2016–2017 · Based on 2 seasons through April 25, 2017 ·
Outsiders is a dark and gritty drama series set in the modern-day Appalachian mountains of Kentucky. The story follows the Farrells, a rugged clan of renegades who have lived off the grid on Shay Mountain for over two centuries. They must fight to protect their isolated territory and unique way of life from a greedy coal company that wants to evict them to mine the land. The local sheriff is caught in the middle of this intense, violent clash. Viewers will notice several progressive themes throughout the show's two seasons. The Farrell clan has a matriarchal structure led by powerful female chiefs, which becomes even more prominent in the second season with the arrival of an all-female mountain tribe. The main storyline also features an interracial romance between a white clan member and a black townsperson. Additionally, a recurring transgender character named Frida adds a clear layer of queer representation to the cast.
Community feedback
Was our 57% Woke rating accurate?
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Breakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for Outsiders.
Woke representation / casting
The show features notable diversity. Sally-Ann is a prominent black female lead in a central romantic plot. G'Winveer rises to become the leader of her mountain clan. Crucially, the series includes a recurring transgender character named Frida, played by trans actress Eve Lindley, who has an active role in Season 2. Because of this visible LGBTQ+ representation, the casting score is elevated to reflect modern identity priorities.
55%
Woke political dialogue
The dialogue is mostly naturalistic and regional. However, characters occasionally deliver lines criticizing corporate greed, fossil fuel exploitation, and the destruction of the natural environment. These lines fit the characters' situations but carry a mild progressive tone that some viewers will notice.
20%
Identity-driven story themes
The narrative strongly emphasizes progressive themes. The Farrell clan operates as a matriarchy, which is reinforced when G'Winveer becomes the leader. Season 2 introduces an all-female, highly aggressive mountain tribe called the Kinnah. There is also a major interracial romance and a supportive transgender subplot involving Frida.
58%
Western institutional / cultural critique
The show critiques traditional gender roles through its focus on matriarchal leadership and all-female power dynamics. It also presents a strong critique of corporate capitalism, depicting the coal mining company as a greedy, corrupt force willing to destroy communities and pristine nature for profit.
45%
Woke character or canon changes
Not relevant. The show is an original television drama and is not based on any previously existing intellectual property, book series, or historical figures.
0%
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
There was no major organized anti-woke backlash or political controversy during the show's run. A few viewers online voiced complaints about the all-female Kinnah clan in the second season, describing their storyline as ridiculous or out of place, but these objections were minor.
15%
Creator track record context
The creative team consists almost entirely of writers, directors, and producers with very low scores on our index. Creator Peter Mattei and producers Paul Giamatti and Daniel Carey are scored at 0, representing a neutral profile, while a few writers have minor progressive backgrounds.
11%
Production
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