To say the release of Outlander season five reignited our thirst (ahem) for the show would be something of an understatement.
In fact, rewatching the show has truly heightened our craving for Outlander season six, one we have been quietly nursing away at the back of our brains since the show—based on Diana Gabaldon’s book series of the same name—dropped in 2020.
And given the good news that the sixth season has gone into production, we thought we’d conduct a little investigation into everything there is to know about the show’s return.
Below, all the important details for Outlander season six (including when we might get to see it in Australia!).
What is the plot of Outlander season 6?
While the series typically takes the “one novel per season” approach, season five of Outlander actually merged events from the fifth and sixth books, namely The Fiery Cross and A Breath of Snow and Ashes. Given how it has played out, it seems probable that Outlander season six will continue on from the storylines of book six, and potentially incorporate some of book seven, An Echo in the Bone.
Below, Penguin Random House’s synopsis of the events of book six to refresh your memory (no spoilers, we promise!):
“The year is 1772, and on the eve of the American Revolution, the long fuse of rebellion has already been lit. Men lie dead in the streets of Boston, and in the backwoods of North Carolina, isolated cabins burn in the forest. With chaos brewing, the governor calls upon Jamie Fraser to unite the backcountry and safeguard the colony for King and Crown. But from his wife Jamie knows that three years hence the shot heard round the world will be fired, and the result will be independence—with those loyal to the King either dead or in exile. And there is also the matter of a tiny clipping from The Wilmington Gazette, dated 1776, which reports Jamie’s death, along with his kin. For once, he hopes, his time-travelling family may be wrong about the future.”
As for what we can generally expect based on the end of season five? Naturally, the show will have to pick up from where the intense finale left off, which depicted Claire getting rescued by Jamie and her family following her kidnapping and assault, while the colonies were on the brink of the Revolutionary War.
For Claire, we can expect to go deeper into her healing journey, with Balfe saying she is “looking forward to” seeing “how the family as a whole unit heal together”. In terms of the rest of the show, executive producer Matthew B. Roberts told ELLE US that the narrative will mirror “what’s going on with Jamie and Claire”.
“I think what’s going on in the world at the time, 1775, is really similar to what’s going on with Jamie and Claire,” he said.
“There’s going to be a revolution with them as well, and I think that’s what’s going on throughout the season: You have a foundation and when that foundation is shaken and there is a revolution, you have to deal with it. That’s kind of the theme of the season.”
And if you’re worried about the show’s famously steamy scenes going away because of COVID compliance, rest assured, those will be back as well.
“We have a lot of intimate scenes—that’s where we live and breathe,” Roberts told ELLE US.
He continued: “I don’t know how to write ‘COVID-friendly scenes,’ certainly not an Outlander scene, because we are going to have people next to each other, being emotional—you talk close to people, and that’s where it transfers COVID. We had to figure out, how do we keep Outlander, Outlander?”
Which cast members will return for Outlander season 6?
Unsurprisingly, we will see leads Catriona Balfe and Sam Heughan return as Dr. Claire Fraser and Jamie Fraser for Outlander season six. Returning cast members will also include Richard Rankin (Roger Mackenzie), Sophie Skelton (Brianna Mackenzie), Lauren Lyle (Marsali Fraser) and John Bell (Ian Murray).
Furthermore, the character of Fergus Fraser will be a recurring in the form of actor César Domboy, and David Berry’s Lord John Grey might also appear. Although not confirmed at this sttage, we might also see Maria Doyle appear as Aunt Jocasta.
When will Outlander season 6 be released in Australia?
Production for the series resumed in February 2021, with Heughan breaking the exciting news on Twitter.
“We’re BACK!! @Outlander_STARZ Season six shooting! Feel very fortunate to be working right now, production are ensuring everyone is safe and protected. Now just need to deal with the snow….” he tweeted.
Filming for the sixth season was originally scheduled to begin in December 2020, but it was unfortunately delayed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. And while nothing has been officially released by the show in terms of release dates, assuming everything runs on time, we might see season six premiere around December 2021.
Now, an official Australian release date has been confirmed by Foxtel for on Monday March 7, 2022 at 7pm available to watch On Demand through their streaming platform as well as on FOX ONE at 9pm.
If like us, you’re far too impatient to wait for the series to drop on Netflix you can sign up to watch the series on Foxtel – HERE.
Is there a trailer for Outlander season 6?
Along with a confirmed release date, Foxtel dropped a tantalisingly short teaser for Outlander season six, that, to no surprise, has left us thirsting for more.
In the clip we see our favourites couples living blissfully in the countryside. But we, and they, know the Revolution is coming and along with it war, death and heartbreak.
“It’s starting… a storm… the war,” Claire says as the tension builds and we’re given quick glimpses of equally tense scenes as she adds: “It’s almost here.”
Watch the full trailer below.
