the network’s adaptation of Diana Gabaldon’s international bestselling Outlander books will continue will season adaptations of both the third and fourth entries, Voyager and Drums of Autumn. There are a total of eight Outlander books in the series.
“‘Outlander’ is like nothing seen before on television,” says Albrecht. “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.”
A Golden Globe-nominated original series, Outlander, is executive produced by Ronald D. Moore. A partnership between Starz and Sony Pictures Television, this is the first multi-book pickup for Outlander, assuring the series will run for several more years. The second installment of the series premiered on STARZ in April 2016.
“The world of Jamie and Claire is expansive and emotionally complex,” add Jamie Erlicht and Zack Van Amburg , Presidents, U.S. Programming and Production, Sony Pictures Television. “The audience has rewarded ‘Outlander’ with their praise and loyalty, and we know we will deliver the best seasons yet in the years ahead. 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 the series 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 two, 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).
