After a strong start for the network, Starz has ordered a second season of its time-travel period romance “Outlander.” The second season will be based on “Dragonfly in Amber,” the second in Diana Gabaldon‘s bestselling eight-book series. The network has indicated Season 2 will run “at least” 13 episodes.
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The series premiered on Aug. 9 at 9/8c, setting multiplatform records, according to the network, and surpassing 5 million viewers. Additionally, it had a much more balanced gender divide among viewers than many anticipated. The premiere also enjoyed a strong social media presence, ranking number one in Nielsen’s Twitter ratings for its premiere day.
“The overwhelming support ‘Outlander’ has received from the fans, viewers and critics made the decision for us to go ahead with the second book a very easy one,” said Starz CEO Chris Albrecht in a statement. “Diana Gabaldon has given us years of great drama … We look forward to continue this spell-binding journey with Claire, Jamie, Frank, Brianna, Roger and everybody over the centuries.”
“I’m thrilled at the prospect of doing another season of this show for Starz,” said series creator Ronald D. Moore, best known for Syfy’s “Battlestar Galactica” reboot. “This project has been a labor of love from the very beginning and it’s incredibly gratifying to see it succeed with viewers and critics alike.”
Produced by Sony Pictures Television, “Outlander” tells the story of a combat nurse from 1945 who is transported through time to 1743 Scotland. The series stars Caitriona Balfe, Sam Heughan, Tobias Menzies, Graham McTavish, Duncan Lacroix, Grant O’Rourke, and Stephen Walters.
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The 16-episode first season is currently airing on Starz every Saturday at 9/8c.