• Network: Starz
  • Series Premiere Date: Aug 9, 2014
Season #: 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 317 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 28 out of 317
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User Reviews

  1. Jan 3, 2022
    10
    Perfect. It takes it's time but is in no way slow. Relationships form realistically and the story is aware of it's time period. Adapted from Diana Gabon time travel romance epic ,brilliant performances all around.
  2. May 23, 2021
    5
    It's historically ridiculous in many parts. The witchcraft business is nonsense. Because when the English and Scottish Parliaments united in 1707 they outlawed witchcraft trials.

    It's also incredibly redundant. They kept doing far-fetched things to put Claire (Caitriona Balfe) in danger. The "damsel in distress" thing was overdone way past the point of absurdity. I may be done with
    It's historically ridiculous in many parts. The witchcraft business is nonsense. Because when the English and Scottish Parliaments united in 1707 they outlawed witchcraft trials.

    It's also incredibly redundant. They kept doing far-fetched things to put Claire (Caitriona Balfe) in danger. The "damsel in distress" thing was overdone way past the point of absurdity. I may be done with this thing after the first season. Because I'm sick of the "oh, she's danger, now she's captured, now she's rescued, rinse and repeat. I was wondering just how many times she was going to be taken prisoner by different people in the first season. I actually lost count. It was like five or six times. She's almost raped constantly, was even almost burned at the stake. It's ridiculous how much they overdo that. And why are they always, always traveling? Her husband probably tells 50 people "i have a price on my head." Why would anybody really with a price on his head keep telling people that? And wouldn't he might think about staying with the protection of his Laird instead of constantly traveling the countryside and dragging his wife along with a price on his head? She was also wanted by the British. There really is no logical or important reason for them to be traveling like that. It was completely insane. They rarely explain why they are always on the move like gypsies and why that is even necessary. But then, unnecessary and completely illogical travel was essential to the overdone "damsel in distress" nonsense.

    Claire's husband Jaime (Sam Heughan) gets some camera time and character development. But rarely does such a big production with a big cast revolve so dominantly around one actor as it does in this production. If I were other actors in this I'd wonder when I was finally going to get a line. Because if you use a stop watch, you might find that in all of Season One you can't go even 90 seconds without seeing Balfe's face close-up on the screen. She is absolutely dominant in scenes and dialog. So much so that it really prevents any other characters from being developed. If it doesn't work in a plot line directly involved with Balfe, they character doesn't get dialog or scenes. I can't remember anything I've ever watched like it. She's a scene hog, a dialog hog, and a camera hog. Was her husband directing or something? It reminds me of the kid in high school on the yearbook staff who was assigned to take candid photos of students for the yearbook. And every photo he submits is one of his girlfriend. She just doesn't put her face on the screen in every scene. She bares it all constantly. I think I saw her breasts twenty times in the first season. There's a ridiculous amount of obligatory sex. An unnecessary and excessive amount. You see Caitriana Balfe naked so much you can practically memorize every contour of her body and count the fine hairs on her behind. I've seen her hard nipples so many times i have their exact shape in my head. It's like they thought they were making soft porn.

    It is remarkable that they give this much face time on camera to a woman with such a limited range of expression. She's got only a couple looks. Her "mona lisa" look which is kind of solemn and mournful. She has that on about 80 per cent of the time. An unhappy scowl is another. You think if she smiles her face might break. Can't the lead character laugh in this thing? I don't remember her laughing once in the first season. She's just so glum. She doesn't even look happy when she's having sex. There's no humor to her, no joy in anything at all. Every time you look at Caitriona Balfe's face in this movie she looks like she's on her way to a funeral. Like she needs to be on anti-depressants or something. It's like they wanted the atmosphere of the thing to be sad and mournful. just as dismal as the Scottish weather. In this production I was relieved to see two actors exchanging dialog on the scene for 60 seconds without one of them being Caitriona Balfe. It's always a rare moment in the production. But refreshing nonetheless.
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  3. May 12, 2020
    6
    I just watched the first season and I must realise that I don't think this is a very good series. I found myself often bored to hell, mainly because the interesting aspects of the series, like the time-travelling, are almost dropped immediately. Also, the characters are often bland and one-dimensional, making them less recognizable and less believable.
  4. Jul 15, 2019
    7
    I feel 'Outlander' has too much to offer, however first season came short. It's good though.
  5. Dec 15, 2017
    10
    I absolutely love Outlander. The story is amazing, the characters are well developed and the cast is fabulous. Outlander always keeps me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait for the next season. Hopefully they will continue to make Outlander after season 4 otherwise I would definitely have to start reading the books.
  6. Jan 14, 2017
    10
    By far one of the best shows I have ever watched. I enjoy this series so much! The books are amazing but this show just adds to it. Thank you Diana for this amazing show!
  7. Jan 4, 2017
    10
    I am always a bit scared to watch things based on books because not every adaptation is a good one. But I am in love with the series. They really chose the perfect cast and by that I mean not only the leading roles ( Sam Heughan & Caitriona Balfe) but also the actors and actresses with a smaller part. Another thing that I admire is that they're staying close to the books. No major changesI am always a bit scared to watch things based on books because not every adaptation is a good one. But I am in love with the series. They really chose the perfect cast and by that I mean not only the leading roles ( Sam Heughan & Caitriona Balfe) but also the actors and actresses with a smaller part. Another thing that I admire is that they're staying close to the books. No major changes which is amazing. I would recommend everyone to watch Outlander Expand
  8. Sep 29, 2016
    10
    I did share many criticisms at first on the seemingly wooden characters and as Claire as just the epitome of feminism within changing environments, however as the series progressed, I was utterly enthralled at how Outlander managed to subvert my expectations and turn into a compelling, provocative, beautiful and sometimes downright dark masterpiece that although does not see to itself toI did share many criticisms at first on the seemingly wooden characters and as Claire as just the epitome of feminism within changing environments, however as the series progressed, I was utterly enthralled at how Outlander managed to subvert my expectations and turn into a compelling, provocative, beautiful and sometimes downright dark masterpiece that although does not see to itself to make a contemporary statement like so many viewers expect, it is damn entertaining. Expand
  9. Aug 2, 2016
    7
    Prepare for an accurate perspective on history. A more romantic & science fiction-ish journey into the earlier Scotland -- a voyage with a brand new take on love, attachment & the past.

    It’s based on the ‘Outlander series’ written by Diana Gabaldon, and strictly follows the books -- and doesn’t take any wild turns from its source material. It’s a beautifully directed show that’s highly
    Prepare for an accurate perspective on history. A more romantic & science fiction-ish journey into the earlier Scotland -- a voyage with a brand new take on love, attachment & the past.

    It’s based on the ‘Outlander series’ written by Diana Gabaldon, and strictly follows the books -- and doesn’t take any wild turns from its source material. It’s a beautifully directed show that’s highly realistic due to its big focus on history and location shooting. History comes real and it feels like a totally different world. Characters come alive in this 1700s -- they give you this inside to how it was to live in this, to us -- strange world. Its vast focus on this is a major plus -- but can, for some, be its greatest “meh-factor”. The plot is interesting, got exciting revelations -- but it can be draggy. The plot takes its time to develop, but when it does it’s a great one! The characters do on the other hand not take long to feel attachment to. Just the realistic chemistry, extensive ardor and the splendid character depth. Wow! Add a never seen before antagonist and a love/hate relationship with the protagonist, just wow! Our main character Claire Randall is a wonder. Expositions are told in a fascinating way through her -- and the story firmly follows her, one step at a time. Yes; lack of plot development is a fact -- and on a personal level is this the show's greatest problem. But other than that; well -- it’s almost flawless.

    Overall personal rating for each episode: 72.8/100

    Personal rating: 73/100
    Critical rating: 90/100
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  10. Jul 5, 2016
    6
    I wanted to like this as the cast, photography and costuming is very good. I watched the first season and found the incessant "capture/torture/rescue" scenario to be way overused and quite off-putting. I was shocked to find that the source material was penned by a woman given how often rape is used as a plot device, and it happens A LOT. Also for a show/book series that is consideredI wanted to like this as the cast, photography and costuming is very good. I watched the first season and found the incessant "capture/torture/rescue" scenario to be way overused and quite off-putting. I was shocked to find that the source material was penned by a woman given how often rape is used as a plot device, and it happens A LOT. Also for a show/book series that is considered HISTORICAL FICTION it does a terrible job of it, it is really a romance story in a historical setting. The biggest sin was the witch trial which occurred 20 years too late in history and was only include because the author really wanted to have one in her novel. I get that this story is really just a "bodice ripper" romance and is squarely aimed at female audiences.

    I was curious as to how the story unfolded in subsequent novels so I read a detailed synopsis of each of them. I'm not going to spoil anything, but the direction this story takes is so weird and convoluted that I'm glad I have not become invested in it. Also with the big change that happens in book three it will be really odd to see how that is handled in a show where the main appeal is young attractive actors as the leads. I was also shocked to find that the fifth novel is 1300 pages long and fan consensus seemed to agree that not much happens to move the plot forward.

    As I stated prior the big appeal is Caitriona Balfe as Claire, she is very beautiful and quite talented but seeing her constantly being brutalized got to be a bit too much. The character of Jamie doesn't fare much better, every horrible thing that can happen to someone happens and will happen to him. It's a shame that the show writers didn't just take Diana Gabaldon's work and make it their own as there is a good premise underneath all the problems present in her novels.
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  11. Jul 4, 2016
    10
    I am not usually one for period pieces and yet this series has me captivated. Very intense in every aspect including romance that heats up the screen along with scenery of the beautiful country of Scotland that captivates your heart. The story line is always moving and exciting... truly a gem!
  12. Jul 4, 2016
    5
    Although I love Diana's writing and devoured the whole outlander series, I cannot watch it on T.V because of who they cast as Jamie. Jamie is EVERYTHING to the story and while I think they cast a fine actor in Sam Heugan, I do not think he comes close to being able to sustain the kind of charisma, strength, gregariousness, intensity and masculinity that the character is imbibed with; thatAlthough I love Diana's writing and devoured the whole outlander series, I cannot watch it on T.V because of who they cast as Jamie. Jamie is EVERYTHING to the story and while I think they cast a fine actor in Sam Heugan, I do not think he comes close to being able to sustain the kind of charisma, strength, gregariousness, intensity and masculinity that the character is imbibed with; that we as the reader have been knocked over the head with!. I'm sure they had a battle in casting but really....the part for Jamie is a total shame. The actor cast does not have exude the 'wise beyond his years' nor the command of a room. The books go on and on and on and on.....about Jamie's character and this actor doesn't have it. That brings me to your site, if Jamie doesn't have the content, surely they could have cast someone with the height and breadth of the man they describe!! Surely they could have invested a bit into colouring his hair!!! I mean if I read ONE more line about the various tones of red and the shocking swatch atop his tall standing crown! The Beauty department has the ability to, at least, give him that to work with since he appears only a bit taller than "Old Claire". I don't really mind "Old Claire" although I find her voice a bit grating....I would watch her but I think you have presented us with SO many better physical options for 'Jamie' that I am totally confused as to WHY on earth Diana Gabaldon would have allowed them to so miscast 'Jamie". So sad because some of the other cast is great and the Production Design is FANTASTIC as if the Wardrobe department. Period Drama is the most difficult and to then live up to this beloved series of books....well it was a tough task and it seems they have really tried by hiring some astute professionals. Too bad the most important element for the show, is for me, a deal breaker and an epic fail. Expand
  13. Jun 21, 2016
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. As many have noted, there's no one genre to which this fascinating, often terrifying, romantic and amazing story belongs which may, perhaps, be part of its charm. Who could have better guides for each week's journey than the clear-eyed, level-headed Clare and the brave and strong Jamie?
    Season 201's opening horrified me--the very idea that Clare should ever be with pudding-face (and Black Jack Randall face) Frank again instead of Jamie is too horrifying to bear. (I pray that is a dream or one possible future and Clare goes back through the stones...)
    The actors are so fine, they do justice to the writing and make the words their own--so it is impossible not to think of the actors as real. Wonderful show! And the only reason I subscribe to Starz.
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  14. Jun 18, 2016
    3
    The first season was wonderful. I never read the books, so I'm new to it, and probably won't read the books so I can have this one experience. This second season is just too repetitive. Claire does something stupid, unfitting for the times, the deceit goes on and on, Jamie has to save her, and it is getting quite boring. Not enough variety to these adventures anymore. I'm afraid theyThe first season was wonderful. I never read the books, so I'm new to it, and probably won't read the books so I can have this one experience. This second season is just too repetitive. Claire does something stupid, unfitting for the times, the deceit goes on and on, Jamie has to save her, and it is getting quite boring. Not enough variety to these adventures anymore. I'm afraid they are about to lose me. I don't even get excited about seeing it anymore. If I catch it okay, if not, okay. I will say I'm glad they are out of France. That was downright ridiculous! But now they are simply going for more shock factor (decapitations, rapes, silliness and on and on) and not enough solid writing. I don't know how these people had time to fight a war, with all the rapes going on! They are too busy being degenerates! Boring. Ho Hum . . . Expand
  15. Jun 6, 2016
    10
    it's interesting to read other user reviews, particularly those who get upset because the source material's description of the character doesn't match the actor cast. Don't they know that it's irrelevant? Just because the book character has amber eyes, the fact that the actress doesn't hardly means that was bad casting. It's entirely not important.

    What makes Outlander a great show,
    it's interesting to read other user reviews, particularly those who get upset because the source material's description of the character doesn't match the actor cast. Don't they know that it's irrelevant? Just because the book character has amber eyes, the fact that the actress doesn't hardly means that was bad casting. It's entirely not important.

    What makes Outlander a great show, after a full season and a half, is the way it looks at people and relationships and how they change over time. They handle tough issues like rape, and miscarriages with a delicacy not usually found in television. The show is building toward something. If you have patience, you will get a payoff. If you are not, well the show is better off without you.
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  16. May 22, 2016
    10
    Amazing series. Casting is interesting and perfect and the acting fantastic. The characters are realistic and sometimes surprising. The storyline is really good and grips you. I watched series one on Amazon Prime UK in a marathon of TV viewing as I just had to see the next one, and watching series two week by week is painful. It's so refreshing to see a series like this instead of theAmazing series. Casting is interesting and perfect and the acting fantastic. The characters are realistic and sometimes surprising. The storyline is really good and grips you. I watched series one on Amazon Prime UK in a marathon of TV viewing as I just had to see the next one, and watching series two week by week is painful. It's so refreshing to see a series like this instead of the rubbish often on, I think it's the best thing on TV. The sex is dealt with beautifully, and you really get absorbed into the story. Jamie is gorgeous and other characters are so well-cast that you are fascinated by them, and there are nuances in their movements or acting, just the slightest thing, which really bring them to life and adds to their depth. I love this series and the fact it's based in Scotland. I love seeing the countryside and costumes and hearing the languages. There's something for everyone in these series. What can we say about Randall - ooh the bad, bad man. Expand
  17. May 16, 2016
    1
    Overrated rubbish, awful acting, slow boring script, out of place sex scenes...no wonder only 60+ year old grannys like it. Oh wait my sister does like it, but that is with much much wine...
  18. May 11, 2016
    0
    Any TV show that requires a sex scene within the first 25 minutes to draw in viewers is probably a bad TV show. The only way this show made it to a second season is probably because it was ordered in wholesale. Sincerely speaking it's time Scottish accents include subtitles, because I struggled through a few episodes before it became pointless. Oh yes, and there's more horrifying sexAny TV show that requires a sex scene within the first 25 minutes to draw in viewers is probably a bad TV show. The only way this show made it to a second season is probably because it was ordered in wholesale. Sincerely speaking it's time Scottish accents include subtitles, because I struggled through a few episodes before it became pointless. Oh yes, and there's more horrifying sex scenes to spice up the drudgery of sitting through a few episodes of Outlander. Should be renamed Outsider because there's nothing that would save this show from being canceled. Expand
  19. Apr 7, 2016
    10
    l'intrigue et bien prenante, le casting très bien réussi et les acteur très bon, les décors donne envie de visité l'Ecosse. super série vivement la saison 2
  20. Apr 3, 2016
    10
    I love love this show. I love that it is not rushed so it contains all the details the books do. I cannot wait for the new season to start. It's truly captivating and well produced. Cinematography is incredible. Sam Heughan is also incredible.
  21. Jan 4, 2016
    9
    I don't usually watch box sets but this one took my eye and I thought I would give it a go and boy was I hooked . I couldn't switch it off , great acting and lovely scenery and a brilliant story all in one series. Cant wait on series two HURRY HURRY HURRY
  22. Sep 21, 2015
    8
    Brilliant mini-series. Great acting. Kudos to leading actress (she's Irish, would have never guessed) and the actor that plays as Dougal. Great music score. Despite being a series that , in my opinion, is focused more to women I've got to say I love it. Looking forward to season 2.
  23. Aug 6, 2015
    10
    This is one of the best shows on TV. The actors, writing, costumes, adaptation, music_ I could go on and on. The chemistry between Jamie and Claire is even greater onscreen than in the book. I binge read the 10 books over a two month period.. I've ruined my eyes but I think it gave me an even greater appreciation for the series. The series provides a succinct portrayal of the bookThis is one of the best shows on TV. The actors, writing, costumes, adaptation, music_ I could go on and on. The chemistry between Jamie and Claire is even greater onscreen than in the book. I binge read the 10 books over a two month period.. I've ruined my eyes but I think it gave me an even greater appreciation for the series. The series provides a succinct portrayal of the book chapter by chapter.

    I am very pleased with the series and hope it continues for many of the books to come. I do take exception to some of the critics of the cast. It is a marvelous cast and pointing out body parts to criticize is ridiculous. I hope Catriona never sees these. She has a real woman's body, not implants and other fake parts. Did you ever see the real tears in her eyes and the realistic crying scenes? She is terrific.

    Sam is a dreamboat. He's beautiful, sexy, hunky, believable and a great actor. He rocks my socks off and I am an old lady. The other cast members are great as well.

    As I read the books I thought if I were going to try and portray the books ion the screen, which parts would I use? I think the writers have done a fantastic job. I can't wait to see Season 2.!!
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  24. Jul 19, 2015
    9
    Just finished watching the first season of the show and I have to say, I really enjoyed it. At first, it seemed a little forced and the concept seemed a little weird to me, but after watching about 3-4 episodes I was hooked. Give the characters a chance to develop and you will really enjoy it too. I am also a big fan of game of thrones and i dare to compare captain jack randall to theJust finished watching the first season of the show and I have to say, I really enjoyed it. At first, it seemed a little forced and the concept seemed a little weird to me, but after watching about 3-4 episodes I was hooked. Give the characters a chance to develop and you will really enjoy it too. I am also a big fan of game of thrones and i dare to compare captain jack randall to the likes of ramsey bolton. I don't pick up a new show easily, but this one has made it on my list. Great show. Way to go Starz. MIGHT, just might, even pick up the books now! Expand
  25. Jul 16, 2015
    10
    Great adaptation of the great series. Spot on with casting, costumes, music, and settings. For true fans there are small differences in the TV series, but it is like LOR, the adaptation is brilliant. Romance, adventure, history, with a touch of science fiction, time travel. I wish this team of production would also do an adaptation of Connie Willis' Doomsday Book.
  26. Jun 8, 2015
    7
    While it hasn't exactly met my expectations in a lot of aspects, it managed to surprise me in others. I never read the books, for the record.

    I didn't like the pacing - it felt as though there were a lot of idle moments and episodes could have been shorter. The abundance of sex scenes came across as unnecessary sometimes or even silly. I also failed to grow attached to most recurring
    While it hasn't exactly met my expectations in a lot of aspects, it managed to surprise me in others. I never read the books, for the record.

    I didn't like the pacing - it felt as though there were a lot of idle moments and episodes could have been shorter. The abundance of sex scenes came across as unnecessary sometimes or even silly. I also failed to grow attached to most recurring characters, except for the two regulars Claire and Jamie; and even that took a fairly long time.

    Now on the positive experiences: I think the 3 main actors did a good job, if not consistently. The art direction and the costumes made the series very pleasing to watch, but what really impressed me was the atmospheric and sometimes even catchy soundtrack. I liked the grounded approach of the fantasy side of the story, even though I still want answers for the questions they raised. Additionally, the two final episodes were very powerful in my opinion, however hard it was to watch.

    Finally, I liked it and had a pretty good time watching. Would probably not re-watch anytime soon, though. 7.4/10
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  27. Jun 2, 2015
    9
    I am impressed with this show. The premise desn’t sound like much but it’s a good show. Thank goodness I was bored enough one day to check it out. The theme song is just wonderful and intoxicating, a great choice for the show that it is. The pilot set everything up nicely, at least the first part of things, we got to know Claire's life in 1945 before diving deep in 1743's Scotland.

    The
    I am impressed with this show. The premise desn’t sound like much but it’s a good show. Thank goodness I was bored enough one day to check it out. The theme song is just wonderful and intoxicating, a great choice for the show that it is. The pilot set everything up nicely, at least the first part of things, we got to know Claire's life in 1945 before diving deep in 1743's Scotland.

    The characters and the plots are slowly introduced and developed that they quickly feel real. The slow pace the show took created a solid base to amp up the drama, relate to the characters, and set up the era. I felt like with each episodes I learned a little bit more about Scottish culture. The voice over stayed throughout the season but I didn't mind it. It was on point, adding to the information that the images and/or the great performances were giving. It also made boring shots (people walking around, landscape shots - however beautiful they were) more interesting.

    The show is full of little references, I did not expect to find e.g. "When you eliminate the impossible whatever remain, however improbable, must be the truth." a quote that many of you have heard in Sherlock.

    The pilot's development on Claire's life in 1945 made even more sense once they started to use flashbacks. I don't know if the flashbacks would have made any sense if they hadn't spent a good portion of the pilot in 45. Claire strong, pigheaded AND annoying at times. Jack Randall is amazing, powerful, which is even more impressive when you compare the actor’s performance as Clair’s husband in 1945.

    The further we went with the show, the more riveting, and beautiful Outlander was. I was giddy and excited to watch the show. Outlander was a little bit all over the place when it came to categorize it, it was a bit sappy, cheesy but it also got dark, I mean really DARK, which was a direction I didn’t exactly expect. Not having any spoilers from the books I thought I was imaging Jack Randall's proclivities but I wasn’t! It made the show all the more sweater because the creative team was not afraid to get into the sadism, get gritty, and graphic. It got so disturbing but the way it was edited made it bearable.

    Outlander is an emotionally charged and riveting new show, arguably one of the best that came out this year. @wornoutspines
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  28. Jun 1, 2015
    1
    Oh god... this really went downhill with the introduction of the gay capt. Randall. Hey! Lets show some nudity and gay sex to be edgy, cause we can! Why why why.. they've totally ruined the show with this move. NEXT!
  29. May 31, 2015
    5
    starts off really good then descends in to episode after boring episode of male gay sex, really disappointing, hopefully episode 17 onwards gets it back on track - a real shame so far!
  30. May 20, 2015
    10
    I enjoyed very much this season, dialogs well done, fascinating plot. There are just two "filling" episodes in the all season, which is good. No fantasy, no battles but it's ok for me. Something to watch after Game of Thrones.
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 34
  2. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. Reviewed by: Emily Nussbaum
    Sep 9, 2014
    80
    The show is more than tit for tat: it’s sheer pleasure, no guilt allowed.
  2. Reviewed by: Lori Rackl
    Aug 19, 2014
    75
    Some episodes chug along faster than others, but the stellar production values render even the slower-paced installments worthwhile viewing.
  3. Reviewed by: David Hiltbrand
    Aug 11, 2014
    80
    The show is wonderfully conceived and executed (if a little pokey pace-wise).