The beloved series Outlander is nearing its end, with the eighth season set to be the final installment. Although the exact release date remains unknown, predictions suggest it may debut in late 2025 or early 2026, as filming concluded last year. During a conversation with Caitríona Balfe about her role in the new spy thriller The Amateur, she reflected on what it means to bid farewell to her iconic character, Claire Fraser.
Caitríona Balfe, in an exclusive interview with RadioTimes.com, expressed that she feels she has partly said goodbye to Claire but admits it’s somewhat surreal. “I feel like I’m slowly saying goodbye to her,” Balfe shared. She described the experience as bittersweet since Claire has been a significant part of her life for 11 years. The character’s influence is lasting, as Balfe remarked, “She’ll always be with me.”
When asked about the final season, Balfe hinted at a “beautiful” conclusion, hoping that fans appreciate the ending. She stated, “It’s a fitting farewell to something that we’ve been so grateful that they’ve supported us for so long with. It’s a beautiful season, and I think the ending is really beautiful.”
Fans have eagerly anticipated how the series will wrap up. Balfe had mentioned during filming that certain portions of the script were kept under wraps until the last moment, indicating an exciting end to the series. “I can’t give any spoilers because I don’t know,” she noted during an earlier discussion with Collider.
The series, based on Diana Gabaldon’s novels, has taken creative liberties, which Gabaldon herself acknowledged. Responding to fan inquiries, Gabaldon warned that the show’s final season might not closely mirror her book series’ conclusion. She stated, “There’s only so much I can say about the show, but what I can say is that it really won’t resemble the end of the book series.”
Outside of Outlander, Caitríona Balfe explores new horizons in The Amateur, where she portrays Inquiline, a CIA asset working alongside Rami Malek‘s character, Charlie Heller. Balfe thoroughly enjoyed crafting her character’s backstory, despite limited details, revealing that she delved into books such as Legacy of Ashes by Tim Weiner. She described her character as a “lone wolf” working on her own terms, which she found fascinating.
Outlander fans can continue to enjoy the series available for streaming on Starz in the US and on MGM+ in the UK, as the wait for the final chapter continues. Meanwhile, Caitríona Balfe’s fans can look forward to seeing her in The Amateur, released in UK cinemas on April 11, 2025.
As the curtain draws on Outlander, its impact resonates with its loyal audience. Claire Fraser, brought to life by Caitríona Balfe, has left an indelible mark. The series’ closing stretches invite fans to relive its emotional journey while embracing new beginnings. As Balfe transitions to roles beyond Claire, her imprint as the resourceful and resilient character endures, poised to captivate audiences yet again.
