Outlander fans have shared their latest theories about how the final season of the historical fantasy series might end. Viewers have been discussing how the series finale might differ from Diana Gabaldon’s final book, which will have its own ending.

This comes after Jamie Fraser actor Sam Heughan revealed last year that he had lobbied for a “different ending” to the Starz drama. Outlander is based on the bestselling novels by Gabaldon, who has written nine of the 10 planned volumes.

Meanwhile, the television series will conclude several books before the official end of the novel series, meaning the final on-screen ending will likely differ from the final scenes from Gabaldon, which have not yet been released.

Speaking to The Herald about Season 8, Heughan admitted that he campaigned for an ending to the television series that felt right for fans who have watched the show for years.

He revealed that the series “was actually supposed to end this season,” but he “didn’t want to end it without finishing the story,” which led to the Outlander cast “going back to do one more (season).”

“I want to finish the story, not just for myself but for the fans. It would be unsatisfying to just end it and leave it hanging,” the actor explained.

It seems Heughan is doing his best to weigh in on how fans are saying goodbye to their beloved Outlander cast. The actor continued, “Diana is still writing the 10th book and there’s a lot more we haven’t been able to cover yet.”

“We have to end it somehow. Maybe not the way it is in the books. I’m pushing for a different ending.”

“I don’t think I’m getting what I want,” he added, concluding that while the finale “will never be satisfactory for everyone,” it will hopefully offer fans “some kind of finality.”

Meanwhile, fans on Reddit shared their thoughts on the alternate ending of the television series.

In a post titled “Series ending predictions,” Outlander fan @stoppingbythewoods wrote: “So now we’re on the last episode to be filmed. Does anyone have any predictions? They’re using material from BEES this season. I haven’t read the book yet (about to finish Fiery Cross) and would love to get spoilers on what you think will happen.” (sic)

In response to the query, a fan replied: “This can’t be exactly the end of book 9 as it has a sort of cliffhanger. I think it will be a happy ending, the whole family together on the ridge, with the little new addition; William knocking on the door and reconciling with Jamie. Jamie reluctantly reconciling with John as well.” (sic)

Another speculated: “I think the ending will be something healthy and calm after all the storms they’ve been through. We know they’re not going to kill Jamie and Claire. I hope it still makes me sob to be honest.” (sic)

A third agreed: “I want to see them grow old somehow and die happily together. Maybe a final montage of the grandchildren growing up, the great-grandchildren and then at the end a funeral and a picture of their tombstone.”

Another expressed his hope for a positive ending, saying: “Personally, I think the plot will be a circle, like time travel. Jamie and Claire plant the ancestors of the forget-me-nots on the stones to reach the post-war Claire.” (sic)

Outlander Season 7 Part 2 is available to stream on Starz in the US and MGM in the UK, with episodes premiering on Friday, November 22.