Discussing ‘Outlander’ season 3 premiere date alongside ‘American Gods,’ ‘Power’

Do we have more of a sense of the ‘Outlander‘ season 3 premiere date than ever before? The clues are coming in, and this means that the opportunity is here to start piecing things together. Picture us juggling around various numbers for this story!

Let’s start with the news that was confirmed earlier today that the Neil Gaiman adaptation “American Gods” will premiere on Starz come Sunday, April 30. This series will run for ten episodes, and with that, it could end come either July 2 or July 9. The differentiating factor there is whether or not Starz chooses to take a week off for the Memorial Day holiday.

This brings us, in turn, into the next show on the schedule in “Power.” The Omari Hardwick series (and the network’s top-rated show) could premiere on July 9 or July 16. Is it possible that it starts later than this? Certainly, but it goes against the logic of the show wanting to air “Outlander” starting in September. “Power,” like “American Gods” before it, runs for ten episodes. The earliest that “Power” could end (provided there are no back-to-back episodes) is Sunday, September 3. Therefore, Sunday, September 10 is the earliest possible ‘Outlander’ season 3 premiere date.

Now, will “Outlander” actually premiere then?

Probably not, and for one simple reason: The Primetime Emmy Awards. Is there any logic in airing “Outlander” against it? Starz may not be reliant on live viewers, but they still want them. They’re like any other network in that sense. The Emmys are airing on September 17. If “Outlander” premieres on September 24, they avoid that and they can still air a 13-episode season by December 17 if there are no interruptions along the way. Starz won’t want to air a new episode of a hit show on Christmas Eve. As a result of this, Sunday, September 24 is the latest possible ‘Outlander’ season 3 premiere date.

In the end, we’re looking at a pretty simple three-week window for the launch of the show. Our evidence suggests September 24, but there’s nothing holding Starz to airing around the Emmys. They could opt to premiere on the 10th or even the 17th if they choose. Unfortunately, odds are you’ll be waiting until summer before they confirm anything one way or another. The Droughlander wages on!

Let us help!

While you’re waiting, we’ve got lots of fun features, including talk on how the premiere date could influence award-shows and ratings. Visit our official archive page now to read up and enjoy.

Also, let us know your ideal ‘Outlander’ season 3 premiere date in the comments! (Photo: Starz.)