Based on a series of books by Diana Gabaldon, "Outlander" premiered in 2014 on the Starz network. Despite being snubbed by the 2015 Emmys, "Outlander" has received high praise and gained a dedicated fan base. If you haven't already been watching, here are ten reasons to check out "Outlander" before its return in 2016.

The "Outlander" protagonist is Claire Randall, a 27-year-old British army nurse. When the story begins, the year is 1945, and Claire and her husband Frank Randall are taking a second honeymoon in Scotland after the end of World War II. After visiting a strange stone formation called Craighna Dun with Frank, Claire returns on her own a few days later. She is drawn into a trance, and slowly walks forward to touch one of the stones. After much confusion, Claire discovers that touching the stone has caused her to time travel to the year 1743. There she struggles to fit in with her modern knowledge and opinions, while simultaneously trying to find a way back to the stones at Craigh na Dun, and back to her own time. While in 1743, Claire befriends Jamie, a handsome Highland warrior, and faces various perils of the time period, including the sadistic Black Jack Randall—who also happens to be Frank’s ancestor.

2. The Characters

Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan as Claire and Jamie

While most of us would either be crying or screaming in terror if we suddenly time traveled to the 18th century, Claire handles it with surprising grace. She uses her knowledge of modern medicine to pose as a healer though her outspoken nature and outrage at some of the local customs tends to get her into trouble. In an age where we’re constantly searching for positive female role models, Claire is a confident, strong-willed woman who takes fate into her own hands. And Jamie is more than just eye candy—he tries to help Claire stay out of trouble whenever he can, while also trying not to draw attention to himself. Jamie is shown to be both noble and caring, willing to stick his neck out for others, regardless of the consequences. They’re both incredibly well-developed characters who show enormous growth throughout the course of the season.

3. The Actors

The main cast is Caitriona Balfe as Claire, Sam Heughan as Jamie, and Tobias Menzies as both Frank and Black Jack Randall. Though Balfe and Heughan’s most impressive performances come later in the season, both are perfect embodiments of their characters throughout the entire show. The chemistry between the two is electric—they deliver each scene with such honesty that you will quickly become emotionally invested in both characters. And Menzies’s ability to switch back and forth between flat, boring Frank and the terrifyingly emotionless Black Jack is incredible. Additionally, the supporting characters are beyond reproach, particularly Graham McTavish’s Dougal Mackenzie, Lotte Verbeek’s Geillis Duncan, and Laura Donnelly as Jenny Murray.

Sam Heughan as Jamie

Tobias Menzies as Frank Randall (left) and Black Jack Randall (right)

4. The Scenery

I never knew how beautiful Scotland was before watching "Outlander"—the show is filmed in Scotland, and features some of the most amazing sweeping landscape shots I’ve seen on a TV show in a long time. From the first episode, "Outlander"showcases the beauty of Scotland’s scenery in a way that makes you wish you were there.

Landscape shot of the Highlands in Scotland

5. The Costumes

Particularly during the 18^th century scenes, the costumes are incredibly realistic. Designer Terry Dresbach outdoes herself with every episode. The women are all in corsets, the men are all in kilts—it’s particularly impressive in episodes with large gatherings of people, when there’s not a single hair out of place.

Graham McTavish (center) as Dougal Mackenzie in Outlander episode 4, “The Gathering”

6. The Writing

"Outlander" is adapted from a series of books by Diana Gabaldon, who regularly consults on the show with the screenwriters and showrunner to keep the show similar to the books. Though I haven’t read the books, I’ve talked to people who have, and they’re all very happy with the way the show has gone about adapting the story for television. And it’s easy to see why—there’s never a dull moment on the show, and the dialogue between the characters always feels natural while still moving the plot forward. There are also a number of more intimate scenes later on that are both tastefully written and executed.

Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander cameo

7. The Directing

All of the directors for the show consistently deliver amazing work, telling a seamless, cohesive story. Additionally, four out of the 16 episodes are directed by Anna Foerster, including a pivotal episode in the middle of the season and the finale. In the midst of outrage over the lack of representation for women behind the screen, Foerster pushes boundaries for women in television.

An opening shot from one of Foerster’s episodes

8. The Cinematography

Every shot in every episode has purpose, whether it’s furthering the plot or exposing character. Without using any dialogue, the cinematography adds just as much information and depth to the characters and the story. The initial shots at the beginning of each episode both provide a brief preview and set the tone for the following story.

Claire and Frank in 1945

9. The Music

Composed by Bear McCreary and nominated for a Creative Arts Emmy, the score for "Outlander"sets the mood for each episode and holds the audience’s interest. It seamlessly blends into the background of the story, building tension and providing relief. Additionally, the theme song pulls you in at the beginning and transports you to the Scottish Highlands.

A still from Outlander’s theme song

10. Season 2 Begins in 2016…

…Which means there’s no excuse not to be caught up when it returns. There’s also plenty of time to read the first two books in the series, if you’re someone that likes to read first and watch later. And if you end up hopelessly addicted to the show like I am, you can spend the hiatus re-watching season 1 to relive your favorite moments.