'Outlander' season 3: Four new experienced writers join the team

Four new writers have joined the team for “Outlander” season 3. All the new members of the team are experienced writers, and they also have producing experience. Co-Executive Producer Matthew B. Roberts confirmed that the members in the writing room have read the books by Diana Gabaldon.

Roberts confirmed that Joy Blake, Karen Campbell, Shannon Goss and Luke Schelhaas have joined as writers this time around. Roberts is also a part of the group, along with Toni Graphia, Anne Kenney and Robert D. Moore.

Schelhaas has worked on popular TV series like “The Good Wife” and “Smallville.” With well over a decade of experience in writing, producing and a few acting gigs, Schelhaas may prove to be a valuable addition to the Starz team. Goss has worked on shows like “Revenge” and “Harry’s Law” and may prove to be equally useful. Blake is also a talented writer/producer who has worked on projects like “Ghost Whisperer,” “Matador” and “Outcast.”

Roberts confirmed that the new writers have “read the book.” It is not clear if he meant just “Voyager,” which is the third book in the series by Diana Gabaldon, on which “Outlander” season 3 is based. The books in the series are considerably large, making it a challenge for the writers to adapt for a TV series, especially when passions run high among the fan base.

While the team has grown substantially this year, it doesn’t mean the other writers will be taking a back seat. Roberts is writing 2 episodes this time around, and he will also be co-writing the finale with Graphia.

So, what does the new addition in the writing room mean for the fans? For the book lovers this could translate to the writers paying particular attention to the scenes that are of particular importance to the fan base. The show has got some criticism from one section of the viewers about the overemphasis on the sets and costume, while ignoring key elements of the story, and in fact making unnecessary changes from the books.

The TV series may not be able to escape some criticism this year as well, because the show will begin with the separate storylines of Jamie (Sam Heughan) and Claire (Caitriona Balfe). So, the fans who are keenly waiting to see the romance between the young Scotsman and the Sassenach will have to wait a little while. “Outlander” season 3 is set to premiere in September.

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