Starz has officially ordered Ronald D. Moore's Outlander to series, with an especially large count of 16 episodes.
The cable network, home to Magic City, Da Vinci's Demons, The White Queen and Black Sails, announced Tuesday that Battlestar Galactica ep will be adapting the drama from author Diana Gabaldon's best-selling series of books.
PHOTOS: Inside the 'Magic City' Season 2 Premiere Party
"We are thrilled to be bringing Outlander to Starz next year," said Starz ceo Chris Albrecht. "Diana has created an incredibly compelling heroine, thrust into a very complex world, not to mention, time. The books weave a fascinating tapestry of history, spirituality, love and honor, not to mention plenty of time travel, sex and warfare. With Diana's stories guiding us and Ron's mastery, we hope to bring Claire and Jamie to life for the millions of fans the world over."
For Moore, the order for Outlander comes three months after Syfy picked up drama Helix straight to series. The 13-episode thriller about a disease outbreak does not yet have a premiere date.
“I'm very excited to have the opportunity to bring these books to life," said Moore. "Diana's created a rich and textured world filled with intriguing characters, and I believe that Starz is the perfect home for her story. I think we'll make something that the millions of fans of these books will enjoy and recognize as Outlander."
Produced by Sony Pictures Television, Outlander tells the story of Claire Randall, a married combat nurse from 1945 who mysteriously goes back in time to 1743. The book series has sold more than 20 million copies, with the eighth installment due in stores this fall
Outlander marks the latest drama series to get the green light at Starz as the premium cable network ramps up original programming in a bid to replace Disney content. Starz recently ordered nightclub series Power, a drama from Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, to series. The cabler will bow four scripted series this year, including The White Queen starring Janet McTeer.
