For fans of the historical drama series Outlander, a show that masterfully blends historical drama, romance, and the supernatural, there’s another series waiting to sweep you off your feet: A Discovery of Witches. Based on Deborah Harkness’s All Souls trilogy, A Discovery of Witches has enough mystical lore and historical intrigue that is sure to capture any Outlander enthusiast. Available to stream on Netflix, the British series dives deep into a world where witches, vampires, and daemons navigate love, power, and ancient feuds.
It’s a Timeless, Forbidden Romance Series
Outlander fans know that at the heart of the show’s appeal is the passionate, time-crossed love affair between Claire and Jamie. Their love is marked by external forces — such as time travel, war, and societal norms — and internal struggles with identity and duty. If this romance has tugged at your heartstrings, A Discovery of Witches will not disappoint. The series centers on Diana Bishop (Teresa Palmer), a reluctant witch and historian, and Matthew Clairmont (Matthew Goode), a centuries-old vampire.
Their romance is forbidden by the Congregation, a council that oversees interactions between supernatural beings. Much like Jamie and Claire, Matthew and Diana are star-crossed lovers who must battle centuries of prejudice and tradition to be together. Their relationship is full of danger and desire, unfolding in a slow burn that Outlander fans will appreciate.
Diana, much like Claire, is a fiercely independent woman, skeptical of her own peers and determined to carve out her own path. She is drawn into a world of magic when she accidentally uncovers an ancient manuscript that holds secrets to the survival of all supernatural creatures. Meanwhile, Matthew, with his brooding intensity and centuries of wisdom, mirrors Jamie’s nature but with a supernatural twist. Both men are warriors in their own right, but vulnerable when it comes to love. As A Discovery of Witches unfolds, the couple finds themselves traveling through time to evade danger and uncover the truths about their pasts. This historical romance evokes the same sense of wonder that Outlander does.
Magical and Historical Worldbuilding
If you’re fascinated with Outlander’s rich historical backdrop, A Discovery of Witches offers a similarly immersive experience. One of Outlander’s biggest strengths is how it recreates 18th-century Scottish highlands, complete with political intrigue, stunning landscapes, and a deep connection with folklore. A Discovery of Witches plays with history differently, blending it with rich fantastical elements and magic. Set in present-day Oxford, the show becomes a place where vampires, witches, and daemons live among each other in secrecy. The show becomes a character of its own, with cobblestone streets, ancient libraries, and historical architecture.
The show reaches its historical peak in Season 2, where Diana and Matthew time-travel to 1590. The Elizabethan era is recreated with lots of attention to detail, with appearances from figures such as Queen Elizabeth I and Christopher Marlowe. This meticulous set design is reminiscent of Outlander, where viewers are transported not just geographically but also historically to key moments in time.
A Discovery of Witches also has a magical twist, presenting a world where witches, vampires, and daemons have their own wants and desires. Much like clans and political factions in Outlander, the characters are divided into hierarchies and experience conflicts with one another. This complex mix of power, politics, and ancient customs adds another layer of intrigue.
A Cinematic Experience and High-Stakes Drama
Beyond the romance and the history, Outlander thrives on its high-stakes drama and breathtaking cinematography. From battle scenes to sweeping images of the Scottish highlands, the show is a visual and emotional feat. A Discovery of Witches is similar, offering super cinematography and epic sequences that truly raise the stakes. From the majestic halls of Oxford University to the beauty of Sept-Tours in the French countryside, the visual storytelling enhances the show’s narrative themes. The costume design, set design, and lighting choices transport the viewer into another universe.
The tensions in A Discovery of Witches can be equated to the high stakes in Outlander. As Matthew and Diana dive deeper into the mysteries of an ancient manuscript, Ashmole 782, they become entangled in a larger conflict between the supernatural species. Vampires and Witches have longstanding rivalries, and both are trying to survive in a world that has become increasingly hostile toward them. The love between Matthew and Diana is not just forbidden — it poses a threat to the end of the supernatural world as they know it.
So, if you’re a fan of Outlander’s stunning visuals, historical worldbuilding, intriguing romance, and intense conflicts, A Discovery of Witches is a must-watch. So grab your popcorn, head to Netflix, and prepare to be enchanted.
Source: movieweb.com