Starz can’t get enough ‘Outlander’ — network commits to books 3 and 4

Starz CEO Chris Albrecht announced today that the premium network has ordered “Book Three” and “Book Four,” emphasizing that the renewal serves as assurance that the popular show will run for “several more years.” As the show continues, “Book Three” will be based on Voyager, the third of Diana Gabaldron’s eight-book hit series, while “Book Four” will be based on the fourth, Drums of Autumn.

The series has built a strong fan base since its August 2014 premiere, and its popularity is only growing. While season 1 averaged a very respectable audience of 5 million multiplatform viewers per episode, according to Starz, season 2 is faring even better. Not only did its premiere set a Starz record for an original series/season premiere, the second season has made the show one of the highest rated among adult women across all of cable over the first seven episodes.

“Outlander is like nothing seen before on television,” said Albrecht in a statement. “From its depiction of a truly powerful female lead character, to the devastating decimation of the Highlander way of life, to what is a rarely seen genuine and timeless love story, it is a show that not only transports the viewer, but inspires the passion and admiration of its fans.”

Critics seem to agree as well. The series earned three 2016 Golden Globe nods (including Best Drama Series) and was even named the “Most Bingeworthy Show of 2016” at the Critics’ Choice Awards. With two more seasons to look forward to (so far), we’ll just have to see if the series can deliver on Sony Pictures Television’s promise that the best seasons are still ahead.