Outlander season 3 episode 7 ratings: How did ‘Creme de Menthe’ perform?
Yet, we also had some concerns about this being the week bringing it higher numbers. Much of the season was hyped up around the Print Shop episode, so we of course had some questions regarding if the ratings would hold up without that sort of big event being promoted. The diehard fans would be there — whether they are watching the show live (which is what we are measuring with these ratings pieces) or watching early via the app. The larger question came in the form of the casual viewers, the ones who don’t always make appointment viewing.
Let’s get to the official ratings now. “Creme de Menthe” did end up unfortunately dropping a little bit versus the prior week. 1.52 million people watched the episode in the live+same-day reports, which is the lowest rating for the show since the second episode of the season. You can attribute it to a Print Shop hangover or to some other competition, but the truth here lies somewhere in between. Anytime you have ratings rises or declines there are almost always a million different reasons that go into it.
For Outlander, there is still a a lot to be proud of. The show did still draw very good numbers and this shouldn’t do anything to slow the show’s season 5 renewal odds. Just remember for a moment that Outlander is still posting better ratings weekly than it did at any point over its first two seasons. So long as that trend continues it’s not going anywhere. Also, you do still need to take into consideration that many viewers out there were watching after the fact, whether it be on DVR or On Demand. There will be a time later this season (potentially) where more of those numbers will be shared, and that in turn should provide a rather great sense of how viewers of a premium cable provider are choosing to watch some of their favorite programs this season.
The next new episode of Outlander airs on Starz Sunday night. It may be a little early for most large-scale ratings projections, but for now our sentiment is that the series will bounce back and finish in a better spot than this week.
What are your thoughts regarding the latest Outlander season 3 episode 7 ratings? Share some of your thoughts now in the comments section below!
Meanwhile, head over here (if you missed it) to read our full review for this past Outlander episode. Also, like us on Facebook for some additional news on Outlander as well as other shows we cover! (Photo: Starz.)
Liz
November 3, 2017 @ 5:02 pm
I found both episode 6 and episode 7 stilted in dialogue and in acting – sorry, and I love the books and the series, and I adore Sam as Jamie, so I don’t know whether the dialogue doesn’t work and therefore the actors are struggling? But I just couldn’t get into that special feeling you get from both the books and the series, that feeling of being involved somehow in their special relationship.
Janet Ewaskiewicz
November 2, 2017 @ 7:51 pm
There’s another factor that may have lowered the “live” ratings. This was Halloween weekend, and I know from my sons that a lot of parties took place this weekend. Between that and the World Series, I’d say the ratings were excellent.
Nan
November 2, 2017 @ 11:28 am
Ratings are certainly a measure of popularity but for a streaming service such as STARZ, subscriptions are the true measure of a show’s worth to them. Another measure is “after sale”,DVDs,other market sales, as in other countries;Prime,Netflix,etc. and now being shown over broadcast tv in England.Those all count to a show’s worth versus production costs.So,Outlander will probably be cost effective, unless production costs rise too high. One thing that might work against an eighth season are main actor contracts that are initially,usually,seven years. I would bet both Sam and Cait would probably negotiate for better pay. They might consider continuing if they get lattitude in scheduling, to take better paying movie parts,of course, that depends on whether Sam and/or Cait’s movie carreer’s take off.We can only hope things work for our favor to keep the show going for all the books
Grandma Bennie
November 2, 2017 @ 1:04 am
Cait has said that they have contracts for seven seasons. I would prefer to see at least 10 but Outlander ain’t goin’ nowhere anytime soom.
Mo
November 1, 2017 @ 3:10 pm
May have been due to disappointment over ep. 6 and its failure to capture the original story written in the book. This was a great part of my delay in watching and ep. 7 did little to improve this.
Buxtehude11
November 1, 2017 @ 3:34 pm
I can’t disagree with you. Book readers have loved this saga for years and have certain expectations that are often unfulfilled. However , as a non book reader, I do not share your objections. I think, if the show’s success depended solely on book readers, the slight decline in ratings would be far more concerning. Folks like me are totally hyped for every episode. However, My fervent hope is that the writers and directors will be more mindful of how they adapt the book material for TV so that the fandom can be reunited in our shared love of this wonderful show. Episode 308 looks like a winner! Fingers crossed, my friend …
Sue Malewitz
November 1, 2017 @ 4:49 pm
I haven’t read the books, so I don’t know when they change the story lines. I like it better that way, actually.
Jill Martin
November 1, 2017 @ 7:58 pm
I am a book reader from the very beginning and have reread numerous times. Is it weird to say I know the dialogue like the back of my hand? [kidding]
I’ve found there is a certain mind shift to be made when making comparisons btwn book and TV series. They really are two separate entities, and if looked at with that understanding in mind, there is no disappointment. It’s impossible for an adaption to include everything we want from Diana’s exceptionally voluminous books. I know that the writers, producers and cast are very mindful of fan expectations and take great care when they must alter an episode. I was surprised in Creme de Menth when Jamie revealed his son to Claire so soon [it happens much later in the books and is quite dramatic] [no, no spoilers]. But after I learned the reasons and understood the consideration and discussions that ensued, I’m fine with it. I remain so dang grateful that this extraordinary story is coming to life with the most amazing acting/actors I’ve ever seen and I support and appreciate every last one of them.
I hate to see some fans go after the writer of a particular episode with so much venom it’s shocking and disgraceful. To those I say, don’t watch it if you can’t resist disparaging the entire production team — we don’t need “fans” like that.
I too have Starz only to watch Outlander and plan to cancel after the last episode and I am thoroughly enjoying it.
And that’s all I have to say about THAT! :-)
Ru
November 4, 2017 @ 12:17 am
I like your thoughtful comment/response here Jill.
Just wanted to say that.
Jill Martin
November 4, 2017 @ 12:27 am
Thank you, Ru! I appreciate your support!
Jennifer Johnson
November 1, 2017 @ 4:01 pm
My thoughts too. I know at least one who cancelled their subscription after they botched the printshop episode so badly.
Ru
November 1, 2017 @ 6:29 pm
Cancelling their subscription.. that feels too extreme to me.
I am very curious how was that scene in the books than?! As personally I really enjoyed how they did it in the series.
I haven’t read the books.. though
Evelyn Fitzwater
November 1, 2017 @ 7:00 pm
bit over the top for me to cancel over 1 disappointing ep. I hve read books a couple of times and loving the series. Everyone to their own opinion but the show mixes it up so that I get surprises every week!
Nancey Hardman
November 1, 2017 @ 8:21 pm
I’m with you Evelyn, I’ve been waiting 20 years for Outlander to be serialized. So far, so good.Cait and Sam are wonderful and everything else about the series has more than satisfied. I’ve read all the books at least three times and love them for themselves. I won’t stop watching unless it really drops the ball, as True Blood did.
Becky
November 1, 2017 @ 6:02 pm
Perhaps this is the answer to my earlier question.. Should I read the books first and after watch the show or should I better wait?!
I think I better do not read the books as that will create certain expectations and expectations always lead to disappointments, in my experience.
I haven’t read the books therefore I fully enjoyed the episode 6. If it is even better in the books.. so be it.. I will enjoy it once again but in another media.
I hope this makes sense.. :-)
Buxtehude11
November 1, 2017 @ 2:57 pm
I think the answer lies in three words :THE WORLD SERIES. It happens to be the greatest series played in my lifetime. I believe this is a significant factor in this minor ratings glitch. In any case, there is absolutely no need to panic . Ratings fluctuations are normal and Starz has to realize that Outlander is their proverbial ” golden goose”. I don’t know what others would do, but, if Outlander is not renewed, my subscription to the channel will be cancelled and the App deleted from every device I own.
My viewing process is as follows: I watch Outlander at 12 Midnight ( Sunday morning)via Starz App on my Macbook Pro, watch again at 8pm ( simultaneously recording episode on DVR) and, (if my schedule allows and I really love a particular episode ) a couple more times on my iPads. I think this kind of viewing process is unique to Outlander fandom. I’m sure this anomaly is part of the Starz ratings measurement rubric when deciding when and if to renew a show. The second half of the season looks like a rip roaring adventure that Outlander fans are going to adore…. So, calm down, Carter ….the ratings are going to be huge!
Becky
November 1, 2017 @ 6:12 pm
Outlander is doing exceptionally well, and even if we won’t hit another record this season, the ratings performance has been truly impressive this season. It is more than 40% improvement from the last season !! That is very rare!
So I have no doubt that the show will get renewed. As you said, it is their “Golden Goose”
I just feel that we have to be a bit more realistic with our expectations, that’s it.
Deborah Cecatiello
November 3, 2017 @ 1:48 pm
A little OT but are you a fan of Buxtehude the composer or is that your name? I’ve sung Membra Jesu Nostri. It’s a gorgeous work. OT I agree that TWS might have robbed us of some viewers but I agree it was more because of the build up of the print shop episode.
Anne Templeton Wilson
November 1, 2017 @ 2:35 pm
Off the mark and too much stuff that made no sense to the story line someone script writers need to at least know the story lines you think?
Nancey Hardman
November 1, 2017 @ 8:38 pm
I sort of agree with you, only I’ll take what I can get. The characterizations were off just a bit, Jamie and Claire were not quite themselves. I did get the feeling that the writers were not sufficiently in tune with who they were. Maybe there should be more than one writer involved, although I guess they do go over the finished script to weed out any major errors. I don’t like the idea that seems so prevalent that basically says “Conflict for conflict’s” sake. That certainly doesn’t apply with Outlander. There’s enough conflict all around the main characters that conflict between them should not be presented to the extent that it is out of character. Still, I don’t believe in viciously bad mouthing the writers. I certainly couldn’t do what they do and I’m grateful to them. there are just bound to be some episodes better than others….
Becky
November 1, 2017 @ 12:44 am
Uh.. my gut feeling was correct (unfortunately) the episode got 1.52m live viewers, which is still very good though.
I just think that our expectations grew a bit too optimistic. There is been so much hype and anticipation around the Print Shop episode, so now when it is done, it will be very interesting to see how it holds and I really hope we smash more viewers records this season.
Jill Martin
November 1, 2017 @ 12:18 am
Just wondering if subsequent showings on Starz after the Sunday premier count toward the numbers? I can watch it numerous times in one day and sometimes do. I watch it throughout the week up until the new episode. #justdoingmypart :-)
Becky
November 1, 2017 @ 12:48 am
I am not 100% sure, but I think it does not count. Definitely not the ones you watch in the week later. However those will be added in the DVR viewing figures, which should be announced sometime later. Those are very important to STARZ as well.
Well done for doing your part Jill! :-)
Jill Martin
November 1, 2017 @ 1:50 am
Thank you for your reply, Becky! Nice …! As long as they count somewhere. Actually, I don’t rewatch for the numbers — purely selfish act. lol
Becky
November 1, 2017 @ 6:14 pm
Haha.. gotcha
I am truly selfish as you are, Jill!
Jamey Stuart Jeffries
November 1, 2017 @ 2:48 am
I just watched 5 times in roll fun halloween night
Becky
November 1, 2017 @ 6:16 pm
? 5 times !!?!
Wow.
Did you noticed anything new on your fifth viewing? ? curious
Carri am
November 2, 2017 @ 11:15 pm
I watched it for my 4th time last night and noticed this time that Claire calls Jamie “Jamie” in front of Madame Jeanne when she comes in to see what was going on when Claire was attacked. I don’t remember if that happened before or if she knew his real name either in the show or the book. Now I have to go back to the book to see!
Sue Malewitz
November 1, 2017 @ 4:49 pm
I record it on Sunday nights so I can watch it multiple times throughout the week, and even after that. I agree with the comment above…. the only reason I have Starz is to watch Outlander. If Outlander goes away, so will my subscription