We first found out that a new TV series was being developed based on the bestselling Outlander book series by author Diana Gabaldon last July, and that it was being developed by by the Battlestar Galactica re-imagining developer Ronald D. Moore. A few months later it was revealed that the series was being set up at Starz, one of the networks that fans of the books seemed to most want to see it land on.

Those same fans will be elated to find out that now the series isn’t just being developed with Starz, but that the company has officially ordered an entire 16-episode first season of Outlander. That’s six more episodes than us Game of Thrones fanatics get every nine months. Either that or they’re planning to film two eight-episode seasons back-to-back.

The plan is to begin production on the show this fall in Scotland, and to have it premiere at some point in 2014.

Of the announcement, Starz CEO Chris Albrecht said:

“We are thrilled to be bringing “˜Outlander’ to Starz next year. 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.”

Moore also added:

“I’m very excited to have the opportunity to bring these books to life. 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.'”

Outlander follows a married World War II combat nurse who finds herself traveling back in time to the year 1743, where she meets many dangers that put her life at risk and ultimately force her to marry into the protection of a Scottish warrior. It covers many different genres, including adventure, romance, sci-fi, historical, and fantasy.

[Source: Deadline]