All 7 Seasons Of Outlander, Ranked

Outlander has been a hallmark of romance television since it premiered in 2014, and every season has been a worthy installment of the TV show. Based on Diana Gabaldon’s book series, Outlander‘s seasons draw inspiration from their corresponding books, providing a strong throughline for the story. Caitríona Balfe plays Claire Randall Fraser, and Sam Heughan plays Jamie Fraser, the central couple in the plot. As one of the best period romance TV shows ever made, Outlander consistently raises the bar for the genre thanks to Jamie and Claire’s relationship, which has been the driving force behind the show’s action.

Each season unlocks a new facet of their partnership and sees their love grow and develop as they pour their hearts and souls into defending their home. As Outlander season 8 approaches and the series primes itself to say goodbye for the last time, it’s exciting to look back on how far Claire and Jamie have come since their first meeting so many years ago. While no season of Outlander is bad, some of them are weaker than others because of external factors or an especially long period of hardship for the beloved characters.

7 Season 4

Season 4 needed more of Jamie and Claire and fewer familial missteps

The introduction of Stephen Bonnet, played by Ed Speelers, was unavoidable, as he plays a pivotal role in the story. However, the dislikable character was an immediate mark against Outlander season 4. Based on Gabaldon’s novel Drums of Autumn, season 4 sees Claire and Jamie travel to North America and start to build a home there while Brianna (Sophie Skelton) explores her connection with Roger (Richard Rankin) in the future. Unfortunately, Outlander focuses much more on Bree and Roger than it does on Jamie and Claire during this season, which was unpopular.

The development of Bree and Roger’s relationship over Jamie and Claire’s is the central criticism that season 4 faces.

The development of Bree and Roger’s relationship over Jamie and Claire’s is the central criticism that season 4 faces. While season 4 isn’t terrible, it’s regarded as a season to get through to reach the more successful season 5. The disappointment of season 4 cements that the best parts of the series are Jamie and Claire’s relationship timeline in Outlander. Additionally, the way the father-daughter relationship between Jamie and Bree is awkward and stilted, making their scenes together uncomfortable.

Outlander
season 7, part 2, premieres on November 22nd, 2024, on Starz.

6 Season 6

The shortened narrative made it difficult to flesh out season 6’s storylines

The issues with Outlander season 6 were mostly out of the series’ control, as the season was cut short due to filming restrictions because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this did mean that season 6 lacked much of the drama that made the books so engaging. Since so much of the conflict was pushed off to the extended seventh season, season 6 was left with fewer major battles or events. It could be argued that season 6 focuses more closely on character development and introspection and is surprisingly dark.

Though many of the most controversial storylines came directly from the books, that doesn’t mean they translated perfectly to the screen. Claire went through a significant struggle with addiction throughout season 6, and while this makes sense in the novels, it seemingly came out of nowhere in the series. As the series propelled itself into the American Revolution in season 6, there should have been more intrigue and explosive action. Fortunately, season 7 was a vast improvement on season 6 and has made up for the drop in tension.

5 Season 5

While season 5 is still family-driven, it’s a step above the rocky season 4

Outlander season 5 was a strong return to form after the underwhelming fourth season, as Claire and Jamie took center stage, establishing themselves and their family in America. Jamie’s relationship with Murtagh and Ian throughout season 5 is a bright spot as the series begins to expand into different storylines. Ian is set up to become a major character, along with the part he plays in the coming revolution. While season 4 handled the transition to family-oriented narratives more awkwardly, season 5 stuck the landing.

While Jamie and Claire’s romance is still secondary to the larger thrusts of the plot, seeing them grow as a couple and protect their family is endearing.

Though Roger and Bree’s relationship goes through its ups and downs in season 4, season 5 sees them get married, and a wedding is always a fun addition to the show. Roger’s character becomes much more likable, and spending time with him and Brianna is enjoyable instead of tolerable. While Jamie and Claire’s romance is still secondary to the larger thrusts of the plot, seeing them grow as a couple and protect their family is endearing.

4 Season 2

Season 2 is a strong continuation of the precedent set by season 1

At the start of season 2, the show faced some challenges, as Jamie was traumatized in season 1, and it’s a difficult wound to heal from. However, one of the strongest parts of season 2 is how Claire supports him and stands by him as he moves on and begins to feel safe enough to let her back in. Additionally, seeing them at court in France is a fun subversion of the rougher wilderness that made season 1 so iconic, allowing the characters to get dressed up and be part of high society.

The heartbreaking season 2 finale is one of the best in Outlander‘s history and is a significant part of why season 2 is so good. Jamie’s insistence that Claire goes back through the stones to protect her and their child and his bravery in the face of a decisive battle demonstrates why he’s a fan-favorite character. For viewers who weren’t book readers, this was a shocking twist of fate and one that set Claire and Jamie on their new paths for the remainder of the show.

3 Season 3

The pain of Jamie and Claire’s separation is healed by their reunion

It’s never easy to watch Outlander when Claire and Jamie aren’t together, but season 3 made the most of the separation, building the desperation for their reunion until it finally happened. Claire resumes her life in Outlander with Frank Randall (Tobias Menzies) and is pregnant with her and Jamie’s daughter, but Frank steps up and is a strong father figure for Brianna. In the past, Jamie also struggles to adapt without Claire, and in the wake of the crushing battle, he attempts to rebuild his life.

Even though audiences know that Claire and Jamie are meant to be, season 3 still makes a case for Claire’s heart being divided between Frank and Jamie.

This season also sees Claire and Frank move to America with Brianna, which foreshadows how much of the later seasons will take place on the continent. Even though audiences know that Claire and Jamie are meant to be, season 3 still makes a case for Claire’s heart being divided between Frank and Jamie. While many years pass before they’re together again, this time is pivotal for Claire and Jamie’s development, and witnessing their love blossom again like they were together just yesterday is a touching moment in the show’s history.

2 Season 7

The first part of season 7 has proven to be a great addition to the series

While there’s still a lot more of season 7 left, with part 2 premiering soon, the first half of season 7 has more than made up for the dip in quality of season 6. The action provided by Jamie and Claire’s participation in the revolution and the development of supporting characters like Ian and Rachel all strengthen the story and give ample tension. Season 7, part 2, and season 8 have to cover many of Gabaldon’s books. Due to this, it’s no wonder that the first part of the season has been thrilling and fast-paced.

Leaving off on an exciting cliffhanger, season 7 has sparked renewed interest in the character’s lives, and the separation of Jamie and Claire’s storyline from Bree and Roger’s has been for the best. Claire’s character has found some of her former strength and has been a force of nature alongside Jamie, who’s been fighting in the war and grappling with his secrets, like the identity of his son. Outlander season 7 has successfully primed itself for an explosive conclusion and a highly anticipated final season.

1 Season 1

The first season of the series will always be the best

It’s difficult to argue that any other season is as strong as Outlander season 1. The narrative immerses the viewer in the story from the first moment that Claire is onscreen, and her relationship with Jamie is established and developed quickly but naturally after that. The fantasy side of Outlander is in full swing in season 1, with the inner workings of the stones and time travel still a mystery to the viewer and Claire. Additionally, the early moments of Jamie and Claire’s love story are some of the series’ best episodes.

It’s largely due to season 1’s strength that audiences were compelled to keep watching and rooting for Jamie and Claire to get their happy ending.

Outlander season 1 hit every mark with the happiness of the wedding episode to the intense drama and evil nature of Jonathan Randall, one of the series’ best villains. It’s largely due to season 1’s strength that audiences were compelled to keep watching and rooting for Jamie and Claire to get their happy ending. While viewers don’t just tune into Outlander for the steamy moments, it’s undeniable that season 1 has these in spades, and they set a very high bar for the rest of the love scenes in the TV show.