Fans of the epic historical drama Outlander have something major to look forward to in 2024. Netflix has officially announced the long-awaited release dates for Outlander Seasons 6 and 7, sending waves of excitement through its devoted fanbase. But the journey to these dates has been anything but simple, filled with speculation, delays, and a few surprises along the way.
For many Outlander fans, the wait for Season 6 to hit Netflix has been excruciating. Season 6, which originally aired on Starz in 2022, took a darker turn as the Frasers struggled with mounting tensions both within their family and against external threats in colonial America. However, due to licensing agreements and delays, fans outside of Starz's platform have had to wait a full two years to finally catch up with the Frasers' next adventure on Netflix.
After much speculation, Netflix confirmed that Outlander Season 6 will be available for streaming starting May 1, 2024. This confirmation follows a consistent trend where new seasons land on Netflix exactly two years after airing on Starz. While this pattern frustrated many in the U.S., international fans in certain regions already had access much earlier, making the wait feel even longer for U.
S. viewers.
Season 7, however, is where the real buzz begins. The seventh season of Outlander was split into two parts, with the first half airing in mid-2023 and the second half set for release in November 2024. This season picks up after the intense cliffhangers of Season 6, exploring even more complex dynamics in the Frasers' lives as they face political upheaval, personal tragedies, and their role in the burgeoning American Revolution.
But here’s where it gets tricky for Netflix watchers: if past release trends hold, fans won’t see Outlander Season 7 on Netflix until at least 2026. It’s likely that the full 16 episodes will only arrive two years after they finish airing on Starz. This means an even longer wait for those who rely on Netflix to keep up with the show.
The long wait between airing on Starz and streaming on Netflix is largely due to licensing agreements between the two companies.
Since Starz holds the initial broadcast rights in the U.S., Netflix must wait until after the season has concluded to begin streaming. For Season 6, which concluded in May 2022, this meant a two-year gap for Netflix to pick it up. Fans in countries like the Netherlands and Australia have had shorter waits, receiving episodes almost simultaneously with their Starz debut, leaving U.S. fans feeling left behind.
On top of this, production delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors, such as Caitríona Balfe’s pregnancy, led to Season 6 being significantly shortened, adding to the overall frustration.
As much as fans are eager for more Outlander, the series is inching closer to its conclusion.
Season 8 has already been confirmed as the final chapter in the epic tale of Jamie and Claire, with production already underway. However, it’s not all sad news. A prequel series, Outlander: Blood of My Blood, is also in development, promising more stories from the rich universe based on Diana Gabaldon’s novels.
But for now, fans are fully focused on what’s to come in Season 7, and the impending arrival of Season 6 on Netflix is a welcome relief for those who’ve been holding out.
While the wait for the final episodes of Outlander may still feel far off, knowing that more drama, romance, and time-travel adventures are just around the corner keeps the excitement alive.
With Season 6 landing on Netflix in May and the second half of Season 7 coming in late 2024, it’s the perfect time for fans to catch up and prepare for the dramatic twists ahead.
What will become of Jamie, Claire, and their family as the Revolutionary War rages on? Will there be peace at Fraser’s Ridge, or will new threats emerge from within?
So, Outlander fans, what are you most excited about as these new seasons approach? Are you ready for the emotional rollercoaster that Season 6 promises? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this exciting news with your fellow Sassenachs!
