Surviving Droughtlander - A Guest Feature By Jennifer Bollnow

Welcome to the Spotlight Lounge!
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Today Jennifer Bollnow is back with a guest feature for those that are looking for something to help get through the latest "Droughtlander" break.  Check out her recommendations and watch for my thoughts thrown in too!

Be sure to let us know what you think in the comments - especially if you have seen them! Plus if you have other suggestions feel free to share them!

"Droughtlander is the (overly long) period of time between airings of seasons of the wonderful show Outlander." (Source Unknown)

Jennifer Bollnow - 

In case you have been living under a rock, Outlander, on Starz has become an international phenomenon. The TV series is based on the book series by Diana Gabaldon which follows Claire Randall, who, while on her second honeymoon, accidentally travels 200 years back in time.  She meets her soulmate, Jamie Fraser and they fight for each other, their family and friends, against superstitions and even for Scotland’s freedom itself.  The show is currently filming Season Six and although the setting is currently in the US in early 1770’s, it is filmed in Scotland.  

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Each season is full of extravagant sets, amazing, detailed costumes, props and even theme song changes that reflect the setting, time period and mood of the season.  All this takes a lot of time to put together.  In past years, fans in the Scotland area were even responsible for delays in filming by having tours near the set.  All in the hopes of getting a peek at the stars, Catriona Balfe and Sam Heughan or even getting a scoop on the upcoming season.  All this makes for a long wait between seasons.  Fans have termed this time between new seasons as Droughtlander.

Season 5 aired on May 10th 2020.  Covid shutdowns delayed filming for season six.  Now safety protocols have changed how they work together, film (especially the many intimate scenes the series is known for) and how they keep cast and crew safe.  
Droughtlander will be longer than usual this time, so fans are looking for something else to watch to tide them over other than rewatching each previous season.  (Because most fans have all watched it more than once.)

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Here are some recommendations (some are a little out of the box):

If you like the Time Travel or Fantasy aspect of Outlander.  

​Doctor Who (2005) -TheDoctor (in all of their regenerations) travels through all space and time, in their T.A.R.D.I.S., helping those in need.  (Melanie - ALWAYS A fan of this suggestion - If you haven't watched before try BLINK - (Season 3 - Ep 10))
Quantum Leap (1989)-Dr. Sam Beckett travels within his own lifetime, leaping into the body of strangers.  He helps to right wrongs and help the underdogs with the assistance of the hologram of his pal, Al.  Always hoping his next leap will be the leap home.    
True Blood (2008)-In a world where Vampires have made themselves known to humans, telepath, Sookie Stackhouse encounters her first “live” vampire in her hometown in Louisiana.  The series follows her relationships with vampires and more. (Melanie - Not sure I would have thought of this for Outlander Fans - but Hey the first few seasons ARE outstanding!)

Melanie - I would add in here:-
Salem - Magic and Witch Hunts - An interesting take on things. 3 complete seasons!

If you like the romance of a good period piece. 

The Tudors (2007)-The reign and relationships of King Henry VIII  (Melanie - I rewatch this ALL the time! LOVE it!) 
Poldark (2015)-Ross Poldark returns to his home after the American Revolutionary War to find life had moved on without him.  He proceeds to start over with many obstacles stacked against him.  (Melanie - Another great one!)
North and the South: Book 1(1985), Book 2 (1986) and Book 3(1994)-Two West Point Classmates (from very different backgrounds) end up lifelong friends.  This friendship is put to the test as they end up on two different sides of the American Civil War.  **Patrick Swayze stars in Book 1 and 2**  

Melanie - I would add in here:-
Versaille (Like the Tudors but at French Court - 3 Fabulous seasons)
The Borgias (But there is an AWFUL cliffhanger - I still rewatch though - It's worth it just to see Jeremy Irons as the Pope)

​If you like the action and fight scenes of Outlander.  

Rome (2005)-The end of the Roman Republic from the viewpoint of nobility to ordinary Romans.  **Tobias Menzies as Brutus**
Black Sails (2014)-set as a prequel to Treasure Island.  **Bear McCreery does the soundtrack for this as well as Outlander.   (Melanie - This series was outstanding from beginning to end) 
Vikings (2013)-Follows the life of Ragnar Lothbrook, his family and the Vikings of Kattegat. (Melanie - We all know Greg LOVES this show - but not so much the final seasons. Earlier ones are awesome!) 

Melanie - I would add in here:-
The Last Kingdom - Like the Vikings but from the BBC / Netflix. I LOVE it!
The Muskateers - BBC Adaptation - 3 Fabulous seasons!

Jennifer Bollnow is a TVaholic with no possibility or desire to rehab. She met Melanie when they worked together on the former Voice of TV website. She especially loves sci-fi, fantasy, Christmas movies and anything with Patrick Swayze. She loves helping people find their new favorite series. Her current obsession is Outlander. This is her third guest article for Melanie's Muses!