Outlander Season 8: Exciting New Cast, Plot Details & Latest Updates

Starz has confirmed that the historical fantasy drama, Outlander, will be returning for its eighth season. Based on Diana Gabaldon's popular books, the series initially revolved around Claire Randall, a WWII nurse who discovers she is a time traveler and finds herself in Scotland in the year 1743. As Claire tries to find a way back to the present, she becomes torn between her love for Jamie Fraser, a rebellious Scottish Highlander, and her desire to aid his family in the Jacobite rebellion.

Being a book-to-TV adaptation, Outlander has taken certain creative liberties, as Gabaldon is still writing the series. While the show has included significant plot events like the Battle of Culloden and the American Revolutionary War, it has also expanded the story arcs of some characters, such as Murtagh Fitzgibbons, to keep the narrative unpredictable and fresh. With the announcement that season 8 will be the final season, the writers are expected to raise the stakes even higher.

Outlander Season 8 Latest News

Although Starz confirmed that Outlander season 8 is currently in progress, fans will have to wait longer to see it. Caitríona Balfe disclosed that the latest season has been postponed due to the ongoing strike of The Writers Guild of America (via Digital Spy). At this stage, it is uncertain when the writing and filming processes will resume.

Outlander Season 8 Confirmed

Season 8 of Outlander was renewed in January 2023 and it was announced that this would be the final season. The season will consist of 10 episodes and will be a fitting sendoff for the beloved characters with the return of executive producers Ronald D. Moore, Matthew B. Roberts, and Maril Davis. Author Diana Gabaldon is expected to contribute as a consultant for the season, as she has done for previous seasons.

Outlander Season 8 Release Date Speculation

Although Balfe acknowledged that they had received a filming start date, these plans were postponed due to The Writers Guild of America going on strike. Given that part 2 of season 7 is scheduled to be released in 2024, it is uncertain when season 8 will commence filming. However, fans shouldn't anticipate the final season to be released within the next year. Considering the current circumstances, it is likely that season 8 will be available around 2025/2026.

Outlander Season 8 Cast

With Starz announcing that season 7 and 8 will bring "Claire and Jamie's love story to a spectacular conclusion," it is highly likely that Caitríona Balfe (known for her roles in Belfast and Now You See Me) and Sam Heughan (recognized for his performances in The Spy Who Loved Me and Love Again) will reprise their beloved Outlander characters, Claire and Jamie Fraser. As season 8 will primarily revolve around Gabaldon's ninth book, Go Tell The Bees That I'm Gone, fans can anticipate the return of Sophie Skelton (seen in 211 and Ren) as Brianna and Richard Rankin (known for his appearances in Burnt and The Wyrd) as Roger, as both characters play significant roles in the storyline.

Other actors expected to make appearances include Fergus Fraser played by César Domboy from The Walk, Marsali Fraser played by Lauren Lyle from Virgil, Young Ian Fraser played by John Bell from The Hobbit, Jenny Murray played by Kristin Atherton known for her work in Shakespearean productions, Lord John Grey played by David Berry from A Place to Call Home, William Ransom played by Charles Vandervaart from Lost In Space, and Rachel Hunter played by Izzy Meikle-Small from Snow White and The Huntsman.

Outlander Season 8 Story Details

While there is still limited information available regarding Outlander season 8, it has been disclosed by Gabaldon that the final season will primarily revolve around her ninth book, Go Tell The Bees That I'm Gone (via TV Guide). Within this novel, Jamie and Claire's relationship is once again tested as the American Revolutionary War looms, posing a threat to their family and potentially tearing them apart.

In Go Tell The Bees I'm Gone, the repercussions of Rob Cameron's villainous actions continue to haunt Brianna, Roger, and their family in the 20th century. Their worries and fears intensify as they anticipate the possibility of more conspiracists attempting to locate them. With the writers' creative choices and the extent of the book's adaptation in season 7, it is anticipated that these significant plot points will form the central focus of Outlander season 8.