Outlander producer talks possibility of season 8 (and beyond)

Outlander is currently in the midst of its sixth season, which means it’s getting pretty long in the tooth, so far as TV shows go. We know we’re getting a seventh season after this, which will be longer than usual to make up for the fact that season 6 only has eight episodes.

But what about after that? How long will this time-traveling romance series last? Based on what executive producer Maril Davis recently told Parade, season 8 still isn’t a sure thing, although she’s hoping they get the greenlight before writing the season 7 finale, so they can wrap up the whole show if need be.

“Listen, I’d love a Season 8, so I think we’re all ready to do it if we get the go-ahead,” Davis said. “But, obviously, yes, I hope [we find out] in enough time to do justice to it. Also, the longer we wait, the longer the Droughtlander would be because this show is such a massive endeavor, it takes a long time to get it up on its feet. I hope they tell us. I would love to know earlier rather than later, so, hopefully, we will know soon.”

Will Outlander get an eighth season?

Some of you may be out there saying, “But why wouldn’t Starz renew Outlander for an eighth season? It’s a huge hit!” And you’re right, it is. And Starz clearly believes in the brand, otherwise it wouldn’t be developing spinoff series.

But things get more complicated as shows get into older age. Stars Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe have both been branching out into other projects lately and may eventually want to leave. Perhaps that spinoff show is way to replace Outlander, not accompany it.

That said, Davis wants to adapt all 10 of author Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander books, both the nine that are already out and the tenth on the way. The show adapts roughly one book per season, so that’s a 10-season plan. “I’d love to see it through to the end,” she said. “I think this has been such a fun project to work on. It does make me pretty sad to think one day it will end, because there’s no other show I have as much fun talking about.”

If she wants to start planning ahead, Davis at least has a bit of a leg up on things, even if she wants to know more. “[Gabaldon] sent me the last page of the last book, but I feel like that’s not enough for me,” she revealed. “I want to know what book 10 is going to be already. I still have questions, though. I’ll be honest, I still have questions.”

You can catch new episodes of Outlander season 6 on Sunday on Starz.

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