Is It Time for a Lord John Grey Spin-Off?
When Starz announced in 2023 that an Outlander spin-off focusing on the parents of James and Claire Fraser had been greenlit, many fans of Diana Gabaldon’s beloved books voiced their disappointment. A prequel untethered to any specific novel wasn’t what they had hoped for—especially when a compelling character like Lord John Grey already existed with his own spin-off material.
Lord John Grey’s adventures, starting with 1998’s Lord John and the Hellfire Club, merge historical fiction with mystery, creating stories ripe for adaptation. Yet, the character’s portrayal in the main series hadn’t consistently demonstrated the charisma needed to headline a show—until now.
Lord John Grey’s Transformation Over Time
Initially, fans weren’t convinced that Lord John Grey, as portrayed by David Berry, could lead a spin-off. Despite saving the Frasers multiple times, season 4 depicted him as little more than the nobleman hopelessly devoted to Jamie Fraser. His development was shallow, with moments of promise failing to elevate him to “main character” status.
A spin-off project was even briefly considered. A writer was attached, contracts signed, and Berry poised to reprise his role. But ultimately, Starz shelved the idea, a decision that left both Berry and fans disappointed.
Fast forward to season 7, and everything has changed. Over the course of the second half, Lord John emerged as one of the show’s most fascinating and multidimensional characters. Berry’s performance became the backbone of many of these episodes, with scenes that showcased new layers of vulnerability, strength, and wit.
A Season That Changed Everything
The turning point began with John proposing to Claire to shield her from espionage accusations after Jamie was presumed dead. What followed was a series of revelations, not only about John’s devotion to the Frasers but also about his own complexities as an individual. His grief for Jamie’s apparent death fostered a deeper bond with Claire, creating authentic and heartfelt moments that displayed his kindness and resilience.
Even after Jamie’s return, John remained central to the narrative. His candid conversations with Claire, including their moment of unexpected intimacy, as well as William’s discovery of his true parentage, highlighted John’s pivotal role. Viewers also saw new facets of his identity—his grief over Manoke, reflections on past relationships with Percy Beauchamp, and his quick-thinking escape during his capture by American soldiers demonstrated his courage, emotional depth, and intelligence.
Through clever dialogue and Berry’s nuanced portrayal, Lord John offered humor, strategic brilliance, and emotional complexity that stood out in season 7, part 2.
The Case for a Spin-Off
The reality is that earlier seasons of Outlander didn’t provide the space for John Grey to truly shine. But now, with his character fully fleshed out and his potential finally realized, he’s primed for his own series. Such a spin-off wouldn’t merely revisit familiar ground—it could reinvigorate the Outlander universe. Gabaldon’s stories about John are rich with espionage, crime, mystery, and adventure, promising a dynamic expansion of the franchise that could attract new audiences alongside longtime fans.
As Outlander approaches its final season, Starz may wish to revisit the idea of a Lord John Grey spin-off. While the prequel Blood of My Blood is already in development, John Grey’s rich narrative offers another path forward. Thanks to David Berry’s captivating performance, which hit new heights in season 7, a Lord John Grey series could be a fresh, exciting chapter for the franchise—one worthy of the character’s growth and complexity.
If crafted thoughtfully, Lord John Grey’s adventures could secure Outlander’s legacy while carving out a new space in the world of historical fiction on screen.