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Will Outlander act as a lead-in for The Rook?

ByAlexandria Ingham|
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 19: (L-R) Actor Jake Abel, writer/producer Stephenie Meyer and actor and Max Irons pose at the after party for the premiere of Open Road Films' "The Host" at Lure on March 19, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 19: (L-R) Actor Jake Abel, writer/producer Stephenie Meyer and actor and Max Irons pose at the after party for the premiere of Open Road Films' "The Host" at Lure on March 19, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

The Rook is the latest book adaptation coming from Starz. It’s planned for late 2018, which could mean its premiere is planned for the same time as Outlander.

Stephanie Meyer, best known for Twilight, is taking a trip to the small screens. She’s going into the production arena, bringing The Rook to life. It’s another book adaptation coming to Starz and is planned for a late 2018 start. This could be another reason Outlander Season 4 is being pushed for November 2018. Starz could want Outlander to act as a lead-in.

Using a current show like this is nothing new or surprising. A network will want to capture the attention of current fans of a show and encourage them to try out a new production on the network. The Rook would likely cater towards younger females based on the description and those who are fans of the book, by Daniel O’Malley. Choosing a show with a strong female base (second most popular show on cable among women, according to Starz CEO Chris Albrecht) to lead into the new series would be good marketing.

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This wouldn’t be the first time Outlander is used like this. Before the start of the third season finale, Starz aired a promo for Counterpart. This went onto take over the Outlander timeslot the week after. It didn’t quite have the success that Outlander did, but then Starz doesn’t just rely on live viewings. The app is where it’s at!

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

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A big question is whether The Rook is a show that works following Outlander. It does have a supernatural element and it is a book adaptation, but is that all? The story follows Myfanwy Thomas, who wakes up with amnesia and is surrounded by dead bodies. It’s another British story, as Myfanwy needs to resume her position with the British secret service, the Checquy, before whoever it was who stole her memory can finish off their terrorist acts. Think of it as a little like the Bourne series.

There’s no set date yet and not even a month, but late 2018 certainly seems like it would suggest it and Outlander will be on the same night.

Next: When to expect Outlander Season 5

Do you think Outlander will act as a lead-in for The Rook? Will you stay tuned in to give the rookie show a chance? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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