Outlander actress Caitríona Balfe has paid a heartfelt tribute to the hit series on Instagram, after previously speaking out about the importance of strong female roles, reports the Daily Record.

The Belfast and The Cut star, who plays Claire Fraser in Outlander, wrote: “After a long wait we finally have a release date .. March 6th ! It’s still hard to believe this incredible journey has come to an end but I’m so proud to have been a part of something so special.

“A very special thank you to our fans whose endless passion and dedication have kept this show going year after year and also thank you for being so patient… we are so grateful!

“And so excited for you all to see Season 8. Much love Caitríona @outlander_starz @sonypicturestv.”

The official Outlander account responded beneath the Dublin-born star’s post: “My tears are already flowing!”

Replying to the Claire Fraser actress’ post, the official Starz account stated: “simply can’t stress the amount of tears we have right now [sic].”

One fan commented: “It’s almost impossible to put into words what this show has meant. Outlander has been more than a story, it’s been a home, a journey and a heartbeat for so many of us. Thank you, Caitríona, for giving Claire such depth, strength, and soul. March 6th will be beautiful and heartbreaking all at once. Here’s to the end of an era, and to a story that will never really end. We love you Caitríona!”.

Another wrote: “Thank you for everything Caitriona. You are and always will be our perfect Claire. Outlander will always be part of my life. We love you.”

Similarly, Sam Heughan has shared an emotional message about the final series of the beloved Starz drama, reducing fans to tears.

The actor, who plays Jamie Fraser, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram paying tribute to the show that launched his career and established him as a household name.

Next to a promotional image for Outlander series eight, Heughan shared: “Every story comes to an end..

Sam Heughan shared a touching tribute to Outlander on Instagram(Image: STARZ)

“This journey was a huge part of my life, I’m thankful to all the cast and crew, everyone that was involved in creating the love story that spanned decades.

“Thanks ultimately to herself @diana_gabaldon and of course, the fans.

“Are you ready for the final season @outlander_starz? ! !”

Devoted Outlander viewers were quick to flood the comments with messages expressing their sadness about the conclusion of the popular period drama.

Executive producer Maril Davis responded with crying and heart emojis.

One fan shared: “Je suis prest? No, I am not ready. But thank you Sam, for making Jamie Fraser a real King of Men.”

Another added: “Thank YOU Sam. Your portrayal of Jamie was a gift! Ready, and not ready, to see the final Outlander chapter come to a close. Celebrations will be had with friends though, honouring this final chapter, with those same friends that I wouldn’t have met if it wasn’t for Outlander forever grateful! !”

Outlander season 8 will be airing in 2026(Image: STARZ)

A third commented: “I am not ready at all but happy to go on this journey with you one last time. The story is a huge part of my life and always will be. You brought Jamie to life like no one else ever could have. I am very thankful to you, to all of you.”

Another said: “The end of an era! What an unforgettable journey! Thank you, @samheughan, for bringing Jamie to life so perfectly, and for bringing so much heart to this show. I’ll never be ready to see it end, but I can’t wait to see this incredible final season you’ve all created!”

The posts from Balfe and Heughan follow Starz unveiling the key artwork for the final season of Outlander, showing lead couple Jamie and Claire Fraser in a tender embrace with the standing stones inverted behind them. The tagline read: “Past. Present. Forever.”

Claire’s wedding ring from Jamie featured prominently in the poster, standing in stark contrast to Frank Randall’s (Tobias Menzies) wedding ring as he reached towards her hand in the season one posters.

The announcement also revealed the show’s highly anticipated premiere date of 6 March 2026, after Starz had previously released a teaser confirming the programme would return in early 2026.