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The Guardian
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Outlander: Blood of My Blood review – this time-hopping romantic prequel is atrocious … and very watchable
Scotland, 1714, and the air is heavy with script. Scowling laird Red Jacob MacKenzie (Peter Mullan) has snuffed it and the task of spelling out the significance of the tragedy has fallen, from no little height, on his eldest daughter. 'Clan MacKenzie is vulnerable,' wails Ellen MacKenzie (Harriet Slater). 'No successor has been named. Someone else, not of our blood, could come in and take charge of the clan; of our home, of our money, of our reputation, of everything we have!' Agreement comes from the shadows, where a maid is hiding from the soundtrack's bagpipes. 'Your father's untimely death has shaken us all, lass,' she whispers, tremulously. 'What's to come will be a trial …' [a pause, here, to allow for the arrival of the requisite italics] '… for all of us.' She's not wrong. Or rather, she's nae wrang. For this is Outlander: Blood of My Blood, where the accents are as thick as the exposition and everyone is forced to stand in driving rain as slabs of dialogue are dragged by wincing Scotsmen across glens the colour of porridge. It's quite something. But then, so was – and, indeed is – Outlander, the unapologetically preposterous time-travelling romantic drama for which this unapologetically preposterous time-travelling romantic drama serves as a prequel. Outlander, for the unaccustomed, goes something like this: spirited second world war nurse Claire Randall (Caitríona Balfe) touches a standing stone while holidaying in the Scottish Highlands and is immediately transported back to 1743, where she falls in love with brooding soldier Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan) and his hexagonal jawline. There follows much 'love across the divide' melodrama, plus Jacobite-based skirmishes, VisitScotland-approved zoom-shots of cattle and soft-focus heritage buttocks. With the eighth (eighth!) and final series due to air next year, the decision has been made to expand the Outlander universe, lest the loss of muscular actors staggering between eras with their kilts around their ankles proves too much to bear. And now? The fun continues with Outlander: Blood of My Blood, in which we meet the parents of both Jamie and Claire as they, too, #livelaughlove between past and present. Hang on a minute, though. Didn't Outlander make it clear that Claire's parents died in a car crash when she was a young child? It certainly did! And was there any mention of them having been involved in any type of time-travellery prior to this? There certainly was not! But never mind that because they're alive now, banging on a first world war-era picnic blanket before conspicuously not dying in the aforementioned car crash. Instead, Julia Moriston (Hermione Corfield) and Henry Beauchamp (Jeremy Irvine) skip merrily from the CGI wreckage before Julia promptly disappears into the same standing-stone time-portal that will, 30 years hence, whoosh-off her daughter. The end. Of episode one, at least. There'll be more from the bangers as the series progresses. Or rather, as the series continues ('progresses' seems too strong a word for a production that contains the line, 'My, my, a sassenach – and a fiery one!'). For now, however, we are primarily concerned with Clan MacKenzie. 'There are plenty of folk eager to see the demise ae Clan MacKenzie!' warns adviser Ned Gowan (Conor MacNeill). 'I will bring glory tae Clan MacKenzie!' bellows Dougal MacKenzie (Sam Retford) directing the full-force of his 18th-century action-beard at shifty brother Colum (Séamus McLean Ross). Dougal is a Bad Lot. We know this because he shouts at boars and boffs a topless local over a barrel. Older sister Ellen, meanwhile, has just met Brian Fraser, bastard son of Simon Fraser, formerly Lord Lovat of Beaufort ('I'm Brian Fraser, bastard son of Simon Fraser, formerly Lord Lovat of Beaufort'). Stunned by Brian's (Jamie Roy) tousled bob, she agrees to secretly meet him on a local bridge. Will their forbidden love eventually lead to the birth of Outlander's Jamie Fraser while widening the age-old rift between Clan MacKenzie and Clan Fraser? Aye. Sign up to What's On Get the best TV reviews, news and features in your inbox every Monday after newsletter promotion The good bits, then: the (only partly Scottish) cast's accents, all of which are, to these Scottish ears, flawless. Similarly not-bad is the cinematography (spectacular) and the acting, which is uniformly decent. But the script. Oh, the script. There is the line, 'They say hatred and love are two sides of the same coin.' Someone else says, 'Rest assured, this incident will not be forgotten easily, Dougal MacKenzie!' before ducking for cover as another girder of exposition crashes from the rafters. It is both atrocious and very watchable. But is it as atrocious and very watchable as Outlander? For now, the jury is oot. Outlander: Blood of My Blood is on MGM+ on Prime Video now
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Outlander: Blood of My Blood: Release date, time, episode schedule, plot, main cast and how to watch Outlander prequel
Outlander: Blood of My Blood is the first prequel to Starz's Outlander series. It explores the love stories of Jamie Fraser's parents in 18th-century Scotland and Claire Beauchamp's parents during World War I. The series premieres August 8, 2025, with two episodes, followed by weekly releases, and is already renewed for a second season. Outlander: Blood of My Blood Plot and First Timeline The series begins with the death of Red Jacob MacKenzie, leader of Clan MacKenzie. He leaves no named successor, creating a leadership dispute. Ellen MacKenzie, his eldest child, is capable but excluded from leadership due to her gender. Her brothers, Colum and Dougal, are contenders, though neither was appointed before Red Jacob's death. The clan risks being taken over by an outsider if no decision is made. Productivity Tool Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide By Metla Sudha Sekhar View Program Finance Introduction to Technical Analysis & Candlestick Theory By Dinesh Nagpal View Program Finance Financial Literacy i e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By CA Rahul Gupta View Program Digital Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By Neil Patel View Program Finance Technical Analysis Demystified- A Complete Guide to Trading By Kunal Patel View Program Productivity Tool Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By Study at home View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program Red Jacob promised Ellen the right to marry for love rather than politics, angering her brothers, who try to restrict her movements. The MacKenzies have rivalries with both the Grant and Fraser clans but consider alliances to avoid conflict. Ellen reconnects with Malcolm Grant, a childhood acquaintance, but develops a deeper bond with Brian Fraser, son of Lord Lovat. Their romance grows despite political risks, forming one central love story. Outlander: Blood of My Blood Second Timeline and Claire's Parents The second romance follows Henry Beauchamp and Julia Moriston during World War I. When first seen, they are married with a child. A car accident sends them into a river, leading to a mysterious disappearance. Later episodes will reveal their courtship, shaped by wartime separation. Live Events This dual narrative contrasts one couple uniting against social obstacles and another struggling with distance and war. Outlander: Blood of My Blood Main Cast Harriet Slater as Ellen MacKenzie Jamie Roy as Brian Fraser Hermione Corfield as Julia Moriston Jeremy Irvine as Henry Beauchamp Tony Curran as Lord Lovat Séamus McLean Ross as Colum MacKenzie Sam Retford as Dougal MacKenzie Rory Alexander as Murtagh Fitzgibbons Fraser Conor MacNeill as Ned Gowan Outlander: Blood of My Blood Release Date and Time The first two episodes premiere Friday, August 8, 2025, on Starz. Episodes release weekly at: U.S.: 8 p.m. ET/PT Canada: 9 p.m. ET/PT Streaming: Starz app at midnight Outlander: Blood of My Blood Episode Schedule Episode 1: Providence – Aug 8 Episode 2: S.W.A.K. – Aug 8 Episode 3: School of the Moon – Aug 15 Episode 4: A Soldier's Heart – Aug 22 Episode 5: Needfire – Aug 29 Episode 6: Birthright – Sept 5 Episode 7: Luceo Non Uro – Sept 12 Episode 8: A Virtuous Woman – Sept 19 Episode 9: Braemar – Sept 26 Episode 10: Something Borrowed – Oct 10 Outlander: Blood of My Blood How to Watch Starz subscriptions are available at $4.99/month for three months or $29.99/year. No free trial is offered directly, but a seven-day trial is available through Prime Video Channels at $10.99/month after the trial. Outlander: Blood of My Blood Renewal and Future Plans Season 2 is confirmed and filming in Scotland. The main Outlander series will conclude with its eighth season in 2026. FAQs When does Outlander: Blood of My Blood premiere? It premieres August 8, 2025, on Starz with two episodes, followed by weekly releases every Friday until October 10, 2025. How many episodes are in Outlander: Blood of My Blood Season 1? Season 1 has 10 episodes, airing weekly from August 8 to October 10, 2025, with no episode on October 3.
Broadcast Pro
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
BeIN acquires ‘Outlander' prequel for MENA region
The series is both produced and distributed by Sony Pictures Television (SPT). BeIN has acquired the exclusive rights to Outlander: Blood of My Blood for the Middle East and North Africa, as part of a major international distribution push by Sony Pictures Television (SPT). The prequel to the hit series Outlander is set to premiere on Starz in the US and Canada on August 8, with weekly episodes available via the Starz app and its associated platforms. The sweeping rollout sees Outlander: Blood of My Blood licensed across major regions in Europe, Latin America and the Asia-Pacific. Among the broadcasters and platforms securing rights are MGM+ in the UK, Deutsche Telekom in Germany, Sky Italia, Movistar Plus+ in Spain, HBO Max for France and Central and Eastern Europe including Poland and others such as Nova (Greece), Yes (Israel), Disney+ (Latin America), LG Uplus (South Korea), Stan (Australia) and Sky NZ (New Zealand), among a host of additional regional players. Produced by Sony Pictures Television, the new drama has already been renewed for a second season. Inspired by Diana Gabaldon's beloved literary universe, the series promises to deepen the lore of Outlander by tracing the love stories of the previous generation, Ellen MacKenzie and Brian Fraser, the parents of Jamie Fraser and Julia Moriston and Henry Beauchamp, the parents of Claire Fraser. Set between the grim trenches of World War I and the romantic yet treacherous Scottish Highlands of the 18th century, the series introduces viewers to a new cast led by Harriet Slater, Jamie Roy, Hermione Corfield and Jeremy Irvine. Supporting roles include Tony Curran, Séamus McLean Ross, Sam Retford, Rory Alexander and Conor MacNeill. Showrunner Matthew B. Roberts returns to helm the prequel alongside executive producers Ronald D. Moore, Maril Davis and Jim Kohlberg.
Time of India
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Makers reveal episode titles of Outlander spin-off ‘Blood of My Blood' series ahead of its premiere in August
The Outlander universe is finally returning with a prequel spin-off, Outlander: Blood of My Blood. It is set to premiere on August 8 this year, and the upcoming series will explore the love stories of Jamie Fraser 's parents, Brian Fraser and Ellen MacKenzie , as well as Claire Beauchamp's parents, Henry Beauchamp and Julia Moriston. A Tale of Two Eras Unlike the original Outlander series, which follows Jamie and Claire's time-travelling romance, Blood of My Blood will unfold across two distinct periods. The show will delve into 18th-century Scotland, where Brian and Ellen's relationship defies societal norms, and World War I-era England, where Henry and Julia's love story blossoms against the backdrop of war. 'Outlander' Trailer: Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan starrer 'Outlander' Official Trailer The Cast The series features a talented ensemble, including Harriet Slater as Ellen MacKenzie, Jamie Roy as Brian Fraser, Tony Curran as Lord Lovat, Rory Alexander as Murtagh Fitzgibbons Fraser, Sam Retford as Dougal MacKenzie, Séamus McLean Ross as Colum MacKenzie, Conor MacNeill as Ned Gowan, Brian McCardie as Isaac, Jhon Lumsden as Malcolm (a suitor of Ellen), Sarah Vickers as Davina Porter, Peter Mullan as Red Jacob MacKenzie, Sally Messham as Mrs Fitz, Terence Rae as Arch Bug, Sadhbh Malin as Jocasta Cameron, Ailsa Davidson as Janet MacKenzie, Hermione Corfield as Julia Moriston, Jeremy Irvine as Henry Beauchamp, Annabelle Dowler as Lizbeth, Harry Eaton as Private Charlton, and once again, Tony Curran as Lord Lovat. Episode Titles & Teaser Trailer While a full trailer has yet to be released, a teaser offering a glimpse into the emotional depth of the two love stories is now available. The series will comprise ten episodes, titled as follows: Providence, S.W.A.K. (Sealed With A Kiss), School of the Moon, A Soldier's Heart, Neefire, Birthright, Luceo Non Uro, A Virtuous Woman, Braemar, and Something Borrowed. The Legacy Continues Outlander: Blood of My Blood promises to be a compelling addition to the beloved franchise, blending timeless romance with rich historical detail.
Irish Daily Star
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Star
Sam Heughan admits he will miss element of Outlander after season 8 filming wrapped
Sam Heughan has opened up about what he'll miss the most after wrapping up filming on Outlander, where he's been a staple as Jamie Fraser for over a decade. The Scottish actor is gearing up to bid farewell to his iconic role with the show's final season approaching, where the writers have gone to big lengths to keep actors in the dark over details of the ending. Chatting with Lorraine Kelly on her ITV show this Thursday, Heughan, who made a "special" gesture to a co-star during a new project , discussed his new WWF campaign that emphasizes connecting with nature. During the conversation, he also touched upon the bittersweet end of Outlander - whose spin off show's premiere date has been revealed - leaving fans eager for the eighth and last season. Lorraine said: "It has been such a huge part of your life Outlander and I know the fans will be watching of course they will. It's one of those shows its worked hand in hand." Read More Related Articles Ransom Canyon star Minka Kelly's life from tragic loss to famous boyfriend making cameo in Netflix Western Read More Related Articles Dolly Parton reveals reason she sleeps with makeup on and 'never' takes it off To which Sam responded: "I mean the books were written over 20 years ago, and Diana Gabaldon, I mean we must thank her, she's still writing. She on the tenth book, we finished about book eight or nine. Heughan spoke candidly on ITV (Image: ITV) "We have had to find an ending to ours but whether you're a fan of the books and read them or not, there's 101 episodes to dig into." Reflecting on his time on the series, Sam shared: "You work day in and day out with these people and they become family. That's something I will miss the most is the community and friendship from Outlander. "Can true love overcome rival clans? Experience Ellen MacKenzie and Brian Fraser's story in Outlander: Blood of My Blood, premiering August 8 on STARZ." Heughan hinted at becoming a fan himself with the unveiling of the upcoming spin-off show, Blood of My Blood, whose release this summer has fans buzzing, reports the Daily Record . Excitement enveloped Outlander enthusiasts last week when the premiere date for the eagerly anticipated prequel, Blood of My Blood, was disclosed. This comes as fans are on tenterhooks waiting for the eighth and final installment of the Outlander saga itself. Celebrating the announcement of the prequel's debut set for August 8, the Starz official handle on Instagram tantalizingly asked: "Can true love overcome rival clans? Experience Ellen MacKenzie and Brian Fraser's story in Outlander: Blood of My Blood, premiering August 8 on STARZ." Sam Heughan was interviewed by Lorraine (Image: ITV) Blood of My Blood promises to delve into the backstory of Jamie's parents, Ellen MacKenzie (portrayed by Harriet Slater from Pennyworth) and Brian Fraser (Jamie Roy of Condor's Nest), parallel to that of Claire's parents, Julia Moriston (Hermione Corfield of We Hunt Together) and Henry Beauchamp (Jeremy Irvine from Treadstone). For all the latest news straight to your inbox, sign up for our FREE newsletters here . "The series will center on these two parallel love stories set in two different eras, with Jamie's parents in the early 18th-century Scottish Highlands and Claire's parents in WWI England," the official outline states. Steering the ship of both Outlander and its offshoot, Matthew B. Roberts continues his role as showrunner and executive producer for the new venture. The initial season will consist of 10 episodes. Maril Davis and Ronald D. Moore is set to join the team as executive producer, while Outlander's author Diana Gabaldon will be contributing her expertise as a consulting producer. For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .
