Is 13 episodes enough for Outlander Season 4? Do we need more?

Outlander Season 4 is set to be 13 episodes just like the previous two. Is this enough to transform Drums of Autumn into the series?

Outlander Season 1 was 16 episodes long. The Season 2 came along and there were only 13 episodes. That same episode order was given for Season 3. Now Outlander Season 4 is set to be 13 episodes, but is this enough to transform “Drums of Autumn” properly? Think about how long the novel is?

Turning “Voyager” into 13 episodes was hard enough. I’ll be honest and say that things felt missing even as a show-first fan. I’m in the minority when I say I’d have liked to see more of the 20 years Claire and Jamie were apart. I wanted to delve more into Jamie’s time in hiding, in prison, and in servitude. I needed more of Claire going through medical school and facing the harsh realities of women (and people of color) in the medical profession. More of Brianna growing up and a focus on some of the happier times with Frank would have been good to see.

So much to tell in 13 episodes

“Drums of Autumn” is packed with action and danger. There are so many stories to tell, both in the Colonies and in Scotland. There are many who worry that 13 episodes won’t be long enough.

Watch Outlander with a FREE 7-day trial of Amazon Channels! /

Photo credit: Outlander/Starz Image acquired via Starz Media Room /

Of course, more extended episodes could help. With well-placed dialogue and short snippets, 13 episodes with a couple of extended episodes could be plenty. Season 3 could have been worlds better for many book fans with a couple of those deleted scenes kept in. What made it hard was the use of time on Claire as surgeon (although I got that part and appreciated it) and the wander through the wilderness (that felt like a waste) when time was already so short.

Outlander Season 4 could work with just 13 episodes with the emphasis on the right parts. Maybe the showrunners have learned from viewer comments in the third season. Maybe not. We’ll have to wait and see.

Next: Outlander' season 4: First look at Young Ian

Do you think 13 episodes is going to be enough for Outlander Season 4? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Outlander Season 4 is still filming. Follow Claire and Jamie on Twitter for more updates straight to your feed.

Home/Outlander News