Outlander Season 5 writer spotlight: Who is Barbara Stepansky?

Barbara Stepansky is confirmed as the writer for Outlander Season 5, Episode 4. She’s a new writer to the team, and here’s a look at her past work.

As we get closer to Outlander Season 5, we’re hearing more about the writers and episode titles. Barbara Stepansky was recently confirmed by STARZ as the writer for Episode 4 of the season. She’s new to the series but certainly not new to the industry.

In fact, Stepansky has been on all sides of the camera. She’s an actress, writer, and director, which will certainly bring an interesting blend for the writing of Episode 4. This is a woman who will certainly know how directors like to think and about the clarity needed on a page to get her vision across for a moment, while also stepping back and allowing the director to work.

You’ll have likely seen some of her work. She was the writer for the 2017 TV movie Flint, starring Queen Latifah and Marin Ireland. Set in Flint, Michigan, it told the tale of the toxic water scandal in the area and how a woman just wanted to keep her family safe.

After working on a variety of shorts, movies, and screenplays, there’s no doubt that I’m excited about what she can bring to her episode. It’s also worth remembering that while the writer named for the episode, the whole season is a collaborative effort and there are many edits that happen. Something else that Stepanksy will be used to with such a diverse background in entertainment.

What we don’t get to know is what Episode 4 will be about. Based on the title “The Company We Keep” and the placement of the episode, there’s a chance we’re going to get into the Browns’ storyline here.

What are you excited to see in Outlander Season 5? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Outlander Season 5 premieres on Feb. 16 on STARZ.