Sam Heughan is the Best Thing That Happened to Outlander Fandom (and No, Not Because of His Body How Dare You)

For almost nine years now, Starz's Outlander has been delighting both fans of Diana Gabaldon's original book series and those who tuned in to see the adaptation.

In addition to the compelling story of love and adventure across time and space, the series is appreciated for its excellent ensemble cast, with actors perfectly inhabiting characters from the 18th and 20th centuries.

Caitríona Balfe and Sam Heughan, who portray the story's main characters Claire and Jamie Fraser, have been praised by viewers and critics alike, and there's no doubt that the hit show wouldn't have been the same without the lead duo. As it turns out, it's been exactly 10 years since Heughan was cast for his role, and it looks like as soon as the Outlander team saw his audition tape, they knew he was the one to play Jamie.

Even before the casting was officially confirmed, the Outlander author took to Twitter to share her amazement at the actor's audition tape, accompanying her comment with the #jawdrop hashtag. And, just like Diana Gabaldon herself, millions of fans immediately fell in love with Sam Heughan's performance as Jamie, arguing that he is basically the best thing that happened to Outlander and its fandom.

Now, on the occasion of the actor's 10th 'castiversary,' fans of the Starz series have come online to recall the best moments of Sam and his character. Of course, the actor's chiseled physique has always been the subject of much admiration for many, but it is his loyalty and attention to his fans that melts people's hearts the most.

It seems that Heughan has appeared at just about every festival and convention that has had an Outlander panel — from San Diego Comic Con 2014 to New York City Comic Con 2022 and Tribeca 2023. The actor is always keen to chat with fans and share some exciting details about the project.

And of course, in the series itself, Heughan has proved to be the perfect TV incarnation of the red-haired Highlander.

'I've watched "I'm also a violent man" repeatedly; just seeing him in Brown's room, waiting, I kent he was gonna off him,' a fan wrote, referring to a moment from the first episode of the current Season 7, where Jamie demands that Richard Brown give him Claire before she is put on trial for allegedly murdering Malva.

'Any goodness that prevails in me is because of my wife. You tried to take her from me,' Heughan says in the scene, making fans gasp in awe at the actor's stunning performance.

We can't wait to see more of Sam Heughan in the remaining episodes of Outlander Season 7. The next episode will hit Starz on July 14, 2023.