STARZ COO Jeffrey Hirsch’s recent comments about the “Premium Female” audience were tone deaf, shortsighted, and reach a level of awkwardness that is rivaled only by the Scott’s Tots episode of The Office.
[The Hollywood Reporter]: “Outlander — you can say that it’s great because women like it because she’s a surgeon who goes back in time, but there’s also another side of that, which is there’s some eye candy for that audience and people like when he [Sam Heughan] has his shirt off. You have to be really thoughtful about when you’re looking at a piece of content and whether it’s really going to be female or not. And it’s not easy.” — STARZ COO Jeffrey Hirsch
I would have written about this the day that it happened, but I thought I would let some time go by. Perhaps, it wasn’t the dumpster fire I was making it out to be and time would tell me that.
Nope. Still a dumpster fire.
I’ve said my fair share of dumb things. I talk for a living, and I have totally lived that moment when I wished I could literally pull the words back into my mouth even as I’m spewing them. So, I’m not here to say I’m better than Hirsch, or call for his job because he’s a terrible guy. I’m sure he’s probably decent at heart and just made a mistake.
Nor do I think he intentionally meant to be this tone deaf. And I certainly know he didn’t want to get pile-drived into the center of the earth by Outlander author, Diana Gabaldon.
But this comment is a special kind of ignorant. It reeks of a pencil pusher nerd boy, who crunches numbers at his desk and has ZERO clue about his actual consumers. He has been told who they are, what they are, and how to leverage them by analysts and consultant nerd boys who also crunch numbers at their desks. So, oddly enough, I don’t think it’s all his fault. He was thrown to the dogs during his STARZ debut at the Television Critics Association’s press tour.
It was as if Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer gave Hirsch a series of buzz words like “domestic company,” “global arena,” and “65 percent of our viewership is female,” and then slapped him on the butt on the way out the door and said, “Go get ’em kid.”
Regardless of however he may or may not have prepared for this interview, Hirsch needs to be called out. While it initially feels as if he is honestly trying to talk up his audience because there’s a valiant, if not misguided, effort to compliment his consumers for their tastes, and loyalty, he just completely fumbled the ENTIRE approach. In the interview it’s clear the guy has as much of a clue as Mr. Bean trying to solve the JFK assassination.
Take his FIRST(!) comment in the interview:
“…looking at our programming slate, while we talked a lot about serving the undeserved and giving voices to talent that has never been seen on TV before, when we dug deeper, we learned it was premium women who were driving the service. We’ve started to lean into that. Everything we do now has to service that kind of programming mandate.”
He’s talking about women as if they’re a nice cut of Grade A Beef from Trader ’s. Not a great start, but I’m willing to wait for some clarification.
Enter the “premium women” comment. Boy, does Hirsch have an answer…
A little older — probably 24-54 and a little more economically viable than other segments, in terms of broadcast. They really like high scripted drama, great women in history and a lot of IP. You look at the audience for Outlander and that’s the perfect audience for us. We’ve done a lot of research around that and figured out that women are twice as likely to buy apps that are under $10; they’re more loyal; their lifetime value on a digital side is much longer. Whether we were smart enough to figure that out or we backed into it, we’ve seen it and are now leaning into it in a big way.
Yep there’s the clarification.
They are looking for this TYPE of woman. They found a market that is relatively untapped, loyal, and yearn for more content. But, the answer is still worded uncomfortably, and by the grace of the journalistic gods, Lesley Goldberg (the interviewer) gave him a chance to back away a little bit and reassess his impending path of darkness. She throws him a lifeline, saying, “[t]hat term is just….,” which is basically the equivalent of “hey man, you sure you wanna stick with that phrase? Because it sounds really dumb.”
But, instead of doing the sensible thing, Hirsch DOUBLES DOWN:
“For a long time I was calling it “female-centric,” but we’re not trying to be Lifetime. We’re not trying to put programming on that is at the exclusion of men. A lot of the couples who watch Outlander, the woman finds it and she brings her spouse to watch it. We do have a large male universe of viewers, but if it doesn’t serve that female audience, it’s not for us.”
From there, Hirsch goes into a bunch of nonsense about his programming and how they are trying to being female oriented. But, where he really shows his cards as a corporate bobo is when he talks about the recently canceled STARZ series, Counterpart, a show that Goldberg smartly refers to as having a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes for BOTH seasons. Hirsch’s answer?
“…to a certain extent, part of my view on the world today is for the most part people’s lives are tough and when they come home at night and want to escape their lives, they want to be able to get into a piece of content very easily and escape. Counterpart was really hard for people to get into — it wasn’t accessible.”
Has he seen The Leftovers? The Wire? The Sopranos? Game Of Thrones? Westworld? Deadwood? All critically acclaimed, highly rated shows that were emotionally heavy, well written, and swept people away from their real-life plights.
Oh wait, those are HBO shows — you know, the network that is SMOKING every other content creator in the cable network market, including STARZ. Why would he ever take a cue from a truly successful company?
Maybe he’s a fan of Hulu though? There’s that little show called, The Handmaid’s Tale, right? Maybe he’s seen it. Well, according to his shaky logic, I doubt it. It, too, would be heavy and doesn’t sweep people away from their unruly real lives. So, nobody would watch that. It’s not accessible. Right? RIGHT?!
Then this is the point where we go full dumpster fire…
I brought up The Office at the beginning of this article. It’s a reference to the most awkward 25 minutes I’ve ever experienced in my life: The Scott’s Tots episode. In it, Michael Scott promises to pay for a group of third graders’ college education, and years later has to reneg because he can’t afford it. It still sends shivers in my soul watching it.
I am not being hyperbolic when I say Hirsch’s next statement — the eye candy comment that kicks off this post — is quite literally neck-and-neck with the most cringe inducing (and fictional might I add) moment of Michael Scott’s life. He regrettably says:
“Outlander — you can say that it’s great because women like it because she’s a surgeon who goes back in time, but there’s also another side of that, which is there’s some eye candy for that audience and people like when he [Sam Heughan] has his shirt off. You have to be really thoughtful about when you’re looking at a piece of content and whether it’s really going to be female or not. And it’s not easy. The nice thing for us is 65 percent of our show leadership are female. You don’t need me to figure it out; we have professionals doing that.”
I give Goldberg credit; it must have taken every ounce of her concentration not to jump for joy when she heard this. She just let the guy go, and God bless him, he just kept talking. He wrote the story for her. Hirsch’s statements are a masterclass in how NOT to speak to your rabid, loyal, and mainly female audience. All of the remarks are insensitive, and ooze a just enough arrogance to appear wildly detached from what his audience actually needs.
But hereÆs the surprising thing. While these comments are all ill-advised, as a man, I can admit that I’m not overly offended about the “eye candy” comment by itself.
Woman enjoy seeing Sam Hueghan as much as I enjoy seeing Caitriona Balfe. I know this because of all the comments women share in the Outlander Cast Clan Gathering, as well as the many comments I hear directly from listeners’ mouths on the Listener Feedback episodes of my podcast.
So, let’s all be honest with each other and admit a small measure of eye candy is at work.
Also, as a man, I’m not offended at the idea that women bring their spouses into the fold of Outlander. That’s exactly what happened with me. I NEVER would have watched Outlander without some prompting from my wife, Mary, who also happens to be my podcast partner.
Instead I find Hirsch’s most egregious and offensive error to be the logic he uses to dignify his wildly rash statements. You just can’t make the “eye candy” comment and then say you have to be thoughtful about your content. “Eye candy” and thoughtful are binary statements, and you make your audience look and feel stupid by putting them together. When you do that, you devalue their taste and expectations.
Let’s set aside the fact that Heughan is a person, and referring to him as ”eye candy” is degrading at best. More importantly, relegating him to this one-dimensional commentary minimizes his actual acting ability and how he fully embodies James Fraser. Fans far and wide recognize that Heughan has evolved into an accomplished artist who brings depth to Jamie Fraser as a character. To Hirsch, however, his best talent is the size of his pecs or if he has an 8- or 12-pack. While there may be a level of truth to admitting ”eye candy” is part of Outlander’s appeal, it’s base, it’s coarse and worst of all, it’s condescending to suggest this is all Heughan is bringing to the table.
”Eye candy” is The Real Housewives of Fill in the Blank.“Eye candy” is The Bachelor. “Eye candy” is Keeping up with the Kardashians ::gag:: It’s all facade, and no real texture. And guess what, that’s what they’re meant to be. There’s a place for those shows and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Outlander is many things, but Keeping up with the Kardashians, it is not.
Playing a close second for me in the offensive category is how Hirsch underestimates why people STAY for the content. Any good writer knows that a hook is important, but you have to give an audience a reason to remain and that reason is always, always, ALWAYS character.
Say what you will about Outlander, but its characters are effervescent and alive from the jump. People stay because of them, the relationships they share on screen and the history they inhabit. Not just because they’re pretty.
Between the comments about Counterpart, and a clear lack of understanding about character, Hirsch obviously has no idea what good television looks like. How is this guy hand picked to succeed Chris Albrecht, a guy who literally changed the landscape of premiere cable television?
But, the stupidity doesn’t end there…
There’s also this Hirsch gem:
”The Outlander [Netflix] deal was a Sony deal that was done before I got to STARZ; I would not have allowed that to happen. It’s the ying and the yang from a business perspective of taking the short-term money and building great, long-term enterprise value.“
Righhhhhht.
He WOULD NOT have allowed Outlander to go on Netflix, the move that has injected real life into a show suffering from declining ratings, the recipient of few major critical awards, and whose recently completed fourth season was largely uneven. Putting Outlander on Netflix has brought hundreds of thousands of people into its world who would otherwise never have seen it to begin with, and brought droves of new fans into the mix for the upcoming fifth season.
So, in the end, I’m not telling you to not be upset over the eye candy comments, how pompous Hirsch sounds, or how he thinks women drag their husbands to watch Outlander. Be upset. Just know he’s a corporate nerd who has no idea what the hell he’s doing.
I am absolutely saying, however, you should be outraged over how much Hirsch underestimates your knowledge of good television, and how he combines Eye Candy and the idea of being thoughtful. That is an insult to all of us.
Oh, and, Jeff, if you’re reading this, here’s a piece of advice from a rabid Outlander fan who just happens to be a male.
Stop talking.
Whatever god you believe in gave you two ears and one mouth.
So, listen.
Learn more about your actual audience and not what a TPS report tells you. Understand what makes your shows worth watching and how they affect people. Instead of leaning into the ”premium female” and leveraging their loyalty how about you just lean into making good content because it’s good.
You won’t have to worry if it’s female centric because people will flock to your content in droves if it’s good. Just ask the professionals at HBO, Hulu, or Netflix.
I can’t believe this Hooplehead is in charge of Outlander‘s fate.
What do you think of STARZ COO Jeffrey Hirsch’s comments?
My husband had already watched almost all of the first 3 seasons before I ever even thought about watching Outlander. The looks of the cast have nothing to do with why I’m hooked. The characters are interesting, the story lines take me through a range of emotions, and the acting is done so well that I often can feel what the characters are experiencing emotionally. I’ve never experienced that with any other show. And it certainly doesn’t hurt that the chemistry between Sam and Caitriona is incredible. I’ve never read the books and had never heard of them until I started watching the show, so my interest is solely in the series. The stars aligned for those who were tasked with putting together the writers, directors, cast, and crew of Outlander because despite SEVERAL editing errors, this show is pure perfection. Oh, and I’m a middle-class 54 year old female. Does that mean I’m “premium”…?
I love this show. All the actors are so perfect in their parts. Its the interaction between the characters that is so riveting. The chemistry between Sam and Catroina is amazing
Thank you for this article. Of all the things you mentioned I am most upset by his “eye candy” comment that completely devalues a brilliant actor whose embodiment of the character he was hired to portray that it is the primary reason many watch the show and continue to watch. I love, Sam Heughan’s sense of humor when his response was a photo of him with the caption “Aye, candy”. They have a fabulous series of books whose content is based on a relationship between equal partners. The most objectionable thing about the adaptation so far has been the dumbing down of Jamie and the elevating of Claire. Stick to the books as closely as you can in the writing and you will have staying power. Change what you must for a different media, but fully understand and do not change the basic character of Jamie and Claire.
I am sorry the man has no brains and therefore cannot enjoy the hard work fun and the growth and evolution of the characters.
Some of the best is yet to come. A shame if this bean counter tries to screw around with
The Outlander Series.
As one of “premium females” who care about this show, I am really bothered by the “eye candy” comment (and I appreciate your comments about it). In this era, a comment like that about a female actor would be outrageous and possibly grounds for Hirsch’s dismissal. Heughan is such a fine actor. I’m repeatedly blown away by his work on this show. Referring to him that way disrespects his immense talent and the hard work it takes to embody a fictional character with the charisma and strength of Jamie Fraser.
Spot on, Blake! Bravo!
I read the books years ago and when I discovered the series, I kind of read it again, along with the show. I saw one of those bobble heads on morning TV describe Outlander as a show “for nerdy women over 60 years old”. That really made me angry. So, women over sixty are not irrelevant? There is a great deal of history, not only Scottish but a great deal of American history, and also a little French history as well. The fashions, particularly when they went to France, are authentic and adds to the overall ambience, as does the furnishings.
Incredibly well said! His comments were definitely off putting! I didn’t know whether to be more offended at being relegated to the role of “premium woman” or offended that he thought my sole purpose of enjoying the show was for a little bit of “eye candy”. If he has actually seen the show, he would know that Sam is an amazing actor, who clearly has so much talent and range! The entire cast has an incredible amount of talent and that it has been completely overlooked by so many is heartbreaking. He really owes Sam an apology for that comment!!!
Thank you for your comments Blake. I was shocked to read the article and especially the derogatory comments toward female fans but the absolute worst was what he said about Sam. This actor has committed himself fully to the job of bringing Jamie Fraser to life on screen, is generous and gracious with his time and always supports his fellow cast and crew. He even handled the fallout with grace and humor. I hope there is a formal apology from STARZ!
I had not heard about this until I saw your Instagram post. It’s definitely a tone deaf statement but did you notice you used the phrase “nerd boy” multiple times which marginalizes males who do any type of analytics for a living. Look, I’m not hyper sensitive to this stuff, I wasn’t offended by the statement (or even the “nerd boy” references) because I do like shirtless scenes with Jamie and I know that smart tv business means you sell that angle too. But don’t be hypocrite when you call someone out. You’re better than that. Still love all of your podcasts.
Well stated! Love both the books and the series. Love the characters and how everyone involved in bringing this show/story to life has done just that so superbly. Thankful The initial Starz execs gave Ron Moore the ability to do the story justice and fervently hope this is allowed to continue. Kudos to Sam, Cait and all the actors for their hard work and tremendous ability to give depth to their characters. Kudos also to everyone behind the scenes creating the costumes, props, buildings and seeking those places in Scotland or other locations that contribute to this wonderful story.
I am not in the “premium” female category. I am a retired professional on a fixed income that budgets Outlander in my outgoing expenses. I did take offense to the initial comments both for myself and those mentioned above for all their hard work.
I am one of the Premium Women who not only like Outlander, but was sad to see Counterpart go. It was such a different show that had me thinking a lot. O and C are totally different shows, but they have one big thing in common: the story. They grab you and pull you in and you don’t want to go when it is finished. They accomplished that in two wildly different ways, but they both got a hold in my brain. Outlander will of course continue for at least some seasons more, but I would have loved some more seasons with Counterpart and the frankly eye candy(!) of J.K. Simmons and his “friends”. (BTW Is there any man on tv that is not eye candy in one form or another???)
COunterpart was an excellent show. Truly excellent in writing, directing, and attention to detail. I am also sad to see it go. BUt you are right, there is no bigger gap than what exists between JKS and SH 🙂
As someone who has watched the entirety of The Office well over 50 times, I must admit that I’ve only seen Scott’s Tots twice. It is so horrendously cringe-inducing that my husband and I both skip right over it, we can’t watch. That episode is simply spot on for comparison as to how awful a hole this guy has dug for himself. Bravo.
Thanks, Blake, for calling out Hirsch’s superficial attempt to understand Outlander’s audience and his derogatory mansplaining. “Premium”, really? I guess if, like me, you fall outside this demographic (I’m female, 69, working, middle class, Master’s degree) you’re what, chopped liver?
No I wouldn’t say that you’re chopped liver. But, you are definitely not the prime market they are looking to leverage. So there is a difference between making entertainment for people, and keeping track of the demo they want to get money from. So I really wouldn’t take too much offense to it 🙂
This is so accurate Blake. Every. Single. Point. With all the negative conversation that went on about Mr Hirsch’s comments, I hope to God he and his PTB heard them and are regrouping. And Netflix’s move was brilliant. I know SO many people that binged Seasons 1 and 2 and were thirsty for more, bought Starz on demand to inhale Seasons 3-4. I was more than thrilled to fill in the bts details about Season 5 and other cool show/book scoops. Thanks for a great post!
Thank you!! You said everything that needed to be said about this pompous nerd. You nailed it. He doesn’t have a clue what he is talking about. I can’t believe someone this out of touch is going to have a say over Outlander.
I’ve read and reread the books 4 times. Yes believe it. They brought me to Scotland and locations of Outlander. Love the series. Love the actors. I’m 82 and hoping I’m around for book 9 and 10. Sam and Caitriona are wonderful in their portrayals. Thank you Diana for enlightening me to this beautiful country.
Well, well, well, well DONE, Blake! All I can say is this. The TV Gods dropped a real gem of a show right in Starz’s lap. One of the most gifted showrunners on the planet, Ron D. Moore’s adapts of one of the most popular book series in history. GOT, Harry Potter level stuff and takes it to YOUR NETWORK! Chris Albregt supports and nurtures it because he is a fan, and he CARES! Its an instant Global Hit. Men, Women…PEOPLE are obsessed with it! All you have to do sir, is don’t f%#k it up! AS a result of those dumb statement by “the guy” who holds the fate of our show in his hands, A fan base that was already nervous about the shows direction and future is now completely unhinged! Putting Outlander in the same paragraph as Lifetime almost made me pass out! I was worried before, now I’m absolutely terrified!
Letting Counterpart go was a mistake for the network in my view. Why not look to attract this audience? I’m female. I consume smart TV, great character develops and story. Counterpart stretched me. The thing is I was giving STARZ credit for bring this kind of content to the screen. Brilliant casting. Putting the show on Netflix was genius. People I’ve been telling about the show for years are now hooked!
Thank you!!!
I read the comments from the friendly new COO Mr.Hirsch, and despite reading it over at least 3 times, I couldn’t believe what I was reading. I was insulted on 2 levels. Firstly the dreadful eye candy insult to Sam Heughan, who is a talented actor, and way more than his description of eye candy. He is one of the top reasons I continue to watch Outlander, but I do so to see his talent on show every episode he’s in. A very serious app.ogy is owed to Sam, and his fans. Secondly I was insulted because it seems I don’t even fit the Premium Box, I fit the horny Grandma Box, not capable of enjoying a nice photo of Sam and identify a great story and wonderful actor at the same time. We can’t get STARZ in Australia where I’m from, so to keep up and re watch constantly, I now pay for Netflix AND Foxtel, so tell me does that make me Premium or still lewd horny grandma.
I was very offended by the “horny grandma” comment, too. I believe that cringe worthy statement came from Caitriona Balfe who may be sorry for her lack of discretion in labeling fans of the show in that demeaning way. But I have yet to read an apology. In the books, sex is an important part of the relationship between Jamie and Claire throughout their lifetime. That passion was one aspect of the show that set it apart in season 1, and not simply for the graphic nature of the scenes, but for the recognition that passion is an important part of love if it is to last through time and space. For me it was included in the adaptation because it drove the relationship and the story to an extent. When people complained that the show runners seemed to shy away from it in subsequent seasons, it was more for the missing intimacy of the relationship as they seemed to push Claire to be the star of the show while relegating Jamie to a side kick position. I missed those moments of equality that Outlander intimacy provided.
I cannot believe that Hirsch could make such awful comments about Outlander and Sam. I only started to watch this in February and I think the history, costumes, actors, scenery etc.are fabulous. I have also read the books since February and am rereading them now. The way Sam brings Jamie to life is incredible. We need a lot more Jamie Fraser’s in the world. I just wish that I could have found one! and I am over 70 by the way.
Your outrage is misdirected. Starz is making a tv show with eye candy for women. Who cares? You sound like a liberal that looks for anything to be offended by. Be thankful that Starz is producing the show and shut up already.
Ok older lady hete. Frist i do not think thst the back and forth of Mr Herisch needs to be debated. He needs to go. I do not know what is does at Starz, really do not care. As I have learned in life that anyone can be replaced. I started watching Outlander on Netflix and signed up on Starz’s to see the current episodes. My adult son watches. What should concern Starz is that the have a great show is many many ways that appeals to a WIDE VARRIETY of the public and apparently Mr Herisch can not see this. At Starz,s this should be the concern, so many questions should be going through their minds : does he really like the show? Does he really understand its value? He clearly does not see or understand the veiwing public. He needs to go, and he needs to publicly appolize to Sam and the cast. As for me I watch for many reasons….I love history, my roots, a good story
I feel with Mr Her i sch ‘s lack of understanding he could do more harm than good. Replace him.
Ding! Ding! Ding! Robert wins the booby prize for totally missing the point/s.
Well stated, Blake. As a far-from-liberal woman, I appreciated everything you had to say.
First of all I think everyone is missing the point of this, if you have never read the books you dont know anything about who Jamie is. Sam is completely Jamie Fraser. In every way. He is so believable that seeing him play Jamie does more than embodies him he is him. He brings him to life, his personality, his soul. Of course a man might not see him any other way then as eye candy he has no idea….read the books! Thank you Sam for becoming Jamie Fraser and for casting to have chosen you. I love Cait as Clare but for me you make the show and you brought to life a character in the books I’ve been reading for more then 20 years. Listen STARZ, don’t mess with our Jamie!
Just started watching one of the most wonderful beautiful and so well acted series ! Outlander! I’m so hooked. It has nothing to do with Sam body i t has to do with acting ability of all actors. The material is awesome! I’m now involved in looking up history of Scotland.. Please don’t screw up this series because of Corp. stupidity. Give the customer credit!
I thought that Mr. Hersh Starz COO was very insulting on the way he addressed both Actors, as one being a surgeon (her name is Caitriona Balfe) and women love the idea that she was a female surgeon, well she wasn’t, she was a combat nurse. He did worse with Sam Heughan, a shirtless eye candy? he could’ve said a Scottish Warrior shirtless eye candy, but just an eye candy? taking the character away from an actor hits below the belt. Sam Heughan happens to be a brilliant actor, he gets into his character and becomes unbelievably Jamie Fraser, Sam is a hard working man, acting is his passion and very underpaid. If the audiece has more females than males, it’s because it’s a love story, if Starz want more males, then I suggest Wrestling, cage fighting and lots of porn which I hate. Still Mr. Hersh owes an apology to Sam Heughan, otherwise you’re going to see that many people will cancel their subscription after they’re done with Outlander.
Well stated, Blake! A terrific analysis. I think young Mr. Hirsch had better learn a few realistic facts (while putting his pencils behind him in favour of the real world). If he doesn’t learn at least a little something about Outlander, and it’s audience, I think Starz is going to be in a great deal of difficulty. When I was in business, (and I just retired a few years ago), if I had presented my employers product thus (not to mention insulting the entire client base), I would have been fired on the spot.
The COO got it wrong when he said a surgeon went back in time. The first time Claire went back in time,she was a nurse. If you are going to make comments,at least get it right.
I Believe Starz CEO better take a serious look at Hersch. He just proved on many levels that Starz will suffer in the hands of Hersch. Their move to delay Outlander to 2020 was a poor one as well. Don’t his numbers tell him most of is subscribe to Starz just while outlander is on and discontinue after.
They need brand loyalty and just lost it. They actually need more Netflix deals. What a neanderthal and complete disrespect for these tallented actors. He owes everyone a big apology and should have to beg to keep his job which he doesn’t deserve to have.
I think a lot of the people who watch Outlander fell in love with the books and the characters DG wrote. It has nothing to do with eye candy. The books are fantastic, well written and exciting on every level. There’s action, suspense, romance, unconditional love, and a few absolutely horrifying things that happen to main characters mixed in. The show started pretty darned well and went downhill from there. Changes are inevitable when adapting from written works to the screen (the best was Rupert and Angus by far, imo), but they have made Claire out to be some superhero-type, bitchy, know-it-all and Jamie just stands around waiting for her instructions and is now a far cry from the King of Men we all know and love. The actors are great, Sam Heughan absolutely embodies the character of Jamie, Caitriona Balfe is a wonderful Claire, Tobias Menzies was unbelievably amazing as Frank and BJR, however, they are so intent on writing Super Claire screenplays that they’ve forgotten the allure of the books and why everyone loves the stories to begin with. This isn’t what the “premium female” audience wants. We want something pretty similar to what DG wrote, especially regarding character dynamic. If we don’t get it soon, the show is doomed and STARZ will lose a hell of a lot of viewers.
Ok older lady hete. Frist i do not think thst the back and forth of Mr Herisch needs to be debated. He needs to go. I do not know what is does at Starz, really do not care. As I have learned in life that anyone can be replaced. I started watching Outlander on Netflix and signed up on Starz’s to see the current episodes. My adult son watches. What should concern Starz is that the have a great show is many many ways that appeals to a WIDE VARRIETY of the public and apparently Mr Herisch can not see this. At Starz,s this should be the concern, so many questions should be going through their minds : does he really like the show? Does he really understand its value? He clearly does not see or understand the veiwing public. He needs to go, and he needs to publicly appolize to Sam and the cast. As for me I watch for many reasons….I love history, my roots, a good story
I feel with Mr Her i sch ‘s lack of understanding he could do more harm than good. Replace him.
I don’t understand why you would say things like that! I think you should be campaigning for more recognition for these actors! There’s a lot of of history I didn’t know about in this show, and the acting is some of the best I’ve seen in a long time! It’s the only reason I keep my subscription to Starz! So don’t insult me saying that the only thing I can see is eye candy! I see brilliant actors doing things bringing this story to life! Now if you’d read the damn books as all of us fans of the show has, the perhaps you would’ve approached this interview differently! We are educated, working adults who know that time travel isn’t real. But I’d rather believe in that than fire breathing dragons! I just wished you’d fight more for this show than you do! Oh and if it weren’t for us watching and paying for the Starz channel you wouldn’t be sitting in your nice cushy office passing your judgement on such a great series and all of the great actors in it! Just saying!!
I am a 71 year old male. I discovered OUTLANDER. My wife watches because I invited her to watch with me. As far as rating go, the book “Drums of Autum” is good but not my favorite. Stay tune everyone. THINGS HEAT UP FROM THIS POINT ON!
I’m 82. My husband is 84 and we both enjoyed watching this show: we are addicted now to this story and history lesson. The scenes are beautiful. Actors are excellent. Love Jamie and Claire.
He, simply has no idea what real women want and who many of us are. Also men . Outlander is a very complex story which makes one think and feel. That is what I want when I watch a show.
I’m in the premium female demographic that Mr. Hirsh is discussing. He is completely correct. Myself as well as my other female friends got hooked on the show firstly by Sam Heighan’s strong, sexy, and masculine looks and behavior. The show is a success because of Sam Heughan and his chemistry with Catriona. This is the truth. Women love eye candy too!!!
Spot on article- Outlander fans appreciate the love, community connections, hardships & triumphs these characters experience. Yes, the actors are beautiful people but to minimize their talents is shameful. Sam, Cait, cast & crew have done an extraordinary job bringing these beloved books to life. Gabaldon is has given us a rich multilayered series… for Hirsch to drill it do checking a box on a demographic data point is beyond demeaning! Maybe Hirsch’s spouse should draw him into watching the show or better yet read the books… Netflix – go for it! Take on production if you can…
Thank you so much for clarifying what makes ‘Outlander’ so watchable for Mr. Hirsch. Hopefully, he will re-think his statement. I am a 65-year old female of Scottish heritage. This book series covers many genres (history: American Revolution and Sottish Clans, romance, and science fiction – time travel). I read books that are written around historical events. I prefer period drama books that can take me back in time to a slower paced-life, yet dangerous. I love the great books by Alexander Dumas (Three Musketeers, Man in the Iron Mask, etc.), Poldark, and more. Don Quixote is another favorite.
I definitely agree that character’s acting in ‘Outlander’ has been brilliant and all should have been nominated for awards. I do not know why Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe have not received the accolades they so deserved for outstanding acting in bring James Alexander Malcom McKenzie Fraser and Claire Elizabeth Beechum Randall Fraser – lead characters – to life for all fans of the book/TV series. The other supporting cast members should also have been nominated. Granted, we cannot guarantee a ‘win’ but at least they should be in the top of each category, as well as Jon Gary Steele and his staff for the Set Design; Terry D. for wardrobe, and Bear McCreary for his music.
Hasn’t Scotland’s tourism increased by like ten fold! Doesn’t that say something!
I am one of those females who finally started watching Outlander because I got the free trial on Netflix in order to watch Lucifer. Then they dropped Outlander’s first 2 seasons into the mix, and I binge watched that. Then Starz had their 3 month deal, and I binge-watched seasons 3 and 4 too. So Hirsch is wrong about that deal being a mistake? No.
As for the “eye candy” remark, I have to wonder if this man has watched Outlander or read any of the books. If he has done so and still thinks anybody at all watches Outlander because of eye candy then he is beyond hope or cure in terms of his understanding of women and men and good drama that is stunning in production terms, acting and musical score. I would compare it to Gone With the Wind in terms of quality and impact.
I was studying my Scottish ancestry when I was binge watching Outlander. It was a revelation to see what so many lines in my ancestry went through as a POW after the Battle of Dunbar and then later during the clearances and then again when they were cheated out of land during the migration to Ireland and then used as a barrier against the Indians when they sought land in the wilderness.
I am looking forward to season 5 as the settlement at Frazier’s Ridge grows.
Yet there is also an uneasiness in knowing that a person so ignorant of what quality Outlander really brings to the screen is now in charge of the network that produces it.
Hersh doesn’t even need to watch episodes etc. If he really wants to know and understand the demographics of Outlanders audience he has only to type “outlander” into the search line in Facebo0k to bring up page after page of groups dedicated to the show and it’s cast. And that’s only the early pages. Additionally there are pages and groups for Sam, Cait, Lord John as well as other potential stars featured on the show all the way from murtaugh to Adso and Rollo. Hundreds and hundreds of diverse fans of many and varied ages, genders and persuasions,
As for the “eye candy” comment, I am an 87 yr.old widow and I don’t th8nk Sam minds that visions of his bare bum brings up pleasant memories followed sometimes by very interesting dreams.
Wow. I totally agree.
This guy Hersch seems like he’s totally clueless regarding what excellent storytelling is.
What a load of crap. To pigeonhole Outlander in those qualifications– and to cancel Counterpart to boot–he’s ignorant regarding tv.
To me, no matter the show, the characters must be multilayered and absorbing. The storyline must be interesting and sweep the viewer away and want more.
He should at least familiarize himself with the show if he’s going to say something regarding it.
I totally agree with Blake.
Hersch’s comments about Premium Females was insulting, and was like calling women a piece of meat. We aren’t. I am a 73 yr old female who has throughly enjoyed this series. The acting is superb, the costuming incredible, the story-line is mesmerizing. The love between Claire and Jamie isn’t just a slam-bam-thank-you-madam. The chemistry between them is deep and abiding, and lasting throughout this life, and well beyond the grave. The history in the series is accurate and we have the joy of history coming alive right before our eyes. The series is a true treasure. Calling Jamie/Sam mere eye candy is an insult to his intelligence, his talent, his ability to actually become Jamie Fraser, and bringing him to life for us to enjoy his goodness, his kindness, his sense of humor, his bravery, his love and devotion to his country, his family. Thank you Blake, for telling Hersch to just shut up. When he opens his mouth, he displays his ignorance of the magic Diana G has created.
Those who have already “spoken” have been very eloquent. I have just 2 words to describe Jeffrey Hirsch, based on what I read: clueless Neanderthal.
Outlander was recommended to me by a colleague who is a man and close to 70 years old. The only person I know personally who has read all the books is my uncle, a historian, and he’s in his 60s. This eye-candy BS is ludicrous. Thanks for your thoughtful article.
I agree with comments above. The talent of the entire outlander crew, actors, costumers, set designers, writers , producers is wonderful. I found this series on Netflix and now have Starz because of it
Yes Sam and Cait are beautiful. But their talent, hard work and class are what keeps us fans enthralled and hooked. I’m so sick of tone deaf people who are in Leadership roles and talk down to their customers and insult their own cast
Jeffery Hirsch is way out of line