Critic Reviews

“Outlander: Blood of My Blood” is a rare gem, glittering brightly on its own. Perfectly cast and well-acted, while honoring the source material, the show retains all the beautiful components that make “Outlander” so beloved, yet stands singularly on its own.

It has the all-consuming romance, gritty action, gorgeous costumes, shocking melodrama, mystical magic, feudal politics, and enchanting Celtic backdrop that made Outlander such an intoxicating hit over a decade ago. Outlander: Blood of My Blood is going to be your new favorite escapist obsession.

The result is a lush, addictive tale about the kind of love that conquers all—be it across centuries, countries, and even completely separate television series, reminding us why its predecessor is so beloved, even as it strikes out on its own path.

The most impressive part of this prequel is how exciting this story feels, even though we've spent so much time here already. Time will tell if this series has the legs its predecessor does, but the first six episodes and the four main characters, especially, easily answer the question of whether we needed this show at all with a big, bold yes.

Blood of My Blood is slightly more interesting on some fronts (Ellen’s) than others (Henry’s). But .... The vivid world-building lends real heft to the love stories. .... Its corner of 18th century Scotland starts to feel like a place you really might find yourself after wandering a bit too far into the woods.

Even as the preamble to a story on its way out, the series confidently debuts as a moving and frankly hot addition to an already deeply felt universe of storytelling.

An early and frequent reliance on flashbacks does occasionally slow the story's pacing in ways that might make you eager to get back to what's going on in the present day, but once the show positions its two leading couples in a place to cross over with each other, that's when Outlander: Blood of My Blood really gets going.

Although it brings with it a new cast of characters (albeit accompanied by a few old favorites, now a few decades younger), it's every bit as engaging, romantic, and yes, steamy, as we've come to expect from "Outlander."

Season 2 doubles down on much of what made the show’s first outing so appealing, adding even more passion and full-throated feeling to its story of rebellion and complex family dynamics. But despite the seemingly never-ending series of trials facing its leads, the show’s never felt more confident in its vision—or its heart.

The Season 2 premiere unfortunately dabbles in one of our least favorite Outlander tropes: the consistent need to separate the core lovers on dubious grounds. .... Nevertheless, we are suckers for this story. .... So we can forgive some narrative indulgences.