20 TV Shows That Reference 'Outlander,' Because Jamie & Claire's Love Spans Time, Space, And Networks

- Outlander -
20 TV Shows That Reference 'Outlander,' Because Jamie & Claire's Love Spans Time, Space, And Networks

TV scriptwriters — they're just like us! Because, apparently, they love Outlander almost as much as some of the most passionate fans. My proof? The many, many references to Outlander on other TV shows.

Although I keep a tally anytime I hear the book series or Starz show referenced on other television series, a huge thanks goes to YouTuber Cymer TV, who created a pretty comprehensive video roundup of Outlander shoutouts. (And in the comments and on Reddit, fans added a few that were missing.) So without further ado, here's every time time-traveling Claire and kilt-wearing Jamie have been mentioned in other TV shows. With free publicity like this, who even needs advertising?

1. This Is Us

"Also, I am obsessed with the show Outlander. I've gone to conventions."
"No."
"Yeah."
"You're one of those people?"
"Yeah. I'm one of those people."

Who: Madison Simons to Kevin Pearson

When: Season 5, Episode 3, "Changes"

Why: Madison softens some serious confession time to the father of her unborn children by admitting her love of Outlander. But what do you mean "those people," Kevin?! Isn't your acting career suffering? You're sure as hell not getting a cameo on Outlander now.

Where to watch: NBC, Hulu

2. Grace & Frankie

"Depends if we've both seen Outlander that week."

Who: Coyote Bergstein to Brianna Hanson

When: Season 5, Episode 6, "The Retreat"

Why: Brianna wants to know how often her step-brother Coyote and her boyfriend Barry talk. Fingers crossed they still find time to chat during Droughtlander.

Where to watch: Netflix

3. Orange Is the New Black – Part 1

"Oh, shit. Outlander. You ever read this?"
"Nah."
"Lady travels back in time to Scotland and some shit, hooks up with this big, sexy outlaw type and they be gettin' it day in and day out. Yo, it's hot! But the dude's, like..., pale with red hair. Not my thing."

Who: Tasha "Taystee" Jefferson to Poussey Washington

When: Season 2, Episode 13, "We Have Manners. We're Polite."

Why: Taystee is giving Poussey a lesson on Diana Gabaldon's first novel in the Litchfield Penitentiary library. Even with the dunk of Jamie (hey, not everyone is into gingers!), her synopsis should be the blurb for the next Outlander reprint. This episode dropped on June 6, 2014 — two months before Outlander Season 1 premiered — so Taystee was a pre-TV show fan.

Where to watch: Netflix

Orange Is the New Black – Part 2

"I don't understand. The new Outlander season ain't even out yet."

...

"All I know is that this terrible thing happened and there is no going back unless we do an Outlander and go through the stone of Craigh na Dun."

Who: "Black Cindy" Hayes to Suzanne "Crazy Eyes" Warren; Suzanne "Crazy Eyes" Warren to Tiffany "Pennsatucky" Doggett

When: Season 7, Episode 3, "And Brown is the New Orange"

Why: Suzanne has brought Cindy into the library under the false pretense of having access to the new season of Outlander to trick her into seeing Taystee. But it's going to take more than their shared love of Outlander for these women to make amends. (Since this OITNB episode premiered on July 26, 2019, Cindy must have been trying to watch Outlander Season 5.) Later in the episode, Suzanne has Outlander on the brain when she tells Pennsatucky that she can't make things better for Cindy and Taystee without going back in time.

Where to watch: Netflix

4. Jane the Virgin

"It's a sweeping romance. An idea I've been toying with for a while. Think about Outlander, but instead of time travel, we do it with reincarnation."

Who: Jane Villanueva to book agent Jeffrey Mullins

When: Season 4, Episode 9, "Chapter 73"

Why: After her first novel doesn't get the critical response she wants, Jane's struggling for inspiration. So she "pulled trends and themes from the most successful romance novels" to pitch to some literary agents. (Jane should know that Gabaldon doesn't count her books as romance novels, but I'll let my favorite fictional TV writer slide.) Her pitch gets denied when the agents tell her they already have something similar to her idea. When's that book come out?

Where to watch: Netflix

5. The Boys

"What are you watching?"
"A show called Eat My Dick."

Who: Hugh "Hughie" Campbell Jr. to Marvin T. Milk "Mother's Milk"

When: Season 2, Episode 5, "We Gotta Go Now"

Why: MM is a bit embarrassed when Hughie walks in on him watching Outlander Season 1, Episode 11, "The Devil's Mark." So he slams the laptop screen down and comes up with this clever cover. If you're wondering how The Boys got the rights to show an Outlander scene, they share the same production company — Sony Pictures Television.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

6. Bless This Mess

"I'm not embarrassed that you caught me watching a Scottish fantasy costume love show. It's based on a book, so it's classy."
"Mm-hmm."
"I mean, they do show a lot of dude butt. They also show just enough nip to keep the fellas invested."

...

"Wish you would have told me we weren't trick-or-treating with Jacob before I watched multiple seasons of Outlander and rummaged through Rio's wardrobe."
"What'd you think of the show?"
"Highly compelling. Jamie's my kinda guy. He's strong, sensitive, good listener, very low body fat."

Who: Beau Bowman to Mike Levine-Young; Beau Bowman to Kay Bowman

When: Season 2, Episode 5, "Scare Night"

Why: Another show, another man getting caught watching Outlander. (This time, it was Season 1, Episode 8, "Both Sides Now.") In an attempt to win back his wife Kay, Beau watches 55 hours of Outlander (Seasons 1-4 — Season 5 wasn't out when this episode aired) and dresses up as her favorite character (Jamie, naturally) for Halloween. Outlander gets a whole B storyline in this Halloween episode, so I've only included the highlights. But do yourself a favor and watch the entire episode from this since-canceled show and hope that one day, your estranged partner will don a kilt, put on a red wig, and clench their butt for you.

Where to watch: Hulu

7. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend

"Oh, sometimes I wish I could just touch a stone wall and go back to 1743 to be with my other husband, the Scottish warrior, and you don't watch Outlander, do you?"
"Mm, sorry."
"Like, none of this makes any sense to you."

Who: Paula Proctor to Rebecca Bunch

When: Season 3, Episode 7, "Getting Over Jeff."

Why: Paula's feeling underappreciated by her family, so while getting doughnuts with her non-Outlander-watching pal, she's daydreaming of going through the stones Craigh na Dun. But look on the bright side, Paula — there wouldn't be doughnuts in the 18th century.

Where to watch: Netflix

8. The Good Doctor

"It's not just about what you do physically. It's about setting a scene, offering inspiration. I mean, do you know what movies she likes or what actors she thinks are sexy?"
"She likes the Alien movies."
"Something else?"
"She loves Outlander."
"That is a good idea."

...

"You wore a kilt? How'd it go?"
"We binge-watched six episodes of Outlander, she fell asleep on the sofa, so I came back to work."

Who: Dr. Claire Browne to Dr. Shaun Murphy; Dr. Alex Park to Dr. Shaun Murphy

When: Season 3, Episode 13, "Sex and Death"

Why: Shaun wants to improve on his bedroom skills after Carly tells him she didn't have a "parade" (a.k.a., an orgasm) during their first sexual encounter. When Claire suggests he should evoke something she thinks is sexy, he shows up on her doorstep wearing a kilt. Unfortunately, the kilt didn't work this time. But they fit six episodes of Outlander in, so could've been worse.

Where to watch: ABC, Hulu

9. Brooklyn Nine-Nine

"I didn't get his name, but he was very attractive. Antonio Banderas could play him in a movie. What has he been doing lately? You know what? He should be on Outlander."
"Okay, Pam, I'm gonna cut you off, but it's not because I'm not interested."

Who: Pam to Detective Jake Peralta

When: Season 6, Episode 12, "Casecation"

Why: Jake is trying to figure out who gave Pam a bomb to set off in the hospital. Poor Pam gets "chatty" when she's nervous and spirals into thinking about how Antonio Banderas could be on Outlander. I don't know what role he'd play, but sure, great casting idea, Pam! (She is holding a bomb after all.) And don't worry, Jake stopped her from detonating it.

Where to watch: Hulu

10. One Day at a Time

"So, I grabbed my wine... ...and got into bed to watch a little Outlander."
"I'm sorry. What's Outlander?"
"Outlander is a show about this woman who touches a rock and then gets sent back in time to have sex with this super-hot Scottish dude to save her life."
"Oh."
"It's quality television, Pam. Culture yourself."
"I've definitely enjoyed some alone time watching Outlander. I mean, that accent does it for me."
"Doesn't do it for me. They all sound like Shrek."

...

"How many dating accounts did you and my mom set up?"
"I'm getting emails from ScottishHotties.com."
"I watch Outlander. I know what you like."

Who: Penelope Alvarez, Pam, Ramona, Jill Riley, and Beth; Penelope Alvarez and Pat Schneider

When: Season 4, Episode 3, "Boundaries"

Why: Penelope tells her female veteran therapy group that her son walked in on her masturbating while watching Outlander. When Pam (original One Day at a Time star Mackenzie Phillips) doesn't know what Outlander is, the whole group joins in to explain. Later, it's revealed that Penelope's landlord Pat has contacted ScottishHottie Angus on her behalf.

Where to watch: CBS, Paramount+

11. Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life

"Well, mom at 16, for starters. Hot in Outlander, but elsewhere..."

Who: Lorelai Gilmore to Rory Gilmore

When: Season 1, Episode 2, "Spring"

Why: Gilmore Girls has always loved its pop culture references and that didn't change when it returned nine years later for A Year in the Life. After Rory has a one-night stand with a Wookiee in New York City, she asks her mom how many one-night stands she has had, which is zero. Lorelai's explanation is that it was hard to have one since she had been a teen mom. Outlander may be hot, but that has nothing to do with pregnant teenagers. Rory might be the worst in the Gilmore Girls revival, but this joke didn't completely land. You're better than that, Lorelai!

Where to watch: Netflix

12. The Simpsons

"He gave Outlander a B-minus."
"That show knows what it wants to be. Come on."
"Ooh, I've heard that gets really good about eight episodes in. Krusty, you're free to go."

Who: Patty Bouvier, Springfield jury member, and Judge Roy Snyder

When: Season 30, Episode 8, "Krusty the Clown"

Why: Lisa enlists Homer to become the TV recapper for her school newspaper The Daily Fourth Gradian. It leads to Krusty trying to kill Homer over a bad review, but Marge's sister Patty in the jury finds him not guilty due to Homer's crimes against Outlander.

Where to watch: Disney+

13. Champions

"I'm watching Outlander, Matthew. C'mon, they're going across a heath!"
"Sorry to bother you on a Saturday night."

Who: Priya Patel to Matthew Cook

When: Season 1, Episode 4, "My Fair Uncle."

Why: Mindy Kaling's Priya is just trying to enjoy some pizza, white wine, and the episode "Lallybroch," when she's rudely interrupted by a phone call from her child's father's brother in this gone-too-soon sitcom.

Where to watch: Netflix

14. Four Weddings and a Funeral

"I'm just saying. I hear you watching Outlander at night."
"The Scottish landscapes are beautiful."
"Mm-hmm. We share a wall."

Who: Maya Jones and Ainsley Howard

When: Season 1, Episode 6, "Lights, Camera, Wedding"

Why: Another Kaling show with women drinking white wine and talking Outlander. Maya is encouraging her friend to start dating again (which totally has nothing to do with Maya having a crush on Ainsley's ex-fiancé) and she calls out Ainsley's Outlander-related extracurricular activities. Ainsley and Penelope from One Day at a Time should get together and commiserate.

Where to watch: Hulu

15. The Middle – Part 1

"No, I totally stayed out of it. Partly because I was binge-watching Outlander, but mostly because I was patient, and it paid off."

Who: Frankie Heck to Mike Heck

When: Season 8, Episode 1, "The Core Group"

Why: Frankie is very proud of herself for playing it cool about her son Axl having a girlfriend... but she admits that Outlander may have played a part.

Where to watch: HBO Max

The Middle – Part 2

"This is Outlander. I'm pretty deep into it, but I think you can catch up. That's Claire, and she's a World War II nurse who magically falls through stones into 1770-something England."
"How can she fall through stones? They're not porous."
"Some women do a fairy dance, and it just happens. Just watch it. You'll like it. There's battle scenes, and men fight with swords."

Who: Frankie Heck to Mike Heck

When: Season 9, Episode 12, "The Other Man"

Why: Frankie is jealous of Mike bonding with Axl. But she offers an olive branch in the form of Outlander. Love to see a reference come back around a season later... even if Frankie still doesn't know what year or country Outlander is set in.

Where to watch: HBO Max

16. Riverdale

"Hi, Teen Outlander."

Who: Veronica Lodge to Archie Andrews

When: Season 1, Episode 1, "Chapter One: The River's Edge"

Why: Veronica is trying to help her new pal Betty with her crush on Archie. And it's not like Archie with his red hair doesn't give off Jamie Fraser vibes. If you think it's unbelievable that a sophomore in high school in the year 2017 would be familiar with Outlander, blame it on the fact that Hermione Lodge probably watches. Also, Archie doesn't flinch, so does that mean he watches Outlander too??

Where to watch: Netflix

17. Virgin River

"Are you sure you're not a character from Outlander?"

Who: Mel Monroe to Doc Mullins

When: Season 3, Episode 2, "Sticky Feet"

Why: Mel is making fun of the seasoned medical professional for saying Lilly had asked for her because "I just sensed it was a lady thing." Dr. Claire Fraser wouldn't approve!

Where to watch: Netflix

18. 4400

"Maybe it's like that new show Outlander. This chick finds some kind of altar in the woods, and then all of a sudden, she's at this castle with this hottie in a kilt and they go... at it. I'm just saying homegirl had to go back and frolic at the Druid Stones to time travel, so..."

Who: LaDonna to Reverend Isaiah Johnston and Noah

When: Season 1, Episode 2, "All Things Are Possible"

Why: In this reboot, 4,400 people who disappeared over the last century reappear in the year 2021. As they try to figure out how to get back to their own times, LaDonna (who has been transported from 2015) uses Outlander to come up with a theory.

Where to watch: The CW

19. Cobra Kai

"Uh, the password is Outlander."

Who: Amanda LaRusso to the alarm monitoring company

When: Season 4, Episode 1, "Let's Begin"

Why: He may be the Karate Kid, but Daniel LaRusso's wife has to come to the rescue (armed with her Jamie and Claire-centric security system password) when he accidentally sets off their new home alarm.

Where to watch: Netflix

20. Single Drunk Female

"What's the surprise? Oh, my God, did you want to have some Outlander-style field sеx, Jamie?"

Who: Brit to Joel

When: Season 1, Episode 9, "Higher Parent"

Why: When Brit's fiancé surprises her with a plot of land, she goes full Claire (complete with fake British accent) rather than consider the fact that he might want to build a house on this grassy lot.

Where to watch: Freeform

Did I miss any? Let The Dipp know in the comments!

This article has been updated.

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Images: ABC, Starz, NBC, Netflix, The CW, Amazon Prime, Pop, FOX, Hulu, Freeform

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