Outlander fans have shared their fustration after realising Season 8 may not air until 2026, and it comes as star Sam Heughan takes on a leading role in Macbeth on stage
While there has yet to be an official release date, fans are already speculating about Outlander’s return.
Viewers have shared their frustration, with many believing that Season 8 may be much further off than originally expected. It comes amid news that one of the show’s stars, Sam Heughan, is taking on a leading role in Macbeth with the Royal Shakespeare Company. It marks his first time performing in a Shakespeare play since 2012, when he appeared in King John.
Taking to Reddit, one fan posted: “What’s your guess? Now with Sam’s announcement of starring in Macbeth, I think it seals the deal that it won’t be in 2025 🙁 I hope it’s late January 2026. I’m disappointed that Starz said ‘coming soon’ at the end of S7. Very misleading.”
Others were quick to join in, with one user replying: “Early ’26 probably?”
Another agreed, adding: “I’m honestly guessing next year, I’m just not sure when exactly.” However, some people are hopeful as they pointed to the realities of post-production timelines and conflicting schedules.
One fan argued: “Season 8 wrapped filming last fall. Him starring in something new shouldn’t impact the original scheduled premiere for late 2025.”
But another user shared that there are multiple reasons why the premiere could be pushed into the following year. “Fall of 2025 was an estimate, not a specific date,” one wrote.
They continued: “There are many reasons why S8 will premiere in 2026: 1. S8 is still in post-production. They didn’t finish pick-ups and reshoots until November. 2.”
Another complained: “I was so annoyed about the lack of communication from starz and I understand there were things that are out of their control but it’s still felt like we were totally just pushed to the side as fans.”
There has been no official release date confirmed by Starz.
Meanwhile, fans have also been left thrilled with a new series, The Blood of My Blood. The Outlander prequel is set to premiere on August 8, 2025.