Outlander was so much better than I expected it to be. It's much more than just another love story. I just got caught up through the latest season and floored by how much I enjoyed it. It is so well written and acted that you really come to care for these characters and what happens to them. It's also beautifully shot, everything from the cinematography to the costumes are excellent. The overall production value on this s as good as anything on tv. I do have to say the the last few seasons weren't quite as good as the earlier ones but they're still worth watching. If you haven't seen this yet then do yourself a favor and go watch as soon as possible!
1,047 Reviews
Love It (but Season 6 wasn't that good)!
Supermanfan-136 June 2022
I never read the Outlander books so I didn't really know what to expect. I originally thought it was a show targeted just for women but I was way wrong. This show has something for everyone and I'm so glad I finally gave it a chance because it's become one of my favorite shows! I binged the entire series and absolutely loved it! The only negative thing I have to say about it is that Season 6 was really not that good, and that's coming from a fan. I pretty much had to force myself to watch it and even found myself fast forwarding through some episodes.
Outstanding!
Supermanfan-1325 November 2020
I never read the Outlander books so I didn't really know what to expect. I originally thought it was a show targeted just for women but I was way wrong. This show has something for everyone and I'm so glad I finally gave it a chance because it's become one of my favorite shows! I binged the entire series and loved it!
Oh wow!
julietharpur16 March 2021
Came late to Outlander and binge watched it. A beloved friend who recently died of cancer, too young, told me to watch it, so I did in her honour. So glad! It has everything! The casting is perfect with stellar performances of gritty storylines. The locations, romance, STUNNING memorable music, scenery, costumes and props, and attention to historical detail, have all left quite an impression on me. In my opinion this is much more than just a Harlequin romance, and deserves more kudos.
Oh my heart..
pstrehle31 December 2018
At last...
cherokee102018 August 2014
For the past 23 years, Outlander has been a presence in my life. Have read it countless times, in fact started it again just yesterday. I am proud and humbled to be One of the Original Seven Ladies of Lallybroch, associated with one of the very first global groups devoted to Diana Gabaldon and The Books. For decades, the idea of a cinematic version of The Books has teased and taunted us, flirting with our imaginations and hopes. Now, it is here. And here it is. Every detail is brilliant - script, costumes, sets, and yes, the actors. The Series is a visual companion to The Books, and a boon companion it is. It is also an adaptation, not a verbatim recitation. Fidelity to our beloved characters and story is assured by the continuing involvement of Diana in the creative process. She fiercely protects her story and, in the process, her fans - which are both legion and legend. Caitriona Balfe truly IS Claire, as Sam Heughan IS Jamie. A cup up to Ron Moore, Maril Davis, and the entire crew (Terry for the amazing costumes)for giving us Our Outlander...
First seasons were incredible but boring now
vfdzprsyd19 February 2023
The first two seasons were amazing. I could not take my eyes of the screen.
The music, the set, the characters were perfect.
However, it took a huge nosedive after season 3 and became really boring.
Brianna and Rodger are really annoying and Brianna especially is hard to watch sometimes.
It's really disappointing because it was such an amazing show. I did watch season 4 and still me of season 5 but it just became apparent that it was never going to get its magic back. So I've quit the show.
Not sure if it is the same story as the book but I did but the books and think I'm going to read those instead.
The music, the set, the characters were perfect.
However, it took a huge nosedive after season 3 and became really boring.
Brianna and Rodger are really annoying and Brianna especially is hard to watch sometimes.
It's really disappointing because it was such an amazing show. I did watch season 4 and still me of season 5 but it just became apparent that it was never going to get its magic back. So I've quit the show.
Not sure if it is the same story as the book but I did but the books and think I'm going to read those instead.
I LOVE this series!!
annemiekvdbos20 March 2021
There are only a few movies and series I have watched more then once in my life.
But Outlander takes the cake, I think I watched the whole series like 4 times now! I don't know what it is, but it keeps me hooked!
Can't wait for the next season to air!
I have never been a real die hard fan of much in my life, but in this case I am!
Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ
dariana-ro11 August 2014
I never read the books and never heard anything about this story before I saw the show. I don't know how close it comes to the books but as a show is absolutely fantastic.
Everything was done right , actors , costumes, music and the scotsmen in kilts are so sexy . I am in love.
We have beautiful landscapes , music to match , time travel , an intelligent mature woman as a lead character and two attractive men that love her . I like the romance part and the history part. I like everything about this show.
I wish they add some subtitles . I don't know how well native English speakers understand the Gaelic but English is not my native language and I could not understand a word in Gaelic.
Everything was done right , actors , costumes, music and the scotsmen in kilts are so sexy . I am in love.
We have beautiful landscapes , music to match , time travel , an intelligent mature woman as a lead character and two attractive men that love her . I like the romance part and the history part. I like everything about this show.
I wish they add some subtitles . I don't know how well native English speakers understand the Gaelic but English is not my native language and I could not understand a word in Gaelic.
A favourite aunt overstays her welcome
bosporan25 April 2022
A fabulous period drama with a compelling premise along with the usual historical trimmings - beautiful costumes, authentic dialogue, delightful settings ... With a strength-in-depth casting including an especially fine performance from Caitríona Balfe as the time challenged Claire, this is a winning format.
Seasons one to three are superb, season four became tedious, drawn out and lacked credibility even in the stretched context of the story. Subsequently it has become a sluggish soap opera, detached from its intriguing core-concept.
Top television, past its best, betrayed its legacy and in need of humane euthanization.
Seasons one to three are superb, season four became tedious, drawn out and lacked credibility even in the stretched context of the story. Subsequently it has become a sluggish soap opera, detached from its intriguing core-concept.
Top television, past its best, betrayed its legacy and in need of humane euthanization.
An excellent adaptation of the books for all us Outlander fans!
mcampbelljh111 August 2014
I've recently been reading (actually listening to the audio-books) the Outlander series of books having completed 5 so far so when I saw the Starz TV series was coming out I just had to watch it. I must say I loved the Outlander books, but I'm not a fanatic when it comes to translating books to the screen they are very different mediums and thus can take on a different look and feel and that's OK with me. In this case, I don't think people who are would be disappointed anyway as the screen writers did an excellent job of translating the 1st part of the book to the screen (I've only seen the 1st episode but I'm already hooked so I'm sure I'll enjoy the rest).
I loved their choice of actors to take on the roles of Jamie, Claire, Frank and Dugan. Sam Heughan is perfect as Jamie Fraser (just the right bit of good looks and ruggedness one might expect in Jamie). Caitriona Balfe also seemed like a good choice for Claire (beautiful yet strong enough to carry the role). I think Frank/Jack Randall's portrayal by Tobias Menzies will also fit my vision of Frank/Jack and I think he can carry off both roles one as the wicked Jack and the other as the loving yet dull Frank (when compared to Jamie). And the Scottish actors like Graham McTavish (Dougal) will bring old Scotland to life on the screen for me.
From the 1st episode I think they producers will not be shy to include the more sexual aspects of the Outlander books, as they do have this erotic element that actually makes the love between Claire and Jamie the driving force of their relationship which allows it to span centuries, even when they are no longer together. It's that love/passion for each other that keeps them alive in each other's heart and so far to the directors credit, they have not been shy about adding it. I'm looking forward to the Claire Jamie love scenes hopefully to come... I'm also going to enjoy the Scottish history and scenery, and loved the way they so far have included it in the TV series. It's going to be very interesting to me especially as my ancestors are Scottish.
I know Starz will be increasing its revenues with this series' fans all signing up just to see it. There must be millions of us around the world that love these books and I'm sure like me many of them will order the cable channel just to watch this. I'm very happy to see Starz did such a good job in bringing this to life on the screen. So rarely do we get a good adult drama on TV these days, and this will surely be that. I'm liking many of the original show Starz is offering this season like this and Black Sails, Strikback. Who ever is heading their creative development deserves a lot of credit for their selection of shows to produce. I think Starz is catching up to HBO and Showtime in it's original shows and might even surpass them if it keeps producing shows of this quality plus they have a much better selection of movies that the other channels. As a new Starz member, I'd recommend it to others.
I loved their choice of actors to take on the roles of Jamie, Claire, Frank and Dugan. Sam Heughan is perfect as Jamie Fraser (just the right bit of good looks and ruggedness one might expect in Jamie). Caitriona Balfe also seemed like a good choice for Claire (beautiful yet strong enough to carry the role). I think Frank/Jack Randall's portrayal by Tobias Menzies will also fit my vision of Frank/Jack and I think he can carry off both roles one as the wicked Jack and the other as the loving yet dull Frank (when compared to Jamie). And the Scottish actors like Graham McTavish (Dougal) will bring old Scotland to life on the screen for me.
From the 1st episode I think they producers will not be shy to include the more sexual aspects of the Outlander books, as they do have this erotic element that actually makes the love between Claire and Jamie the driving force of their relationship which allows it to span centuries, even when they are no longer together. It's that love/passion for each other that keeps them alive in each other's heart and so far to the directors credit, they have not been shy about adding it. I'm looking forward to the Claire Jamie love scenes hopefully to come... I'm also going to enjoy the Scottish history and scenery, and loved the way they so far have included it in the TV series. It's going to be very interesting to me especially as my ancestors are Scottish.
I know Starz will be increasing its revenues with this series' fans all signing up just to see it. There must be millions of us around the world that love these books and I'm sure like me many of them will order the cable channel just to watch this. I'm very happy to see Starz did such a good job in bringing this to life on the screen. So rarely do we get a good adult drama on TV these days, and this will surely be that. I'm liking many of the original show Starz is offering this season like this and Black Sails, Strikback. Who ever is heading their creative development deserves a lot of credit for their selection of shows to produce. I think Starz is catching up to HBO and Showtime in it's original shows and might even surpass them if it keeps producing shows of this quality plus they have a much better selection of movies that the other channels. As a new Starz member, I'd recommend it to others.
Wonderful until Brianna shows up
sneesnaw6 January 2023
The actress who plays Brianna is terrible. She ruined this show. Couldn't they afford to hire a better person? She's totally wooden. Especially unfortunate because the other actors are terrific. I'll finish season four but won't be watching subsequent seasons. Special shoutout to the actor who plays Murtagh-he's amazing. And another shoutout to the wardrobe department-Claire's clothes are gorgeous. Even though his character was reprehensible, Tobias Menzies was fantastic in the show. The chemistry between Catriona and Sam is electric-totally understandable that she'd give up indoor plumbing for that man!
There might be a story between all the sex and rape...
Msboonie3 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I suffered through 1 1/2 season of this nonsense, really hoping it would end up being as good as everyone said. But no, it started bad and got far worse. I hate the main character Claire, she is a damsel in distress constantly because she continues to make bad decisions time after time, and so many times they don't make any sense. On top of that she is so extremely selfish, especially in season 2. After her husbands (Jamies) brutal rape by the main bad guy Jack Randall, there is a point in the second season where she is furious with Jamie because he couldn't have sex with her (as he hadn't gotten over the trama). Then when Jamie decides he's going to dual and kill Randall for what he did, she is once again furious because Randall is her first husband (Frank's) ancestor, and guilts Jamie into letting him live by saying he owes her... Seriously.... After he has saved her time after time and taken harsh beatings and several brutal rapes to save her from it all. And he owes her... For some dumb reason he agrees, until walking in on Randall raping a child. And still she insists that Randall must live... Just so Frank can be born... Even though she has no intention on returning to Frank. And that is where the line was drawn for me. Someone rapes a child and you want them to live for your own selfish reasons.
Somewhere between all the sex and rape there is a story, but good luck finding it.
Outlander TV Series Spectacular!
lksmith11125 August 2014
I have been a fan, make that obsessed fan, from the first book. There are now eight BIG books in the series along with The Lord John series and a few novellas. I've read them all numerous times. I was hesitant about TV show ruining the books but Starz and Ron D. Moore have shown that you can use a book's dialog and make the actors fit into the characters and make a marvelous show.
Outlander so far has been a perfect representation of the book. Sam Heughan as Jamie is sublime.....as is Caitrona Balfe as Claire. Even though Claire is telling the story, it's Jamie we all want.
I am thrilled with the camera work, the costumes, and the writing. I'm thinking subtitles for the Gaelic Language would have been a good decision but I understand why there is none. After all Claire doesn't understand it either and it is her story.
Kudos to Diana Gsbaldon for writing the stories and for trusting Ron D. Moore with it. Watch!,
Outlander so far has been a perfect representation of the book. Sam Heughan as Jamie is sublime.....as is Caitrona Balfe as Claire. Even though Claire is telling the story, it's Jamie we all want.
I am thrilled with the camera work, the costumes, and the writing. I'm thinking subtitles for the Gaelic Language would have been a good decision but I understand why there is none. After all Claire doesn't understand it either and it is her story.
Kudos to Diana Gsbaldon for writing the stories and for trusting Ron D. Moore with it. Watch!,
Underrated—One of the best TV shows on television.
ericedstinson10 October 2017
I've really enjoyed this series. One of the best shows available on Netflix and other sources.
This show has not become as mainstream as I would like, and I pray it maintains enough popularity to remain in production.
If you enjoy historical TV shows that are spiced with the right concoction of romance, plot and action, then this is the right show for you.
This show has not become as mainstream as I would like, and I pray it maintains enough popularity to remain in production.
If you enjoy historical TV shows that are spiced with the right concoction of romance, plot and action, then this is the right show for you.
Was one of my favs until...
sethulachuz15 September 2020
I loved the first two seasons and the 3rd season was still fine. But all started going downhill in 4th and 5th seasons.
Not gonna lie but I feel like Sophie Skelton was not meant to play Brianna. Same with Richard rankin. They didn't feel like the characters. Instead I actually felt like they were trying to become the characters but failed miserably.
There were timeS when everyone did quite a performance in this series but I felt like in was lacking in these two. Especially Sophie Skelton (Brianna).
I love Lauren Lyle and her acting is immaculate. I feel like she's under appreciated. She needs more hype. Marsali is such a badass.
Not gonna lie but I feel like Sophie Skelton was not meant to play Brianna. Same with Richard rankin. They didn't feel like the characters. Instead I actually felt like they were trying to become the characters but failed miserably.
There were timeS when everyone did quite a performance in this series but I felt like in was lacking in these two. Especially Sophie Skelton (Brianna).
I love Lauren Lyle and her acting is immaculate. I feel like she's under appreciated. She needs more hype. Marsali is such a badass.
Great but goes downhill after first 2 seasons
stevebisset685 June 2022
First 2 seasons were great.
The locations and storylines and character's with the connection to Scottish history and time travel.
Unfortunately after that though still ok,it lost what got me hooked in the beginning.
No more time jumping and now based in America isn't as interesting to me.
Shame.
The locations and storylines and character's with the connection to Scottish history and time travel.
Unfortunately after that though still ok,it lost what got me hooked in the beginning.
No more time jumping and now based in America isn't as interesting to me.
Shame.
Perfect Adaptation of book to TV
marian-knowles10 August 2014
Everything about EP1 is wonderful. I'm a fan of the book series and I'm happy that Ron D. Moore is at the helm of this project. I think the casting of the lead roles is perfect. The locations and sets evoke each of the time periods portrayed. The music is amazing; it adds character to the events as they unfold and I'm looking forward to hearing more in later episodes. There is some criticism about the pace of EP1, I agree that it felt a bit slow. Viewers who feel it's too slow, please note that the book is about 800 pages long! Additionally, Starz bought 16 EPs rather than the usual 10, so that RDM has time to develop the story line and the many characters that appear in the book. The voice over takes some getting used to, since it's not a common practice today. So I refer back to the book again, because the reader is let into the lead character's thoughts most of the time - it's not all dialogue. You don't have to read the book to enjoy the show and I believe new viewers who give it a chance over the next several EPs as the action in the story picks up won't be disappointed and will appreciate what all the fan fuss is about.
Outlander let me speechless
dobrinandreea7 March 2021
I never seen such an amazing TV Show, that include the adrenaline, the action, love, power, old times, healings and other interesting things, all in the same time.
Outlander just make me love the old times, and make me want more.
Every episode is interesting, because they add always something new. You can't even get bored.
The actors gives the best and makes you fall in love and live the story for real.
Every chapter have something different that you don't expect and they will surprise you in a good way.
I recommend all the 5 seasons, and can't wait for the season 6 or maybe more too.
Love it, love it, love it.
Congratulations to the all actors and to the all equipe that make part of this amazing project!
Gets worse as it goes on
thai320 April 2020
First three series were riveting, fourth you could still watch but the 5 is like watching paint dry. Far, far too slow and with the time travel not part of it the magic seems to have gone out of it. Too much about Claire and her daft daughter and less history as it progressed. Hope this is the last series they just about killed it off anyway.
Well crafted and riveting
chippewa737711 August 2014
Having discovered Gabalton's novels only recently (generally reserving my limited reading time to the likes of Bernard Cornwell and Patrick O'Brien, more swords;less romance),I was pleased with the quality of the production, casting, pace and overall presentation of this complex story. Romantic? Yes. However, if the mini-series story line continues in keeping with the books (as seems likely)it will likely unfold into dovetailing themes of sacrifice,duty,honor,jealousies and complex loyalties that even many of the male viewers will relate wholeheartedly to. Not since PeterJackson's close to the novel(s) rendition of the Lord of the Rings saga have I been as pleased (at least with the initial installment) with a book-to-screen version of a great story. Thanks STARZ!
Back in time
TheLittleSongbird15 December 2022
Had heard nothing but good things about 'Outlander' from good friends and trusted reviewers around the time Seasons 1-3 (widely considered the period where 'Outlander' was at its best) aired, but due to music commitments and watching other things it did take me a while to get round to watching the show. Absolutely loved the idea of the show, which has always been one of my main reasons for watching anything, and loved the idea of the mix of period drama and time travel.
'Outlander', after finally getting around to watching it a while back, was on the whole hugely impressive. It is agreed that Seasons 1-3 are fantastic, and while over deliberate pacing and bizarreness crept in in Season 4 there was a lot to like about that season too. Do agree with those that were disappointed with Seasons 5-6 and those that felt like watching two different shows, especially 6 which repeated all the mistakes Season 5 did, amplified them and made more along the way.
There are a lot of fantastic things. It is wonderful visually, with handsome and evocative settings and costumes that do such a wonderful job transporting one to the time period and making them feel that they are there. Even better is the photography, which is at its best cinematic worthy. Not only is it beautiful to watch, but it is very rich in atmosphere. Likewise with the music scoring, which never felt too much in placement or volume while still having a lot of presence and variety (hardly stock cue level here).
A vast majority of the direction is accommodating and allows the drama to breathe, when necessary in the more scaled down scenes, while also giving plenty of tension and energetic momentum in the more tense moments. Seasons 1-3 are very thoughtfully written and full of complex emotions, while the storytelling in these moments grabs the attention, never feels predictable or soap-ridden and has plenty of tension, intrigue and emotion. 'Outlander' is an extremely well acted show too, with everybody cast to pretty much perfection and that is including when the show declined.
Season 4 still has plenty of those things, though some of it feels more dragged out and some parts are a bit too on the silly to the point of bizarreness. That is nothing compared to Seasons 5 and 6, particularly as said 6, which often has slow as molasses pacing (over-deliberation taken to extremes), paper thin storytelling that is at worst uneventful and subplots that are very melodramatic and take a long time to get anywhere in development.
Furthermore, the writing in Seasons 5 and 6 underwhelms a lot, one can literally taste the flavourless soap suds listening to the dialogue, which is stilted too and induces a lot of cringing. The characters are stripped of their complexity also and become rather one dimensional. Thank goodness the exceptionally high quality of the production values, music and acting remain, which saves them from unwatchability.
In summation, started off fantastic but the past two seasons have felt like a different show quality-wise. 7/10 (Seasons 1-3 would rate around 8-10, Season 4 would rate 6-low 8 and Seasons 5 and 6 are a 4 at best)
'Outlander', after finally getting around to watching it a while back, was on the whole hugely impressive. It is agreed that Seasons 1-3 are fantastic, and while over deliberate pacing and bizarreness crept in in Season 4 there was a lot to like about that season too. Do agree with those that were disappointed with Seasons 5-6 and those that felt like watching two different shows, especially 6 which repeated all the mistakes Season 5 did, amplified them and made more along the way.
There are a lot of fantastic things. It is wonderful visually, with handsome and evocative settings and costumes that do such a wonderful job transporting one to the time period and making them feel that they are there. Even better is the photography, which is at its best cinematic worthy. Not only is it beautiful to watch, but it is very rich in atmosphere. Likewise with the music scoring, which never felt too much in placement or volume while still having a lot of presence and variety (hardly stock cue level here).
A vast majority of the direction is accommodating and allows the drama to breathe, when necessary in the more scaled down scenes, while also giving plenty of tension and energetic momentum in the more tense moments. Seasons 1-3 are very thoughtfully written and full of complex emotions, while the storytelling in these moments grabs the attention, never feels predictable or soap-ridden and has plenty of tension, intrigue and emotion. 'Outlander' is an extremely well acted show too, with everybody cast to pretty much perfection and that is including when the show declined.
Season 4 still has plenty of those things, though some of it feels more dragged out and some parts are a bit too on the silly to the point of bizarreness. That is nothing compared to Seasons 5 and 6, particularly as said 6, which often has slow as molasses pacing (over-deliberation taken to extremes), paper thin storytelling that is at worst uneventful and subplots that are very melodramatic and take a long time to get anywhere in development.
Furthermore, the writing in Seasons 5 and 6 underwhelms a lot, one can literally taste the flavourless soap suds listening to the dialogue, which is stilted too and induces a lot of cringing. The characters are stripped of their complexity also and become rather one dimensional. Thank goodness the exceptionally high quality of the production values, music and acting remain, which saves them from unwatchability.
In summation, started off fantastic but the past two seasons have felt like a different show quality-wise. 7/10 (Seasons 1-3 would rate around 8-10, Season 4 would rate 6-low 8 and Seasons 5 and 6 are a 4 at best)
A beautiful show going downhill
loesjenl1 May 2022
I enjoyed this show very much, part 1 was terrific: beautiful landscapes and costumes, humour and very good acting. Part 2 and 3 were nice, but then it became pretty ridiculous. But I kept watching, because it remained quite entertaining. But season 6! It is terrible, can't watch it. The characters have become more and more one dimensional. Jamie's face always has a big frown, his posture seems frozen and Claire can only look worried and serious with big watery eyes. No laughing, no humour and a lot of new and uninteresting characters. Outlander has become something between Little House on the Prairie and Dr Quinn Medicine Woman. It is painful how such an outstanding show has become a cringing soap :-(
This is the greatest show on television
nwtmxtg21 March 2021
Outlander is quite possibly the greatest thing I've ever seen. A beautiful and intense love story is surrounded by rich history, amazing acting, twists and turns, and any other aspect of tv a person could want. I wish someone had told me that Outlander would ruin me for all other shows before I started it, but I would (and have) watched it again and again.
Superb acting, except for "Brianna."
davidmcnott19 September 2021
Phenomenal acting, especially with the two leads, but why they cast Sophie Skelton as Brianna is beyond me. She's beautiful, but her acting is SO bad she tears down the fourth wall in every scene in which she appears. Why??
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