‘Outlander’ Stars Wrap Season 6 — When Will Droughtlander Officially End?
Outlander season 6 has officially wrapped filming. Multiple stars of the time-traveling drama recently took to social media to share the news. Some even posted pics from the cast party. Now that filming is completed, there is one huge question every fan needs to know the answer to — when will Droughtlander end?
‘Outlander’ faced huge production challenges
It’s no secret that the pandemic presented some huge challenges when it came to filming season 6 of Outlander. Production was delayed for nine months, with a shoot scheduled to begin in May 2020 not starting until February 2021.
The production company dropped a ton of cash to build a testing center at their Scottish studio to keep everyone safe. And to allow for filming those steamy scenes between stars Sam Heughan (Jamie Fraser) and Caitriona Balfe (Claire Fraser).
Showrunner announces major changes for season 6
Because of “an unprecedented set of challenges,” Outlander showrunner Matthew B. Roberts has announced that season 6 will feature just seven episodes. This means that fans are essentially getting a little more than half of a regular season. Season 5 featured 12 episodes, while seasons 2 through 4 each had 13 episodes.
“Filming in 2021 has presented an unprecedented set of challenges,” Roberts said, according to Express. “[This] led us to the decision to truncate the season in order to bring the fans the most vibrant and dynamic season as soon as possible.”
There is some good news for ‘Outlander’ fans
With Roberts’ announcement that there will be just seven episodes in season 6, Heughan has revealed that the premiere will be an extended episode that will last 90 minutes. The showrunner also had some good news. He told fans that there’s no need to worry about the shortened season 6 because season 7 will be super-sized.
“Dinna fash, we will then film an extended season 7 with 16 episodes next year as life returns to normalcy,” Roberts said.
RELATED: ‘Outlander’: Caitriona Balfe Reveals Season 6 Is the ‘Beginning of a Journey’ for Claire
The showrunner added that they are excited to get into the editing room so they can complete post-production on season 6. Ultimately, the goal is to bring this unusually long Droughtlander to a close as soon as possible.
“We are excited to get into the editing room to work on bringing the fans one step closer to reuniting with the family back on Fraser’s Ridge,” Roberts said.
When will Droughtlander end?
Roberts didn’t give details about the premiere date of Outlander season 6, except for “early 2022.” But, Heughan did tell fans on social media that it will premiere on STARZ in February 2022. That means that it will be nearly two years between the premieres of seasons 5 and 6.
With the season 6 premiere still months away, it is possible that production for season 7 will begin before season 6 airs. Which hopefully means the next Droughtlander could be very short.
‘Outlander’ stars are enjoying their break
After filming wrapped on season 6, the Outlander stars apparently gathered for a cast party. Star Lauren Lyle (Marsali Fraser) posted photos from the event which featured her, Heughan, Sophie Skelton (Brianna Fraser) and David Berry (Lord John Grey).
Lyle also posted behind-the-scenes pics from the “wild shoot” in season 6. Some featured the actors dressed in full 18th century period costume while using their cell phones.
“Wrap on OL6 reflecting on a wild shoot period with the family during a pando,” Lyle wrote in the caption. “Thank you for all your Marsali love as always. Love her love you. Congrats everyone @outlander_starz – we can’t wait to show it off.”
Outlander season 6 will premiere in February 2021 on STARZ.
