Why 'Outlander' Fans Must Wait Another Week for New Episodes

Paulette CohnFri, May 1, 2026 at 4:00 AM UTC

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If it’s Friday night, it’s normally Outlander night on STARZ, especially since it’s the eighth and final season. But with only two episodes left to air — Episode 809: “Pharos” and Episode 810: “And the World Was All Around Us” – the series based on the bestselling novels by Diana Gabaldon is taking a week off. Fans will need to wait until May 8 to get their Jamie (Sam Heughan) and Claire Fraser (Caitríona Balfe) fix.Here's the reason why Outlander isn't on tonight, and when you can watch it next.

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Why is Outlander not airing tonight?

While STARZ has not given an “official” reason, speculation is that it’s to build anticipation for the series’ final two episodes or to allow for strategic planning for those episodes in what is known as a "skip week."

It also allows viewers an opportunity to catch up if they’ve missed any of the previous eight episodes, so they're good to go for the ending.

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When does Outlander return?

Outlander will return with new episodes on Friday, May 8.

What can fans expect from Outlander when it returns?

Jamie (Sam Heughan) and William (Charles Vandervaart) team up to rescue Lord John (David Berry), who has been kidnapped by Captain Richardson (Ben Lambert). It remains to be seen if the TV series ascribes ascribes the same motive to the kidnapping as in the book, but in Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone, the reason is that Richardson is hoping that keeping John captive will influence his brother, Hal (Sam Hoare) to stop a speech in the House of Lords, as Richardson wants to manipulate the trajectory of the American Revolutionary War.

Then, Cleveland (Turlough Convery) shows up at Fraser’s Ridge because it’s time for the battle at Kings Mountain and Jamie will be off to war once again.

Related:Outlander Author Diana Gabaldon Praises Key Season 8 Changes — Including Jamie’s Emotional Reunion (Exclusive)

Who is in the cast for Outlander Season 8?Caitríona Balfe as Claire FraserSam Heughan as Jamie FraserSophie Skelton as Brianna MacKenzieRichard Rankin as Roger MacKenzieJohn Bell as Young Ian MurrayDavid Berry as Lord John GreyCharles Vandervaart as William RansomIzzy Meikle-Small as Rachel MurrayWhere to watch Outlander Season 8

New episodes of Outlander Season 8 will be available on Fridays at midnight ET on the STARZ app, streaming and on-demand; and at 8 p.m. ET/PT/7 Central on the linear network.

Next, Sam Heughan Reflects on How 'Outlander' Has Changed Everything (Exclusive)

This story was originally published by Parade on May 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the TV section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”