Caitríona Balfe Wishes There Was an Intimacy Coordinator on Early “Outlander” Seasons: ‘You Learn the Hard Way’

Caitríona Balfe, the actress known for her role in the hit series *Outlander*, has shed light on the challenges of filming intimate scenes in the show’s early seasons. In a recent interview on Bustle’s *One Nightstand* podcast, Balfe reflected on the lack of intimacy coordinators on set during the initial episodes, which made the process considerably more daunting for her and her co-stars, including Sam Heughan and Tobias Menzies.

When *Outlander* first premiered in 2014, its narrative quickly established that passionate moments between Claire (Balfe) and Jamie (Heughan) would be central to the story. However, the actors soon discovered that filming these scenes came with a unique set of anxieties. Balfe revealed that all three were apprehensive about the volume of intimate scenes. “We were very nervous about the amount of sex scenes,” she shared. “I had never done anything like that, I don’t think Sam had, and I know Tobias hadn’t. It was very new territory for us all.”

As the series progressed, the pressure to deliver more intimate content increased. Balfe explained that while the initial directive from showrunner Ron Moore emphasised the importance of these scenes to the character development, maintaining that balance became challenging as audiences began to develop a strong expectation for steamy content. “What we were really trying to do is show you a beautiful, intimate relationship, but it’s not always going to be about sex,” Balfe noted.

The demand for intimate moments, she elaborated, presented a distinct challenge for her and Heughan. “There are pressures — from the studio or the audience,” Balfe said. “It’s not always the first thing I want to do — take my clothes off.” Their goal, she insisted, was to portray a deepening relationship that evolves beyond mere physical attraction.

The absence of intimacy coordinators during the early seasons added another layer of complexity to the filming process. Balfe referred to those initial days as akin to “the Wild West.” Reflecting on this, she expressed regret that such roles weren’t introduced sooner, acknowledging that both she and her co-stars learned valuable lessons along the way. “I was so lucky that Sam and Tobias were such good friends and really looked out for each other,” she stated.

Balfe also recounted the awkwardness of not fully understanding what was being filmed at times, leading to discomfort when fans transformed intimate moments into memes and screenshots. “You end up thinking, ‘Oh my God, my poor parents.’” She indicated that navigating these challenges taught her the importance of self-advocacy in such vulnerable situations.

The strong bond between Balfe and Heughan played a significant role in how they managed their intimate scenes. “I feel like I had the most amazing work partner in Sam,” she commented, emphasizing their friendship and mutual support. Both actors were determined that their portrayals of intimacy would not devolve into being gratuitous, but rather serve to move the audience emotionally.

This is not the first time that concerns regarding the lack of an intimacy coordinator have been raised. In a previous discussion with *Entertainment Weekly*, Balfe noted that the absence of such guidance meant that she and Heughan often found themselves in the position of negotiating the appropriateness of their scenes. “It’s a constant negotiation between the director and the producers,” she explained, recounting the uncomfortable conversations that often arose.

It wasn’t until season six that an intimacy coordinator was finally brought on board. Heughan later confirmed that Vanessa Coffey was hired to ensure that the intimate scenes were handled with care and sensitivity. He explained that, with greater protection in place, it became possible to explore these scenes more creatively. “I think it’s important that everyone is protected, but we also find a way to explore these scenes,” he said.

Balfe expressed appreciation for Coffey’s contributions, stating, “It was interesting because Sam and I had such a history, but you realise that she brings this whole other layer to it.” The improved environment made a significant difference in the way the actors approached their roles.

With new episodes of *Outlander* season eight airing weekly on Starz, Balfe and Heughan’s stories continue to evolve on-screen. As they navigate the challenges of portraying a passionate relationship, both actors maintain a firm commitment to depicting intimacy in a way that feels authentic and meaningful, beyond mere expectation.