Chris Albrecht feels the 'Outlander' fans' pain, but promises: 'It's going to be around for a while.'
Outlander fans, Starz CEO Chris Albrecht totally feels your pain.
The beloved time-travel romance, based on the hugely popular novels by Diana Gabaldon, was snubbed by the Emmys in the major drama categories in July, after it scored three Golden Globe nominations earlier this year -- two for stars Caitriona Balfe and Tobias Menzies and one for the show. (The show’s sole Emmy nomination was for Bear McCreary’s enthralling musical score.)
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“I don’t think we’ll ever break through with those people on those shows,” Albrecht lamented during Monday’s Television Critics Association press tour of its lack of Emmy love. “I was part of the team that invented how to campaign for Emmy awards. Trust me, it’s not a level playing field.”
“We couldn’t be more proud of the work that is being done by the people who are on the shows. It is award-worthy, whether it’s an Emmy award or not is not the point,” he continued.
Even so, Albrecht acknowledged the significance of being recognized for key awards in helping evolve the network and series.
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“I certainly know the people who work on the shows like to see their names among their peers,” Albrecht said. “There’ll be a show that comes along -- you won’t know which one it is and all of a sudden it’ll be the one. There won’t be a better reason than Outlander or Power or Survivor’s Remorse, it’ll just be a reason.”
Outlander was one of the pleasant surprises at the Golden Globes, and that fact wasn’t lost on Albrecht.
“Why do we go to the Globes? The Globes rarely let anyone go home empty-handed. We went home empty-handed this year,” Albrecht deadpanned. “I was really surprised. I was like, ‘Wow, OK, that’s a new one.’ This is all silly.”
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Even without the awards to show for it, Outlander is a crucial staple in the Starz portfolio. In June, it was renewed through a fourth season, which will coincide with the fourth book in the ongoing novel series. Albrecht revealed that once he reads Book 5, then he’ll discuss renewing it for season five.
“Outlander is going to be around for a while. We’re very proud of the show,” he said.