After nearly a decade of time travel, tartan and epic slow-burn passion, “Outlander” is ending. For fans who tuned in as much for the sweeping romance as the battlefield drama, saying goodbye to Claire and Jamie leaves a very specific kind of TV void—one filled with longing glances and love stories tested by war, politics and fate.

The Starz TV series premiered in 2014 and is based on Diana Gabaldon’s series of the same name, which launched in 1991. There are nine books in the series, with a 10th being written this year. There are also novels based on another “Outlander” character, Lord John Grey—read why we think he deserves his own TV series here—and a graphic novel titled “The Exile.”

It will be tough to find an exact successor to “Outlander”—which serves a combination of historical romance and time travel. 

Fortunately, there are several series, also based on books, featuring all-consuming romances with breathtaking scenery, war, drama and complicated characters a fan can immerse themselves in.

‘Outlander: Blood of My Blood’

The prequel “Outlander: Blood of My Blood” follows Jamie Fraser’s parents, promising another epic love story shaped by loyalties and danger. Starring Harriet Slater and Jamie Roy, the series expands the Fraser mythology for fans who aren’t ready to leave the Highlands. Season 1 is streaming on Starz and the show has been renewed for Season 2.

“Blood of My Blood” is not based on a book. Gabaldon said she is currently working on a prequel book about Jamie’s parents. The author said that her book series and the TV series are different animals and do not follow the same stories. 

“My prequel novels will not include the stories of Claire’s parents. The two TV series, ‘Blood of My Blood’ and ‘Outlander’ are adaptations of my novels.”

‘Poldark’

If windswept cliffs, smoldering stares and a side of betrayal are the goal, this show delivers. Aidan Turner stars in the romance as British Army veteran Ross Poldark, who returns from war to find that his father has died, his love Elizabeth is engaged to his cousin Francis and his home is in ruins. And if things aren’t complicated enough, he begins to fall in love with his maid, Demelza. 

Poldark also has an archenemy—a wealthy banker named George—which really ups his levels of misery. 

The show is based on a historical novel series by Winston Graham. The first novel, “Ross Poldark: A Novel of Cornwall (1783–1787),” was published in 1945. There are 12 Poldark books and the TV series covers the stories in the first seven books.  All five seasons are streaming on PBS and Netflix.

‘A Discovery of Witches’

Romance, the supernatural and forbidden love—all of these things can be found in “A Discovery of Witches.” Starring Teresa Palmer and Matthew Goode, the show was adapted from Deborah Harkness’ All Souls Trilogy, “A Discovery of Witches,” “Shadow of Night” and “The Book of Life.” 

Palmer stars as historian Diana Bishop, who finds a magical manuscript in Oxford’s Bodleian Library. Bishop is secretly a witch and the finding draws her back into her old magic world. Handsome biochemist Matthew Clairmont (Goode) offers to help her. And by the way, he is a vampire. Vampires and witches are known enemies, but the pair work together to get answers and find they have more in common than a love of bewitched historic tomes. 

The first book was published in 2011 and the series ran for three seasons from 2018 to 2022 on Sky One and AMC+.

‘The Time Traveler’s Wife’

“The Time Traveler’s Wife” has a lot to attract “Outlander” fans, including longtime love, time travel, tragedy and questionable choices. 

The 2003 book by Audrey Niffenegger was adapted into the 2009 film starring Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana and was later adapted as an HBO TV series in 2022, starring Theo James and Rose Leslie.

The story follows librarian Henry DeTamble, who, due to a genetic disorder, randomly travels through time for short periods. On his travels, in his adult form, he meets young Clare Abshire and revisits her through the years. The pair eventually marry and Clare never knows when Henry will disappear and return—and at what age.

A follow-up book, “Life Out of Order,” out on Oct. 6, follows Alba DeTamble, who slips through time like her father before her.  

Theo James and Rose Leslie in “The Time Traveler’s Wife.” Photo: HBO Max

‘My Lady Jane’

Fantasy elements? Check. Historical setting? Check. Steamy romance? Also check. 

The 2024 Prime Video series is based on the 2016 novel by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton and Jodi Meadows. It reimagines the life of Lady Jane Grey with magic, political scheming and an unexpected twist—shapeshifters. 

Though not as serious as “Outlander,” “My Lady Jane” has a cheekier, more playful vibe.

This was “People We Meet On Vacation” star Emily Bader’s breakout role. She stars as Jane, a noblewoman who is married off to Lord Guildford Dudley, played by Edward Bluemel. What starts as an unhappy arranged marriage turns into a funny and swoony love story. The political drama and shapeshifting add unique elements to the story.

Unfortunately, the show was canceled after one season, which angered fans who immediately started a petition to save it. Among the fans mourning the cancellation of the show was none other than “Game of Thrones” creator George R.R. Martin. The legendary fantasy author blogged in September 2024 how much he enjoyed the “clever and original historical fantasy” series and lauded the fans’ passion. 

“I wish them luck. Jane deserved more than nine days, or eight episodes,” he wrote.

About the writer

S. Lynn Bonanno is in the minority here, she understands, but she prefers “The Time Traveler’s Wife” TV show to the movie. Theo James of “Sanditon” and Rose Leslie of “Game of Thrones?” Come on, that is a winning combo.