Rudy Pankow will return as JJ in Outer Banks season 4 (Image via Netflix)

Fans are excited for the Pogues to return in Netflix’s Outer Banks season 4. But there’s a lot of chatter about one big question: Is Rudy Pankow, who plays the beloved JJ Maybank, leaving the show after this season?

The rumor took off on social media, causing fans to panic about possibly losing one of the show’s most beloved characters. Pankow might be considering leaving, but neither he nor the show’s creators have officially confirmed anything.

The buzz comes from unverified social media posts and what Pankow has said in interviews about how acting roles can be temporary. But for now, JJ fans can relax, as Pankow is definitely in season 4.

Is Rudy Pankow really leaving Outer Banks season 4?

Madelyn Cline and Rudy Pankow on the show (Image via Netflix)

There’s been a lot of chatter about Rudy Pankow possibly leaving Outer Banks, mainly from social media posts, many of which have already been taken down. These posts hinted that he might be stepping away from the show. This has fans worried that his character, JJ Maybank, could be written off or face a sad ending in the next season.

Even though these concerns are circulating, they don’t have any solid proof. In an interview with Backstage, Pankow suggested that he might not be on the show forever. He said he was thankful for his role as JJ, mentioning:

“I’m so thankful to be in this position…to be working on this craft with these characters. But I know that’s not going to last forever.”

These comments might make it seem like Pankow is thinking about what’s next after Outer Banks, but they don’t mean he’s leaving the show anytime soon. Also, there’s buzz, including from We Got This Covered, about tension between him and his co-star Madison Bailey, who plays Kiara.

Rumors about the actors’ real-life partners getting into conflicts over their on-screen chemistry have sparked more chatter about Pankow possibly leaving the show. But these are mostly fan theories, and there’s no proof backing them up.

What does this mean for JJ in Outer Banks season 4?

A still from an episode named Secret of the Gnomon (Image via Netflix)

The Outer Banks season 4 teaser has now dropped, and fans are getting a peek at what JJ and the rest of the Pogues are up to. It looks like they’re in for thrills and adventures as they continue hunting for treasure. But there’s a moment in the trailer that got people thinking JJ could be in more trouble this time.

It shows John B. (Chase Stokes) giving JJ a heads-up:

“We’ve got everything to lose this time.”

The show’s creators have always said that at its heart, Outer Banks is about the friendship among the Pogues. Co-creator Josh Pate pointed out how crucial friendship is to the series in an interview with Tudum:

“There’s all this action and adventure, but it’s really about the bond between the friends.”

With this in mind, it seems unlikely they’d write out a major character like JJ without a good reason. Plus, the trailer teases that JJ and Kiara’s relationship is getting more intense, raising the stakes for both.

If something were to happen to JJ, like him leaving or getting killed off, it would shake things up for the whole group and change the direction of the show.

Where to watch Outer Banks season 4?

If you’re a fan of Outer Banks, catch season 4 on Netflix. Get ready for more fun with JJ, John B., Sarah, Kiara, Pope, and Cleo as they dive into another epic adventure.

Season 4 is coming out in two parts: Part 1 drops on October 10, 2024, and Part 2 will be available on November 7, 2024.

Keep an eye on Soap Central for the latest on Outer Banks Season 4.