Why the Outlander season 3 episode 6 hiatus may not be so bad
The largest conclusion that we’ve been able to draw on the subject is simply this: The hiatus is coming about as a result of Starz wanting to almost divide their story up into two different acts. The first act is very clearly the story of Claire and Jamie finding their way back to each other; meanwhile, the second act allows for the two of them to continue the story together as a unit. This hiatus separates these stories somewhat, and in this instance may allow them both to be more memorable after the fact. There is something psychological about the space between episodes; one of the reasons why we are against the idea of binge-watching for great shows is that you miss something. Everything blends together and you don’t get that magic of separation and communication with other fans. There is still something joyful about watching an episode, being on the same pace as everyone else, and talking about.
For the sake of people with busy schedules, maybe this helps some Outlander viewers catch up. Or, maybe this hiatus is a way to recruit some new fans down the road.
While the obvious downside here is that there will be some people frustrated over Sunday’s hiatus, the upside here is a little more substantial. If these two weeks lead to more excitement or viewers getting hooked on the show, it offers up more time for people to catch up by the finale in December. Given some of the recent ratings bumps for the show it’s not out of the realm of possibility for Outlander to add another 100,000 or 200,000 viewers to its live measurements over the coming weeks. If it loses a few because of the hiatus it can easily gain them back because of momentum.
Not only that, but we do think that the December 10 finale airing one week later than it would have otherwise is an asset. It’s not too late that it will be disrupted by Christmas, but it may get a small viewer boost because of it airing late in the year when temperatures are down and there’s less distractions that keep people away from TV.
Hiatuses are frustrating, but this one — especially when you think about the benefits of added promotion for the Jamie / Claire reunion — could be more beneficial than any one of us may have initially thought. You know that Starz is going to make this one into something special.
How are you feeling about the Outlander season 3 episode 6 hiatus now?
Let us know in the comments below! Meanwhile, you can head over to the link here in the event you do want to get some more news regarding the fourth season — specifically, the big Aunt Jocasta – Stephen Bonnet casting news from earlier!
Also, like us on Facebook to receive more news on Outlander and other shows we cover via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: Starz.)
Gillian van Niekerk
October 15, 2017 @ 11:40 am
1) I just had 2 weeks vacation and only just caught up, so I’ve had my own hiatus, thanks.
2) I don’t really care about the ratings drive and other strategies.
3) it’s not winter here in Au, and I get my episodes via iTunes so I can watch it any time of the day
4) as it is, I don’t get my weekly episode until Tuesday, even though I live in the future, I have to wait for the earth to revolve to get my fix. ugh. I have a damn “haitus” every week! I can’t chat with the fans at all, I have to avoid FB completly for those 2 days to avoid spoilers.
5) yes I’ve read the books too, so I know what’s coming. didn’t we all wait an extra 6 months already??
Diane Clavareau
October 14, 2017 @ 10:33 pm
You all talk about waiting a week or a little more. Make me laugh. I have to wait until Feb 2018 to see S3 here, on NETFLIX in Belgium. So, who is waiting the longest? Luckily I have read the books and am eagerly waiting for spoilers to illustrate my reading. That’s about all I can do. Sorry if I sound bitter.
Gillian van Niekerk
October 15, 2017 @ 11:41 am
you could buy it on iTunes…. which is what i’ve done. I can’t wait for Netflix….
April Williams
October 14, 2017 @ 4:50 am
We waited for a year for this season alone, and then we only get 13 episodes??? Once upon a time, this would have only been half a season… I love ‘OUTLANDER’ but I feel so cheated.
Lisa Miller
October 14, 2017 @ 1:40 am
I hate waiting. We waited a year for this season and that stinks. I too have read all of the books and visited Scotland as well.
Lone Star
October 13, 2017 @ 7:38 pm
Long time fans survived #Droughtlander. We can survive this!
Samdog
October 13, 2017 @ 3:44 pm
So manipulative, I’m not stupid I get it. I hate artificial emotional breaks. I will not enjoy it anymore or less by waiting a week.
Pat Stevens
October 12, 2017 @ 11:28 pm
I don’t mind waiting because I’ve read the books may times and know what is going to happen. I’m just looking forward to watching the actors give it their all!
Alaine Pepper Agnew
October 12, 2017 @ 9:17 pm
A weeks wait is not so bad. The all too brief tease at the end of episode 5 is making the wait a wee painful, but not unbearable.
Judy Mumby Frank
October 12, 2017 @ 9:00 pm
For those of us who read the books there can be YEARS between the end of one episode and the beginning of the next continuation……..so I say PEACE and go back to previous ones and SAVOR.
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October 12, 2017 @ 8:10 pm
After the looong drought it’s agony. I won’t pretend it isn’t or come up with risible reasons to justify this lull. Not to mention our reward is an extra 15 min. extended episode for waiting.
April Williams
October 14, 2017 @ 4:54 am
15 mins is all we get?? REALLY??? The way they touted it about I thought it would be at least a half hour or a full hour longer… I feel so cheated…
Pamela B. Aquino
October 12, 2017 @ 7:57 pm
A week waiting is not like when we waited for Season 3 to start…one year…I am very excited to see Episode 6,the Reunion!!! Just makes me want it more!!! LOL
Wendy Holt-Stone
October 12, 2017 @ 3:59 pm
They gave us a lovely gift with Jamie’s faint. I can wait.
Dana
October 12, 2017 @ 10:43 am
I think Outlander fans have waited so long for Season 3, it won’t be too rough to wait an extra week for the Reunion. It’s just screwing up the momentum for me a bit, personally. Like reading a book and having to get back into it…….