Since 2014, the beloved best couples in period romance TV shows. Outlander will conclude with season 8 and see the epic end of their story.
Now that season 8 has officially wrapped filming, it's likely that the wait between season 7, part 2, and the final installment of the time-bending series won't be as long as previous hiatuses. While most seasons of Outlander have had around thirteen episodes, season 6 was cut short, leading to a two-part seventh season. It's been reported that season 8 will have only ten episodes to wrap up every loose end and let audiences say their final goodbyes to the iconic characters. Though every season of Outlander has been memorable, the pressure is one for season 8 to deliver.
Outlander Season 8 Would Benefit From Season 7's Two-Part Release Model
Airing Outlander season 8 in two parts would be the perfect end to the show
Though the timeline has become twisted and intricate over the past few seasons, season 7 part 1 left off with Jamie and Claire heading back to Scotland after fighting in the Battle of Saratoga and Roger going after Jemmy through the stones at Craigh Na Dun to rescue him from Rob Cameron. There's a lot of ground to cover before Outlander season 7 concludes, allowing for plenty of drama and plot developments to ensue in the many-episode second half of the season. Looking to the future, Outlander season 8 should learn from this release schedule.
Season 7 was split into two parts because COVID-19 caused delays and impacted the length of season 6. However, there's an argument to be made that every season should be as long as season 7. Season 7 has been following the novel An Echo in the Bone, but Gabaldon has discussed that season 8 will touch upon the ninth novel, Go Tell The Bees That I'm Gone. Unfortunately, this won't be the last book in the series, and since Gabaldon will probably conclude Outlander with her tenth book, it would make sense for season 8 to be two parts.
Outlander Season 7 Episode 8 Recap — 7 Biggest Story Reveals
The Outlander S7 midseason finale is full of twists & crucial developments, providing an end to many stories & also hinting at what part 2 will bring.
Season |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
1 |
92% |
93% |
2 |
92% |
93% |
3 |
90% |
93% |
4 |
88% |
86% |
5 |
86% |
89% |
6 |
89% |
75% |
7 |
100% |
85% |
A Longer Final Season Would Give Outlander An Exciting Send-Off
Having more episodes in season 8 would flesh out the story
Of course, no amount of seasons spent with Jamie and Claire would ever be enough, but the two-part structure of season 7 didn't have to be a one-time event. The extended season has only made audiences more excited to see the characters return. Taking the time to have season 8, part one focus on the ninth book and then waiting to adapt the tenth book in a second part would complete the screen adaptation satisfyingly. It's going to be an emotional moment when the final episode airs, and it should be given the gravity it deserves.
Outlander has always taken liberties with the source material, but it's stayed true to the heart of the story and the importance of Claire and Jamie's central romance.
It's been confirmed that the Outlander TV show won't have the same ending as the book, meaning additional episodes will have an original plot. Outlander has always taken liberties with the source material, but it's stayed true to the heart of the story and the importance of Claire and Jamie's central romance. Even if season 8 doesn't include the last book's story at all, the new narrative could still be split into two to give ample time to both the Frasers and the MacKenzies. There are too many storylines happening at once for the show to do them all justice.
Outlander season 7 part 2 premieres on Starz on November 22nd (via Deadline).
Why Outlander Season 8 Isn't Repeating Season 7's Release Setup
Outlander season 8 won't be split into two parts
There's little question that audiences would tune in to see multiple installments of Outlander season 8, as the extended seventh season was a welcome treat after the long break in the action. However, the filming restrictions and lockdowns that halted production didn't hinder the schedule, so there's no reason not to proceed as usual. Since season 8 has officially wrapped filming, audiences can expect to see the series released on the same timeline as the first six seasons. After dedicating so many years to the series, it's unsurprising that the cast and crew are ready to move on.
Outlander Season 7, Part 2's Jamie & Claire Story Is Exactly What Season 8 Needs
The long-awaited Outlander season 7, part 2 just revealed that it knows exactly what Claire and Jamie Fraser's story needs in order to succeed.
Fortunately, Outlander season 8 will not be the last that fans hear from the franchise, as Outlander: Blood of My Blood, the spinoff miniseries, is coming soon. The TV show will follow the dual romances of Claire and Jamie's parents in 20th-century England and 18th-century Scotland as the pairs fall in love and seal their children's fates. It makes sense that the producers would want to spark interest in the prequel show and not drag out the end of Outlander too long to give it a clean break and ensure that fans tune in to the next series.
Outlander follows Claire Randall, a married nurse from 1945, who is transported back to 1743 Scotland. Amidst political intrigue and danger, she navigates life in the past and becomes torn between loyalty to her husband and the love for a dashing young warrior.
- Directors
- Metin Hüseyin, Jamie Payne
- Writers
- Ronald D. Moore, Matthew B. Roberts
- Seasons
- 7
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