Sam Heughan, Caitriona Balfe: On-screen couple's return for 'Outlander' season 5 delayed next year

This is going to be the first year that fans of “Outlander” will not be seeing Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe in new episodes of the show. Since the series launched on Starz in 2014, a new installment premiered every year until 2019.

'Outlander' season 5 release date: Fantasy drama series returns in 2020

On the bright side, there have been several reports that Heughan and Balfe have already filmed several parts of "Outlander" season 5. However, the timing of season 4's release and finale already made it obvious that product for the fifth installment cannot finish in time for a 2019 premiere date.

Last month, Starz confirmed that Balfe and Heughan will not appear in new episodes this year. "Outlander" season 5 is now slated to air sometime in 2020. With still plenty of time ahead of the premiere, fans should not expect a release date announcement anytime soon.

Catriona Balfe, Sam Heughan appears in Starz’s ‘Coming Soon’ teaser

Since the co-stars have started filming "Outlander" season 5 in last April, producers have enough footage to include the show in the premium cable company’s “Coming Soon” teaser along with its other shows. But, not surprisingly, the clips only show Balfe and Heughan’s characters in brief moments of staring at each other’s eyes. Fans looking for any clues on what is going to happen next might be disappointed.

The huge mystery now is when in 2020 does "Outlander" season 5 come out. The show’s first two seasons had a springtime release while seasons 3 and 4 premiered in fall. With the filming likely wrapping up this year, there is a chance for the show to go back to its original spring release date window. Avid fans of Heughan and Balfe will be more excited about the show’s return as season 5 marks Balfe and Heughan’s first year of becoming producers of “Outlander” as well.

Caitriona Balfe marries real-life beau debunking persistent dating rumors with Sam Heughan

Balfe also has something major to celebrate in her off-screen life. It was reported earlier this month that she finally married her long-time boyfriend Tony McGill. Representatives of the actress have yet to confirm the news, but fans are almost certain that it did happen and Heughan was probably there to witness the lovely day.