Missing Bridgerton? Fans Now Have The Perfect Replacement Show To Watch This Summer As 34-Year-Old Fantasy Franchise Expands

While Bridgerton fans may be left waiting for the next chapter of the Regency romance series, Outlander: Blood Of My Blood could prove to be the perfect period drama summer fix. The Outlander series is based on Diana Gabaldon’s series of novels. The original Outlander series sees a young woman thrust into a romance that surpasses the boundaries of time.

Ever since 2014, Starz has adapted Gabaldon’s novels for television across seven seasons. However, in January 2023, it was confirmed that the series would come to an end with Outlander eighth and final season. Alongside the announcement, a ten-episode prequel was confirmed to be in development, focusing on the parents of Sam Heughan’s Jamie Fraser and Caitriona Balfe’s Claire Beauchamp.

Outlander: Blood Of My Blood Is The Perfect TV Show For Bridgerton Fans To Watch This Summer

Outlander: Blood Of My Blood Brings Romance Back To Television

While Outlander: Blood of my Blood‘s story may be an expansion on an existing franchise, there is plenty that can appeal to fans of Bridgerton. Even though the series features more fantastical elements, it still immerses itself in its historical settings, creating an immersive tale that places its audience in the past. As such, it can serve as a period drama.

Furthermore, the series is also unafraid to embrace its romances, as the Outlander franchise’s roots are steeped in romantic literature. The original novels were inspired by Jamie McCrimmon, a key character portrayed by Frazer Hines in Doctor Who‘s earliest seasons. Outlander’s setting and protagonist were inspired by Jamie’s origins in the Jacobite Scotland setting.

As such, Gabaldon has revealed that Outlander’s Jamie was directly crafted to be an ideal romantic interest. He is dedicated to being protective and caring, even if Claire is more than capable of handling herself. As such, the series is designed to hone in and let their bond drive the series forward.

Furthermore, each season of Bridgerton hones in on a specific romantic trope or archetype, be it marriages of convenience, enemies to lovers, or slow-burn friends to lovers. The Outlander series also does the same with its usage of a heroine immersed in an unfamiliar new setting. As such, those familiar with the tropes and genre will enjoy how it unabashedly embraces them.

Bridgerton & Outlander’s Franchises Both Put Fascinating Spins On Real History

Both Series Don’t Require Their Audiences To Be Experts On The Settings

While both franchises may embrace their historical settings, both the Outlander and Bridgerton series are also careful to ensure that their audiences aren’t forced to be historians to understand. Each series finds its own way to give its viewers an advantage or awareness of the world.

For Bridgerton, its ways of immersing audiences in its setting go beyond the use of familiar tropes. The series uses orchestral covers of pop songs to bridge how each romantic moment within the period setting compares to a modern context. As such, modern audiences can empathize with viewers more strongly.

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In Outlander’s case, it is able to immerse audiences in the world through its time-travel mechanics. While both Jamie and Claire may not be from the present day, the latter is still a character from a period that audiences could more closely relate to. In Claire’s case, her knowledge as a nurse allows her to be an asset.

Because of these methods, both Bridgerton and Outlander have been able to amass strong followings for each show. Viewers’ enjoyment isn’t dependent on being aware of the full historical context, as they are given these reference points to fully understand the world. As such, the series can feel more accessible while still allowing viewers to learn something new.

While each series has provided audiences with varying levels of accessibility, they have also not been afraid to expand their respective mythologies further.

While each series has provided audiences with varying levels of accessibility, they have also not been afraid to expand their respective mythologies further. For Bridgerton, the family’s romances have become more intertwined with their lives, as seen with the Lady Whistledown identity saga.

Meanwhile, Outlander’s time travel mechanics have led to the series becoming more complex choices, as Claire had to reckon with how her knowledge of the future could affect her time with Jamie. As such, each series trusted its audiences to remain invested as time passed.

Outlander’s TV Shows Deserve The Same Popularity As Bridgerton

The Outlander Series’ Unique Tale Deserves Wider Attention

Jamie Roy as Brian Fraser and Harriet Slater as Ellen MacKenzie touch foreheads in Outlander - Blood of my Blood

Though many studios are embracing the Romantasy genre with upcoming adaptations of Powerless and Fourth Wing, those projects are still in incredibly early development. As such, Outlander: Blood Of My Blood can fill a void.

While it may be a prequel to the original series, Blood Of My Blood‘s premise seemingly promises that it will be accessible to newcomers. By focusing on the romances of Jamie and Claire’s respective parents, the series is exploring new frontiers that aren’t reliant on knowing the existing mythology. Because of this, it can please both newcomers and existing fans.

However, it has already been confirmed that while Jamie and Claire may not be the focus, the key mechanic in their romance will make an appearance. At some point within the first season, one of the series’ respective couples will be sent to their counterpart’s time period. Therefore, Outlander: Blood Of My Blood will still give newcomers a taste of the franchise’s unique twist.

Every Time Traveler In Outlander Explained

There have been several time travelers featured in the Starz TV adaptation of Outlander. Here’s every time-traveling character in Outlander explained.

Finally, should it prove to be successful, Outlander: Blood Of My Blood could potentially usher in a new era for the franchise. While only a single season has been ordered, Gabaldon has specified that the series is partly based on outlines for a prequel book series. This indicates there may be more to the story beyond a single season.