Outlander season 3 schedule: A look at the fall field

It feels like it’s been a little while since we’ve taken a deep dive into what the schedule is going to be for Outlander season 3 this fall, and the question we’re going to ask in this new feature is a rather-simple one: What are some of the individual shows and events that should be considered competition? We’ve stated that we’d love to see the series get closer to around 1.5 live+same day viewers a week, but what could stand in the way of that?

As we’ve stated before in similar pieces, there are a few obvious caveats here. For one, the fall field is still in some ways to be determined, and we also realize that this is just a tiny fraction of what the overall landscape could end up looking like for six months from now. Also, this is a show that is incredibly time-shifted, and given that there are no advertisements on Starz, delayed viewing is not something that they have to worry about too much. Still, everyone wants to get as many live eyeballs on their show as possible for the sake of crafting some of those excellent press releases.

The Walking Dead – Probably the biggest threat in terms of scripted programming, given that Outlander season 3 schedule likely throws it up directly against the zombie drama. While both are adaptations geared towards adult audiences, that is where most of the similarities end. We think that the audiences are fairly different.

NFL – Do we really have to explain the differences in audience here? There may be some common viewers they share, but we don’t see this being that huge of a factor all things considered.

Madam Secretary / any other CBS show – As of right now, the political drama is scheduled to air at 9:00 p.m. Eastern most nights, though during the NFL season it’s often delayed. We do envision Outlander sharing some viewers, but we do think that if faced with the decision as to what to watch live, most viewers would choose Caitriona Balfe and company. It’s the show that you would worry about spoilers for the most.

Family Guy – It does generate some good ratings in the fall, but this is Family Guy. We’d be surprised if there are even 10,000 people who have to debate which one of the shows to watch live.

The great unknown at HBO – This is probably the biggest competitor to Outlander, but unfortunately we don’t know what it is just yet given that Westworld won’t be out again this year, and Game of Thrones should be done by the time Outlander is back. The biggest thing the series should be worried about (though worried is probably the wrong word) is some other sort of competition that stems from other prestige programming.

For many of you out there, this won’t be an issue at all deciding what to watch — you’ve got Outlander season 3 written on your schedule through and through. It’s some of the casual viewers we may need to convince. Let’s get the show as many live season 3 viewers as we can!

For now, production for Outlander season 3 gears up in South Africa. Stay tuned for further news.

What do you think are the scheduling challenges for Outlander season 3? Be sure to share in the comments below! (Photo: Starz.)