World Outlander Day is celebrated on June 1 every year. It is dedicated to the long-running historical television drama series “Outlander,” based on the also ongoing novel series of the same name by author Diana Gabaldon. The show stars Caitriona Balfe as protagonist Claire Randall, a married former World War II military nurse who gets transported back to the 18th century and falls in love with and marries a Highland warrior, Jamie Fraser, of a fictionalized version of Clan Fraser of Lovat, amid the Jacobite rising of 1745. The show premiered in August 2014. It currently has six seasons and has been renewed for another season.
History of World Outlander Day
The story of “Outlander” began with the publishing of the historical fantasy novel series of the same name by American author Diana Gabaldon. Gabaldon began writing the first volume of the series in the late 1980s, and the book was ultimately published in 1991. The author has planned a total of ten volumes and has written nine of them so far. The book series, similar to the television show, is based on the time-travel romance between and adventures of wartime nurse Claire Randall and Highland warrior Jaime Fraser after she is transported to 18th-century Scotland.
Time travel has been a theme in fiction for a long time. It was popularized in the late 19th century. These narratives focus on the experience and consequences of traveling through time, be it past or future. One prototype of such a story is Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” published in 1843. It features the hapless and miserly protagonist Ebenezer Scrooge, who is shown the consequences of his greed and lack of generosity. The more science-fiction-oriented version of time travel originated with H.G. Wells’ 1895 “The Time Machine.”
“Outlander” premiered in August 2014, starring Caitriona Balfe as protagonist Claire Randall and Sam Heughan as Jamie Fraser. The show currently has six seasons and has been renewed for another season. The series and its collaborators have been nominated for and won several awards, including the People’s Choice Awards, Saturn Awards, BAFTA Scotland Awards, and the like.
World Outlander Day timeline
Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” is published.
Gabaldon begins writing “Outlander.”
The first volume of “Outlander” is published.
The television show goes on-air.
World Outlander Day FAQs
Is “Outlander” a true story?
While some of the settings are derived from historical events, the show is fictional.
Did Sam Heughan and Caitriona ever date?
No, they did not.
Is Black Jack Randall a real historical figure?
No, he is entirely fictional.
World Outlander Day Activities
Watch “Outlander”
The best way to celebrate the day is by watching “Outlander.” Not only is it a great story, but it features some brilliant performances.
Read “Outlander”
If you’re curious about the books that started it all, give reading them a go! If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, try all nine!
Talk about it on social media
Talk about your love for “Outlander” on social media to share the excitement. Tag the post #WorldOutlanderDay.
5 Interesting Facts About “Outlander”
Claire was hard to cast
According to showrunner Ronald D. Moore, Claire was the hardest role to cast.
Gabaldon wasn’t sure about Sam Heughan
Gabaldon initially disliked the casting of Sam Heughan for Jamie Fraser.
Season six is the shortest season
The show’s sixth season is the shortest yet, with just eight episodes instead of the usual 13.
The audience is a mix of genders
Though the show’s target audience was older women, its viewership is a mix of genders and ages.
Gabaldon made a cameo
Gabaldon made a brief cameo in season one, episode four, playing the role of Iona MacTavish.
Why We Love World Outlander Day
It’s a good time to appreciate it
Outlander Day is a very good opportunity to express your love for the show. Show your appreciation through social media posts and rating and reviewing.
It’s an opportunity to try the show
If you haven’t yet, Outlander Day is a good opportunity to give the show a try. We guarantee you’ll love it.
It’s an opportunity to read
If you’re more into reading, it’s also the perfect opportunity to delve into the novels. The series of novels may seem like a lot at first, but with such brilliant storytelling, you’ll finish them in no time.
World Outlander Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | June 1 | Sunday |
| 2026 | June 1 | Monday |
| 2027 | June 1 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | June 1 | Thursday |
| 2029 | June 1 | Friday |
