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13 Reasons You Should Be Watching ‘Outlander’

So, there’s this new show. It’s called Outlander, and it’s based off of the crazy-popular book series by the same name written by Diana Gabaldon. And it’s amazing. Let us convince you:

The story is about an English nurse in post-WWII Britain named Claire Randall. Claire and her husband, Frank, are reconnecting in the Scottish Highlands after spending the war apart when Claire is suddenly transported back in time to 1743 Scotland. It is here that Claire meets Jamie Fraser, a young, gallant Scottish clansman with chivalry and muscles to spare and an accent and pectoral region that will make you weak in the knees.

But fear not! Our admirable protagonist, Claire, is smart and strong and definitely not keen on giving up her hard-fought 20th-century rights just because she finds herself in an era of misogyny and political turmoil. Before we get carried away (too late), we present you with 13 reasons why you should be watching Outlander. 

1. First of all, this is the romantic lead, Jamie Fraser: 

2. His name is Sam Heughan, and he is a 6’3″ born-and-bred Scotsman.


3. And this? This is Irish actress Caitriona Balfe as Claire Randall (nĂ©e Beauchamp), the story’s kickass female protagonist:

4. And, as if you weren’t already insanely jealous of Caitriona, she’s also a former Victoria’s Secret model. Yeah.


5. These two hotties have some serious offscreen chemistry, and we’re pretty sure they’re both single…

 
6. There are plenty of castles and historical anecdotes for the history buffs among us.
 

7. And, if you’re a stickler for historical accuracy (or even if you’re not, let’s be honest), you will definitely appreciate this attention to detail when it comes to the actors wearing kilts:

8. But if you’re more into Braveheart-esque action scenes and sword fights, Outlander has that, too.

9. The song that plays during the opening titles will give you chills.

10. If it’s good enough to be referenced on Orange Is the New Black, it’s good enough for us.

11. Almost the entire show was filmed on location in Scotland, and the scenery is breathtaking.


12. There are plenty of dreamy Scottish accents and romantic Gaelic phrases to go around, usually delivered with a smoldering gaze.

13. Finally, if you only watch the show for one reason, make that one reason Jamie Fraser. *clutches pearls*
 

Now that you’re completely hooked, check out the very first episode of Outlander on Starz’s YouTube channel:

You’re welcome.

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Sophie Dodd

Middlebury

Sophie is currently a senior at Middlebury College in (very) rural Vermont and loves it. In addition to majoring in English and double minoring in Classics and Film, Sophie loves watching makeup tutorials, buying magazines in bulk, obsessively repainting her nails and catching up on The Vampire Diaries. Oh, and she's completely obsessed with Christmas, coffee, and her two kittens, Luna and Zuzu.