Outlander’s Sam Heughan on his offscreen relationship with his costar, new episodes and more

Outlander Season 1 Starz/© 2014 Sony Pictures Television Inc.

For fans of the captivating Outlander series, which follows the steamy romance and adventures between a 1945 former combat nurse, Claire Randall, and a 1743 Scottish warrior, Jamie Fraser — Saturday, April 4 can’t come fast enough. That’s when Outlander makes its midseason premiere on Starz and begins the last eight episodes of Season 1.

This week a new audience was introduced to the titular series with iTunes releasing the first eight episodes for purchase. While the series started with a built-in fan base thanks to the international success of author Diana Gabaldon, whose bestselling novels the series is based on, word of mouth, social media and critical praise has lured in a whole new audience to both the TV series and the books.

Last month we sat down with the strapping Sam Heughan, who plays Jamie Fraser, where he gave us some insights (spoilers ahead if you haven’t seen the first 8 episodes) on what to expect when the series returns to Starz on Saturday, April 4 at 9pmET. (A marathon of the first eight episodes will air prior to the premiere beginning at 1pmET.)

Outlander's Sam Heughan“We start off from Jamie’s point of view, and we see everything that he goes through to get to the point where he [tries to] rescue her,” Heughan says.  “Their relationship is now tested constantly. They’re always battling to get back to each other, to find some sort of common ground. … It’s about their relationship moving forward, and discovering about each other. Largely, that’s what a modern relationship is, really. You learning about how to interact.”

While there’s plenty to discover in any modern day relationship, Jamie’s at quite a disadvantage due to the fact that his bride Claire (Caitriona Balfe) is this mysterious woman with incredible knowledge who comes from, well, he’s not quite sure where.

“No matter what happens, or whatever situation they’re in, at least they’ve got each other’s back. I think that’s a huge thing for anyone to get their head around — where from the moment she sort of fell out of the sky into his world, his whole world has been rocked,” Heughan says. “As we begin to discover in the second part of the season, he’s got a lot more chinks in his armor. He’s not actually as perfect as we think he is. He has pride, and is stubborn, and has a lot of relationships he’s not dealt with yet. His sister, and his father, and I think also … we just begin to learn a lot more about who he is.”

So what is Heughan like offscreen and what is his relationship like with his dazzling costar Balfe? Of course, being the gentleman that he is, he can only professes his complete adoration toward the talented actress. “She’s just a lovely human being,” he says. “She’s a lot of fun. We hang out when we’re there, and we hang out when we’re in Los Angeles, as well. We went on a hike a few weeks ago. Yeah, it’s great. I’m very lucky. She’s a friend.”

While Heughan enjoyed the break after filming all of Season 1 last year, he was anxious to get back to work on the second season. “There’s a sort of normality to it, the craziness,” he says. “When we finished [Season 1], I was done. I really needed to sort of decompress, and it took me a while. It took me up until Christmas really. Then over the Christmas break, I’m like, ‘you know, I’m now ready.’ I feel recharged and excited about what’s going to happen in Season 2. I think it’s going to be fun.”

Well, we can barely wait for the rest of Season 1 let alone Season 2 of Outlander.  Bring it on.

MORE: Season 2 interviews with Sam and Cait!

28 Comments

  1. love his acting abilities, never seen so many different emotions come
    through my TV. Both Sam and Catroina are very genuine and real
    in their performances, which makes it so great to watch this beautiful story unfold. And isn’t Sam in a relationship with someone?

    • From what I’ve read several…Amy Shiels Abby Salt..ETC.. I would say Sam is Having a goodtime I think Cait. Balf is a little classy for him right now Look I love Sam and Cait together but that ain’t happening {sob}

  2. I also admire and respect all the actors of Outlander. Probably my all time ever favorite series.my goal for the summer and fall has been to read as many of the books as I can. I am a hopeless romantic and though the thought of Jamie and Claire really are in a romantic relationship in the real world would be wonderful, I think anyone who is fortunate enough to have a piece of their heart is very lucky. Unlike the previous comment that Jamie has some unattractive film shots, I do not believe any exist. Though Claire is very beautiful Jamie is exquisite. Even his voice is hypnotic. As a screen couple I am reminded of the chemistry on film between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Looking so forward to season 2.

  3. I just love outlander, I’ve read the books and of course love Jamie and Claire. If Jamie is gay what does that have to do with you? That’s why we have dreams!

  4. Sam is a fantastic actor – you know what he’s thinking even when he says nothing. While I don’t think he is gorgeous, his face is mercurial – in some scenes he looks 22 – older in others – extremely handsome in some scenes – not so gorgeous in others. But I’d take him any day, any way. What a gift he has for acting!!!!

  5. Sam Heughan is one of the best actors I’ve seen in a long time – and wonderful to look at, too! Caitriona Balfe and all the actors on the show are astounding, as well. I must say, I’m obsessed by the series and the books. I’ve read them all and am eager for #10.

    Back to Sam and the gay/straight speculation. From the interviews I’ve seen, he seems very intelligent and passionate about his work – a workaholic. Gay or straight – I’d almost put money on him being straight, but I’m not a gambling person 🙂 – I admire him for his ability to keep his life private.

    I can’t wait until March of next year!

  6. Seriously peoples gaydar went off. Good grief. Men can be strong and courageous and still be vulnerable and extremely loving. We all have more than 1 side to us. Many aspects and dimensions.

  7. Ladies, please!? First of all, Jamie Fraser, is a fictional character from the eighteen century. He is a very handsome, chivarous, nobel, educated, warrior, virgin of 22 at a time when men are considered to be old enough to marry at 14 and extremely lucky to be alive at 30! AS for those that have read the Outlander, books; they know that he is by no means a homophobic person, has been to prison and has had at least four homosexual, friends and experiences; yet Jamie, only proclaims his love for Claire! Jamie, does have sexual, relations with other women. There are no men like that? Sorry, disreguard these spoilers, if you have not read the books! Claires’ character can be considered of loose morality and sexually free by her own accounts. She admits to being sexually opened at a young age and losing her virginity before her first marriage. She has numrous sexual trists while married to Jamie. If that is the story created by the author, why would it matter if the actors that portray these characters are also, sketchy?

  8. I just adore the guy for his very good nature and being a brilliant actor. I don’t really care whether or not he is gay.

  9. Sam Hueghan is sexy and talented, and he plays a very alluring character in OUTLANDER. Jamie is a mix of macho and courage, tenderness and vulnerable while being noble and brave–but humble. And monogomous. It cant get better than that. Leave his private life to him, and enjoy his role and the story. It is delightful (except for BJ Randall).

  10. I also do not care what his personal life is an feel actors should have their much needed and respected privacy. I am not the former Caroline on here but I agree with what she says. He is a beautiful and talented man and I think we are all jealous of Claire!

  11. There’s no such thing as a Gaydar. Leave the actors lives alone. They deserve respect if you love the show so much. Surely.

  12. As a spectator, I definitely don’t mind if it is true or not that Sam would be gay. Definitely all the fans should not intrude in that private area. However, I can say that Sam portrayed a gay guy in a film named “A Very British Sex Scandal” (2007) , and he was definitely gorgeous.

  13. This may seem very unlikely in this age but I wonder if the man isn’t a virgin. They do exist, these elusive creatures but talking about it is still considered taboo…especially if you are a guy.

    • I am afraid you just mistake the actor and the character he portrays. Jamie Fraser is indeed a virgin in the show. All these assumptions (virgin, gay, etc) about the actor make me feel sick. Pay a little respect to the actors, please !!!

      • The man is 35 and the year 2015. He is handsome and has had mid-range success as an actor even before this show.

        If he is a virgin, I would be concerned for him. It would be very odd if he has not had any experience up to now. Otherwise, I am not interested in knowing his sexuality.

      • Unfortunately, when you step into the public stage people want to know the whole you. My family is in the entertainment world and you have to deal with all the questions, it goes with the territory. If you are willing to be an actor you know this. It is great to see people don’t care about an actor’s orientation, but audiences still like to know personal inform. It is just like any job…..whether it is right or not employers still like to know personal information. The audience is the employer. I think how absolutely great the gay actors are……actually exceedingly better then most of their straight counterparts.

  14. Where did the gay remarks come from? Privacy is an entitlement and it’s good neither feel the need to air laundry. Obviously if there were a relatioship, it’s none of our business. Enjoy the show.

    • I agree. His personal life is his own business. But I Do Not believe for one moment Sam is gay. Let it go

  15. Gay men are just the best at sex scenes with straight women….such tenderness and creativity
    Why are there not more straight men that can carry that degree of character portrayal????

  16. my gaydar went off also…..I do feel gay men are absolutely wonderful actors and especially when it comes to the tenderness in heterosexual sex scenes…….gay men can portray a loving character with a woman ….more so than a straight man

    • The notion that gay men can portray tenderness better than straight actors is erroneous. A good actor of either persuasion can usually portray whatever is called for in the script. Some actors are better than others of course.

  17. Oh wow! Let me start by saying: OHMYGOODLORD I love this show! I love the actors, awesome life like work! Totally loved the first season. Just putting this out there… why are people asking if he is gay? I must admit, my gaydar went off. I mean, it doesn’t change my view on the show, but c’mon. There is just that”little something” that makes you go hmmmm.

    • My “gaydar” also went off. I’m so sad for all of us women in the world….but he is seriously the sexiest still, whomever he loves.

      • My “straight-dar” went off. No way he’s gay.(not that there’s anything wrong with it….) You’re right, though, regardless he’s a fantastic actor, athlete, person….and a wonder to look at, too.

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