The Only 5 Sci-Fi Shows Outlander Fans Will Need to Survive Droughtlander
These five will distract you during the Droughtlander times.
With no release window for the second half of Outlander ’s Season 7 yet, leaving us in an agonizing wait, so now is the perfect time to revisit the show and the original book saga. Or, alternatively, get away from the beloved setting for a while and explore other equally fascinating worlds.
Speaking of alternatives to Outlander, we should not forget that despite Gabaldon's enthusiasm for creating a historically accurate atmosphere, Outlander is essentially a science fiction show. It is a love story that manages to literally transcend history through time travel, connecting the fates of people from the 18th and 20th centuries.
Here are five excellent sci-fi series to familiarize yourself with or revisit in the current Droughtlander season.
5. The Man in the High Castle
Number of Seasons: 4
Where to Stream: Prime Video
We move from time travel to multidimensional travel with elements of alternate history. Based on the novel of the same name by Philip K. Dick, the series follows the alternate universe in which the Axis powers won World War II and divided the Allied territories, including North America, into spheres of influence between the Japanese Empire and the Third Reich.
The plot centers on an American woman living under Japanese occupation. She is quite content with her life and the Japanese regime — until the mysterious 'Man in the High Castle' introduces her to a series of films set in parallel universes where either the Allies or the rebels have defeated the occupiers.
4. The X-Files
Number of Seasons: 11
Where to Stream: Disney+
We couldn't help but mention Fox's cult sci-fi drama about the creepy paranormal investigations of FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. The show touches on many topics, including conspiracy theories, aliens, ghosts, and time travel, and the chemistry between the protagonists is as electric as Claire and Jamie's.
3. Timeless
Number of Seasons: 2
Where to Stream: Hulu
Fans of Outlander are sure to enjoy Timeless even though this show is leaning more towards the sci-fi genre, while trying to balance fantasy and historical drama. The story centers around an unlikely trio of protagonists — a history professor, a US Army officer, and an engineer — traveling back in time to catch a dangerous terrorist who intends to rewrite history.
2. A Discovery of Witches
Number of Seasons: 3
Where to Stream: Prime Video, AMC+
Although this series' narrative doesn't resemble Outlander much, fans often compare the two shows because both feature time travel and forbidden romance. A Discovery of Witches follows an Oxford history professor, who is also a witch, as she finds a magical scroll she is sworn to protect and forms an unlikely alliance with a vampire.
1. Doctor Who
Number of Seasons: 26 (classic series), 13 + specials (revival)
Where to Stream: Britbox (classic series), Disney+ (revival)
Some Outlander fans may know that Diana Gabaldon came up with the time-travel plot while watching Doctor Who, as Jamie's prototype was the Second Doctor's companion Jamie McCrimmon, a similarly Scottish Highlander who lived around the time of the Battle of Culloden.
Of course, the show has a much lighter and family-friendly tone than Outlander, but the iconic BBC series offers just as much empathy for the inhabitants of the particular historical periods through which the Doctor and his companions travel.
Whether you choose to watch the classic seasons or the revival that began in 2005 (especially with the release of episodes featuring the Fourteenth Doctor played by David Tennant and the Fifteenth Doctor played by Ncuti Gatwa ), Doctor Who is a great option for any fan of Gabaldon's work.