
Outlander will return for an eighth season, as revealed ahead of the release of season 7 – but it will be the final season of the renowned historical drama.
However, fans need not worry about filling the Outlander-shaped hole in their lives because a prequel series is on the way.
In a video released on social media, the cast of the programme made the news that season 8 was in the works, with Sam Heughan, who plays Jamie Fraser, calling their experience of presenting the tale over the last nine years as ‘an wonderful trip’.
‘Thank you so much for being with us from day one,’ added Claire Fraser actor Caitríona Balfe, who was sitting beside him.
‘Every good story has to come to an end,’ Sam stated, as Caitríona then added: ‘They always do.’
‘We’re going to go out with a bang and tell the story the way it should be,’ said John Bell, who plays Ian Fraser Murray in the drama, while other cast members reflected on the fact that they’ll get another year to play their different characters before saying goodbye.
After John admitted it will be ‘bittersweet’, Sam said: ‘We can’t wait to bring the last season to you guys,’ as Caitríona concluded the video by saying: ‘And we hope that we do you proud and we are very, very grateful. So thank you.’
Kathryn Busby, president of original programming for , spoke about the prospect of Outlander drawing to a close, saying in a statement obtained by Variety: ‘For nearly a decade Outlander has won the hearts of audiences worldwide and we’re pleased to bring Claire and Jamie’s epic love story to a proper conclusion.
‘But before we close this chapter there is plenty of their passionate story to tell over the course of 26 new episodes and even more to explore of this dynamic world and its origin story.’

While fans were overjoyed to learn that Outlander will return for an eighth season, they were naturally unhappy to realise that the show’s finale was near, with numerous fans breaking down in tears.
‘I’m thankfully, happy, sad and tearful!! The news brings out all the feels. Thank you to all that make Outlander the epic and amazing journey it is!!’ one person tweeted.
‘All the feels..and bittersweet 😥 Nothing will match what Outlander brings to the fans…THANK YOU ❤️,’ another wrote.
While Outlander is coming to an end, a prequel spin-off titled Outlander: Blood of My Blood, which will explore the narrative of Jamie’s parents, Ellen MacKenzie and Brian Fraser, has been officially greenlit.
‘Outlander: Blood of My Blood is, at its heart, a love story,’ said writer and executive producer Matthew B Roberts.
‘It will explore what lengths a person will go to find love in a time when love is considered a luxury, and when marriages are made strategically, often for political or financial gain.
‘The title is a nod to Jamie Fraser’s marriage vow to Claire and there will be several names and faces that Outlander fans will know and recognise.’
The seventh season of Outlander is due to premiere later this year.
Outlander is available to watch on Lionsgate Plus in the UK.