NEWS!!! Released on Wednesday, February 15, 2017!
(It’s now 28 million copies, but who’s counting….? Thanks to all of you!!!)
Starz and Sony Pictures Television Announce ‘Outlander’ To Return in September, 2017
Production Transfers from Scotland to South Africa to Shoot Last Five Episodes; Co-stars Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan Say “Goodbye to Scotland” in Video for Fans
Beverly Hills, Calif. – Today Starz, in association with Sony Pictures Television, announced that season three of the Golden Globe nominated series ‘Outlander’ will return in September 2017. The third season will include 13 episodes based upon VOYAGER, the third of eight books in Diana Gabaldon’s international best-selling Outlander series. In March, production and filming on the current season moves from its home base in Scotland to Cape Town, South Africa, to shoot pivotal sea voyage scenes on the former sets of the STARZ original series ‘Black Sails.’ Production on the season began in September 2016 and will wrap in June 2017. ‘Outlander’ will attend San Diego Comic Con again this summer, offering fans a chance to experience more of this beloved series in person.
The story picks up right after Claire (Caitriona Balfe) travels through the stones to return to her life in 1948. Now pregnant with Jamie’s (Sam Heughan) child, she struggles with the fallout of her sudden reappearance and its effect on her marriage to her first husband, Frank (Tobias Menzies). Meanwhile, in the 18th century, Jamie suffers from the aftermath of his doomed last stand at the historic battle of Culloden, as well as the loss of Claire. As the years pass, Jamie and Claire attempt to make a life apart from one another, each haunted by the memory of their lost love. The budding possibility that Claire can return to Jamie in the past breathes new hope into Claire’s heart… as well as new doubt. Separated by continents and centuries, Claire and Jamie must find their way back to each other. As always, adversity, mystery, and adventure await them on the path to reunion. And the question remains: When they find each other, will they be the same people who parted at the standing stones, all those years ago?
Carmi Zlotnik, President of Programming for Starz said “While ‘Droughtlander’ will last just a little longer, we feel it is important to allow the production the time and number of episodes needed to tell the story of the VOYAGER book in its entirety. The scale of this book is immense, and we owe the fans the very best show. Returning in September will make that possible.”
Steve Kent, Senior Executive Vice President, Programming, Sony Pictures Television said, “With the scope of the production and all of the intricate details that go into the Emmy-nominated sets and costumes, we had to make sure everything is kept to the high standard of the previous seasons and Diana Gabaldon’s beautiful story. We’re so proud of the incredible work that Ron and the Outlander team have done.”
Diana Gabaldon’s eight-book Outlander series has sold more than 26 million copies worldwide and all the books have graced the New York Times best-sellers list. The ‘Outlander’ series spans the genres of history, science fiction, romance and adventure in one grandiose tale. The second season of ‘Outlander’ won the Critics’ Choice Award for Most Bingeworthy Show, and four People’s Choice Awards, including Favorite TV Show.
(Click here for more information about the ‘Outlander’ series from the Starz network’s website.)
Much as I hate to have to wait until September to see the new season, I will be content as long as Drums of Autumn doesn’t take an entire you to film. Please say they’re going to start production on DOA before September.
Dear Nancy–
No, they’re not. They’re still filming Season _Three_. And the actors and crew do in fact need at least a little time off before they throw themselves back into the grinder. [g] Season Four will start filming in the fall.
Best,
–Diana
this page, dark print on dark background is very hard to read. try better contrast for easier reading. Still, thanks for the continuing updates
If you see Diana’s webpages as black text on a dark teal background, this is a known problem for a small percentage of devices and web browsers. Her webpage text should always be readable on an ivory-colored background. Send me an email if you have this problem. Thanks.
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While I regret the delay, I’m confident that the writers, producers, actors and crew will deliver an excellent season. Well worth the wait!
Can’t wait for the new series. I enjoy the books so very much and am trying to get my daughter to read them. I will start her off with the first and from then on Diana’s storytelling will take over. My books are practically worn out from re-reading them. Waiting patiently(maybe) for No. 9.
Gwen
I enjoy reading your books so much and like a lot of people I can’t wait for the next one to come out but my answer to that problem is to reread the book from last to first. I tired rereading from the first book but I think looking at the show kind of put that off for me I kept feeling like I had to start at the story line of the show. Well, its been interesting to read them in that order, sort of like looking at your family history. With all the projects you do I don’t know how you keep up with your writing at all but I’m glad you do. Good luck, looking forward to the next book. Interesting title.
My favorite chapter of this magnificent, massively epic series. I’ll wait, if I must, but it won’t be easy!! I must say, I did have my doubts about bringing Diana’s opus to the screen, but Ron & Company have absolutely done it … and done it like no other beloved book(s) prior.
Thank you, Diana, and your very special brain, for creating this amazing series … and for the resultant TV show. My life would have been considerably lessened without them.
Mary G
Boise, ID
Like so many others, I fell in love with Outlander when it first came out and have read all your books. The stories are so real to me that I view them as true history and Jamie and Claire as real people. I adore the TV series as well and am excited that it will continue. Hands down, you are my favorite author. Thank you for years of reading, and daydreaming, pleasure.
I am torn between despair that we have to wait until September and elation that they are so committed to making this season the best it can be! What am I to do in the meantime though…guess I’ll have to re-read the entire series! Oh darn!
My late husband and I read all of this wonderful series that was published before he died in 2006 several times each while awaiting the next in the series. We loved each and every one! I’ve bought and loved everyone published since that time and I’m still anxiously awaiting the next one! I’m reading them for both of us now. I know he would have enjoyed the TV series as much as I have and would be looking forward to each season. Thank you so much for all your hard work!
Dear Carolyn–
I’m so pleased that you and your husband could share your enjoyment of the books–and I’m sure that he’s there beside you, watching the show. [smile]
Best,
–Diana
I can’t wait to see this! I hope all 8 books are brought to TV and book 9 when it’s done!!
Finished reading Voyager,Very emotional about it.Since it was the twist and turns of events.Very different from all the books I read since my grade school days to college days.Threes decades ago(that would tell you how old I am now?).Diana,how in the world did you get the inspiration to write this series of books?If and when I will be fortunate to see you face to face,I would like to ask you two questions that had been in my mind after reading your books,I hope to see you in one of those Comic con events which I found very difficult to navigate being not computer savy and tech savy to get those comic con tickets for years now.Thanks.Salamat po!
Dear Maria–
The story of how and when I started writing the Outlander books is in fact on this very website (!), in the tab under “Resources” marked “FAQ” (that stands for Frequently Asked Questions–and that’s about the most frequently asked, though there are lots more…). As to Comic Cons, they’re kind of a zoo, but can be fun. Hope you’ll make it to one! (I don’t normally go to more than one or two a year, myself.)
–Diana
I’m 57 years old and have been an avid “Outlander” fan since 1992, waiting months for the next book and the next book and the next book to come out!
If the television production team is ever looking for cheap, responsible labor … I’m your gal. I will walk the horses, scrub with the kitchen wenches, polish the standing stones and bring Ms. Gabaldon her tea every morning.
I would just like to be on-set for one season during my lifetime.
Thought I’d ask.
And no, I’m not a loon. You can look me up on Google.
Stacey Powells Lyster
Hi, Stacey!
I appreciate the thought [smile], but that’s not how it works. For one thing, I’m not _on_ set most of the time. I only come for brief visits, or when there’s something specific, like the small cameo I played in Season One or the filming of the script I wrote for Season Two. (In fact, I’ve just come back from a lovely visit to the set in South Africa, where they’re filming the last part of Season Three–the part in the Caribbean–using the ships and sets (much refurbished) from the STARZ show, “Black Sails.”)
My presence notwithstanding, the operation of a TV production just doesn’t allow for free-lance or walk-on labor. Everyone there has a specific job, with a job description, and has applied, auditioned, or been recruited to perform their specific functions. If you wanted, say, to be an extra, that might be possible, but you’d have to contact the casting department and ask when they’re holding a “call” for extras, and then go and apply in person.
You might consider the notion of working on set carefully, though–it’s 5-6 days a week of very hard work, for 10-14 hours a day, for a pretty solid nine months. Being an extra would normally take only a few days, though.
Best of luck!
–Diana
I am waiting for season 3 series on Starz. Having read some information about its content, I am confused.
The last episode of season 2 ended with Clair, Roger, and Brianna at Craig na Dune after watching Geilis disappear through the stones. Claire is told Jamie did not die at Culloden. Clair then says “I have to go back to him.”
Why is Season 3 starting with Brianna as a baby? Is it a refresher?
I have read the the entire series Four yes (4) times, and patiently awaiting the 9th book. Having also have recorded every episode and purchased Season 1 and 2 on disc, I have become a 67 year old die hard Diana fan. I have also read her other novellas
I love the way Diana writes, she is the best author. She keeps me on the edge and fulfills everything I desire in a book.
Thank you for your time Vian
Dear Vian–
Glad you’re enjoying the show! Like the books [smile], the show employs flash-backs and non-linear storytelling. And, like VOYAGER, Jamie’s story (from the time they part at the stones) is told going forward, while Claire’s is told backward, recounting what her life was like during their years of separation. Don’t worry, it’s not at all confusing and will make perfect sense when you see it!
Best,
–Vian
Love loooove the outlander series, read all the books and looking forward to book 9 and of course the television series on starz the actors are fantastic
Voyager is my favorite of all of the 8 books. I just finished reading it for the third time and could clearly visualize so many scenes translated onto the screen. The story is full of adventure, tension and romance. Of course, I am looking forward to seeing Jamie and Claire’s print shop reunion but also the sea voyage scenes. It will be epic. I know the cast and crew are putting their hearts and souls into making this another fabulous season in the ongoing saga of Jamie and Claire. Thank you Diana for writing these great books.
P.S. Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe are superb. Can’t see anyone but these two playing the roles of J & C.
Please tell me that this will be will be out in DVD at some point. As I no longer am able to get premium channels
Dear Jane–
Well…of course it will be. Have you ever seen a TV show that _didn’t_ come out on DVD? Hope you enjoy it!
Best,
–Diana
OH MY WORD!!! I would have loved to meet both Caitriona and Sam while they visit one of our most beautiful Cities. Not to even mention my mom of 75 (she LOVES SAM!) I hope that Diana will too ….
Have a great time you guys, there is only ONE CAPE TOWN in this World of ours!
Warm greetings from a BIG FAN since 1998 when I bought my first copy in Atlanta. I have since read the books 3 times over from front to back.
A Proud South African
please don’t stop at season 3 my wife myself and all my friend’s are totally hooked on outlander books and series. thank you for bringing it to us. David Davis and friend’s
Dear David–
Glad you enjoy them both! As for the series, it’s approved through Season Four (and the production people are already breaking script and scouting locations for S4, even as we speak).
Best,
–Diana
Really disappointed that the series will not begin again until September. My husband and I are traveling to Scotland IN September. I was really hoping that he would have “experienced” Cullonden via Outlander before we go. It may happen while we are there!!
Is the series beginning any earlier in Scotland??
Dear Lynda–
No, the series can’t begin _anywhere_ until they finish making it. They’ll finish the last of the shooting in mid-June, and it will take the next two months to finish the post-production on the last episodes. (It takes roughly eight weeks to finish each episode.)
Best,
–Diana
Love the first 2 series and so excited to watch Voyger.
Love the premis and since I am British find it fascinating.
My husband loved Outlander. We watched together and looked
forward to watching together. My husband past away
This past July. So now your story means a lot more to me
I had a love and so romantic marriage. For 50 years.
I miss him so much.
Can’t wait to see what happens. Think I will buy the book.
Donna Lewis
Dear Donna–
I’m so sorry to hear about your husband. [hug] I hope the books might be some distraction and escape for you.
Best,
–Diana