Why You Need To Watch Outlander

Currently in its sixth season and with over 80 episodes in the shows run, ‘Outlander’ still remains one of the best shows currently airing on the small screen. The show follows the general premise of an English combat nurse Claire Randall played by the amazing Caitriona Balfe from 1945, who  is mysteriously swept back in time to 1743. The series is based on the popular book series of the same name, written in the 1990s by acclaimed author Diana Gabaldon. I love the show and think the storytelling is fantastic, sweeping you back in time, to the gorgeous backdrop of Scotland. Today, I am going to share with you what makes Outlander so special and why you need to check it out. So without further ado, let's go!

The story – As mentioned, the general premise and set-up to the show is of great intrigue and provides an amazing hook for the show. What will keep you invested in the show is the story that delved further and further into the time period with historical drama, intrigue and of course a love story between Claire and the charming Jamie Fraser (played by Sam Heughan). The plot is forever evolving, with threats aplenty, and character drama that will keep drama and genre fans alike satisfied and anticipating more! With the sixth season currently airing, it is unclear when the show will finish, but if you’re like me, you will be hoping that it is years away, because the plot is forever thickening and we need more!

The characters – As briefly touched on, the standout characters in the show are Claire Randall and Jamie Fraser. Their love story is the focal point of the show, with the show's events revolving around the two. Their romance is beautiful and the wrap-around story to this is handled with a car introducing the audience to some great characters along the way. One of the notable characters is Jack Randall in the 18th century and Claire’s ex-husband Professor Frank Randall in the 20th century, both parts played marvellously by Tobias Menzies. Menzies does a great job at playing both characters. He plays them both differently, with subtleties carrying over to both characters. It is quite a difficult task, but Menzies does it fantastically, giving a truly villainous turn as both. There are so many memorable characters including, but not limited to Murtagh Fraser, Roger Wakefield and of course Brianna Randall Fraser. The characters are just great.

The costume design – The costume department for ‘Outlander’ have done a marvelous job with the costumes. Without text on the screen reminding the audience what time period they are currently in, you would be able to distinguish quite easily from the lavish and beautiful costume designs. Costume designer Terry Dresbach has overseen the designs throughout the show's run, utilising era perfect designs from both the late 18th century and the 1940s war era. It’s one of the show's highlights for sure, and maybe some audience members take it for granted, but I dare you to watch the show after reading this and try not to see amazing work from the costume department. 

The setting – One of the shows biggest praises is just how gorgeous the setting is. As mentioned, the show is set in Scotland during the 1700s. The picturesque backdrops and gorgeous scenery are a sight to behold, adding to the shows authentic historical elements. Whilst additional photography for the show has been taken in Cape Town, South Africa and Prague, Czech Republic, the show is primarily filmed on location in Scotland, with Fraser's Ridge actually being built in Doune, Scotland and is now a popular tourist destination, with fans able to visit the working set. Its just gorgeous to look at and one of the high points of the show.

‘Outlander’ is just amazing. I can’t do it justice in this blog post, you just need to join the craze and check it out. Its masterfully directed, terrifically acted and the show itself, thematically and aesthetically, is beautiful. You can purchase Season’s 1 -5 from Sanity in-store or online today, with Season 6 coming very soon. So sign up to Sanity today so you don’t miss out on your copy. 

Christopher Pattison wrote this blog post for Sanity. See more from Chris here