As I’m sure you all know, there is a lot of discussion out there on all things Outlander! In fact, several Twitter folk say they’ve never seen a TV series receive this much attention. I don’t know. I guess I never cared enough about another TV series to notice! But, Outlander? Yep, I care. And because I care, I’ve been watching all the media hi jinx. Ā It makes me chuckle.
One of the biggest issues being debated is whether Outlander will appeal to people who have not read the books. Ā Critics don’t seem concerned about the show attracting women who haven’t read Ms. Gabaldon’s novel. But men? They aren’t sure they’ll tune in. However, I think there is a male population the critics have failed to take into account…DHs and BFs. Ā For those who need a Twitter translation, dear husbands and boyfriends.
Almost every article written about Outlander’s rapidly approaching premier mentions the fan base. Ā They call us fervid, devoted, loyal, passionate, committed, and “Rabid” grrrrrr! Ā (Excuse me gotta wipe the foam off my mouth) Ā Along with these colorful and mostly positive adjectives, they always mention our size. Ā There are a lot of us. Ā And that’s my point. There are a lot of us that have DHs and BFs that are ….wait for it….men! Ā And guess where a lot of those men will be on August 9th? On the couch beside their significant others having a dram and watching Outlander.
I know these women. Ā They make things happen. Ā From the day they announced that our beloved book was being made into a TV series, I have been engaged with them on social media. Ā It’s been a wonderful experience. Ā They are witty, wise, creative, clever, caring and kind. (And some are a bit naughty #cgng) They come from a huge range of occupations and educational backgrounds; doctors, lawyers, authors (hello Jodi Picoult), homemakers, business women, etc……. But, the one thing they all have in common is their love of the Outlander series of books and it follows, Outlander on Starz. Ā They are passionate people so, it once again follows that they would share their love. Ā We talk about Outlander. We recruit. Ā Our husbands and boyfriends WILL be watching.
Please don’t think these men are being forced through some sort female machinations to watch a show they do not want to watch. Ā This isn’t the case at all. Ā Now, I’ll admit there will be men watching because they want to please their wives and girlfriends, but a lot of them are genuinely interested. Ā After-all, some of these men have been hearing about Outlander for over twenty years. Ā That is certainly enough time to extoll the virtues of Frank, Jamie and Claire’s story.
But, what about those guys who are watching to please? Well, because Starz decided to let fans watch the first episode early, I’m in the unique position of knowing how those men reacted to episode 101. Ā They liked it. Take a gander at the reports on Twitter and Facebook. Ā They are full of stories of men, DHs, BFs and brothers, fathers, uncles, co-workers, who not only enjoyed the show, but are anxious to watch it again.
Currently, there is a population of male fans who call themselves Outmanders. Ā I think their ranks are about to grow!
My Outlander Blog! 
Spot on! Thank you for your post. I am thrilled with the production. Having seen the first episode, it captures the spirit of the book. (ahem, watched it three times). Seriously, what’s not to like?? Sweeping landscape, haunting score, engrossing actors, authentic period details…. etc, etc. ANYONE – man or woman – who loves a great story will be compelled to watch. I cringe when I hear that Outlander is ‘GOT for women’. Grrrrr. STOP. It’s-a-great-story. Period.
Thanks for reading and of course I agree!
My DH watched the first episode with me, discussed it afterward, and is ready for more! There’s another DH to add to the “tally”.
Any suggestions? How DO we tally this? I’d love to know!
There was just the same “discussion’over the filming of Lord of the Rings. An equally fervent fan base had read the books-many many times. This time people thought the film would only appeal to boys.
Has Ron Moore had a word with Peter Jackson?
I don’t know, but I’m not sure Ron cares if guys watch it!
I’m the original Outlander reader in our house, subsequently joining as an Outmander, and my DW says I’m a fanboy š Even if the central character is female, the principles of honor, conflicts of right and wrong, where loyalty truly belongs, moral conundrums, and the forming and keeping of love are universal, independent of gender. If a man has interest in these things, in peace and war, he’ll like Outlander.
Thank you! I love hearing from men who love this series. I totally agree with you and have wrote several pieces about the characteristics you mention! “A woman to care about..” “He’s a man and that’s no small thing”
“Q&A comic con…” To name a few!
I did make my man watch as I wanted to see if he made the same comments as
http://thats-normal.com/2014/08/things-husband-says-outlander/
He was a bit bored to begin with but enjoyed it more when Claire went back in time. At the end he said it was good, and made you want to see if she would manage to get back to Frank or have to stay. He is willing to watch more with me. When he saw Jamie shirtless he said “I can see why this appeals to women”
LOL! My DH actually watched second episode without me! (I was in hospital, long story) He called me with questions!
! Good ones! Think we proved to them all men will watch!
Watched the first episode with my son-in-law and my granddaughters BF, along with my daughter and Granddaughter. Both of the men in the group recognized the quality of the production, the excellent acting, and were definitely going to watch more. They were hooked!
Glad to hear it!