Outlander is the base for STARZ when it comes to new shows
Outlander is the second-most popular series on STARZ. It’s now become the base to see what fans would like for new STARZ Originals.
With Outlander being one of STARZ’s top-rated shows, it’s not surprising that it continues to be a benchmark for the premium cable network. However, it’s not just a benchmark for standards for ongoing shows. It’s become a baseline for the new STARZ Originals heading to the service.
During the winter TCAs, STARZ CEO Jeffrey Hirsch spoke to Entertainment Weekly about the show and how it helps with the development of new programming. It’s because of the success of Outlander that shows like The White Queen and Dangerous Liaisons were adapted. STARZ realized that there is an interest in strong women from history.
However, the network doesn’t want to alienate men. While there are strong women, there are also some powerful men, relationships everyone can get behind, and plenty of drama and action. Sure, the majority of Claire and Jamie’s fanbase is women, but there are plenty of men at the same time. One of the benefits of a book series adaptation that spans multiple genres is that it pulls in a large, diverse audience.
Hirsch admitted that women are the ones most likely to watch the series. They then bring in their husbands, their children, and their friends. The audience grows from there.
And that’s certainly been mostly the case from things I’ve seen on social media. Many women share that they’ve convinced their husbands to watch the show, changing the minds of their spouses. At first, it does look like just another romance drama, but then you watch the first episode and realize it’s something more.
It’s a story of family, love, time travel, freedom, and honor. There are characters for everyone to enjoy, whether its the camaraderie of Angus and Rupert or the inner strength of Claire.
When STARZ greenlights pilots or even offers straight-to-series orders, it looks at Outlander first. Would it offer something that we are going to enjoy? If not, there’s a chance that it won’t be picked up and will need to be shopped elsewhere.
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What do you think about Outlander becoming a base for new STARZ Originals? What would you like to see brought to the cable network? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Outlander Season 5 premieres on Feb. 16 on STARZ.