Sci-Fi Storm

After Saturday’s debut episode of Starz’ Outlander series, based on the novels by Diana Gabaldon and produced by Battlestar Galactica‘s Ronald D. Moore and Sony Pictures, the premium cable network picked the show up for a second season. This is normal for Starz, who often pick up series after one airing, or even before – like with Black Sails.

The premiere of Outlander managed about 5 million viewers over the week, but perhaps more importantly is Nielsen’s new Twitter Ratings – a measure about the “buzz” of a show on social networks, which is perhaps a better early indicator of how interested and excited viewers are – where the show was number one among all TV series on its premiere day.

With the increase in interest of networks in buzz about their shows, producers have been organizing “live tweet” sessions with cast and crew, where they talk about the episode as it airs, giving behind the scenes info and interacting with fans, giving unprecedented access to the talent, and hopefully generated more viral interest in the shows.

Starz has finally set the premiere date of the eagerly anticipated TV adaption of Diana Gabaldon’s bestselling book series being executive produced by Ron Moore (Helix, Battlestar Galactica). The 16-episode first season will premiere on August 9th at 9/8c.

The story follows Claire Randall (Super 8), a combat nurse in 1945, who while on holiday attempting to repair a strained relationship with her husband Frank (Tobias Menzies, Casino Royale), suddenly finds herself in 1743 Scotland and striking up a relationship with Scottish rebel Jamie (Sam Heughan, A Princess for Christmas).