Outer Banks Season 5 Is Coming: Netflix to Tackle THESE Cliffhangers! ❤

The sun-soaked, treasure-hunting saga of Outer Banks has kept fans on the edge of their seats since its debut in April 2020. Set in the picturesque yet divided coastal town of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, the Netflix series follows the Pogues—a tight-knit group of working-class teens led by John B (Chase Stokes)—as they chase legendary treasures while clashing with their wealthy rivals, the Kooks. With its blend of high-stakes adventure, romance, and heartbreak, the show has become a global phenomenon, racking up 1.19 billion viewing minutes in the first three days of Season 4, Part 1 alone. Now, with Season 5 confirmed as the final chapter, Netflix is gearing up to resolve some of the series’ most shocking cliffhangers. Here’s what we can expect as the Pogues paddle out for one last ride.

The Cliffhangers That Demand Resolution

Season 4, which dropped in two parts in October and November 2024, delivered a rollercoaster of emotions, culminating in a finale that left fans reeling. From heartbreaking losses to new beginnings, the Pogues’ journey took unexpected turns, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion. Below are the key cliffhangers Season 5 is expected to address.

1. The Fallout of JJ’s Shocking Death

The most gut-wrenching moment of Season 4 was the death of JJ Maybank (Rudy Pankow), the Pogues’ reckless yet fiercely loyal heart. Killed off in the finale during a treasure-hunting trip in Morocco, JJ’s demise sparked outrage among fans, with many calling it unsatisfying and abrupt. Rudy Pankow confirmed his exit in a heartfelt message to Netflix, saying, “This is by far the biggest thing I’ve ever done… Thank you for so many fun memories I’ll have the rest of my life.” While some speculated JJ’s death might be a fake-out, Pankow’s departure seems final.

Season 5 will likely focus on the Pogues’ grief and quest for revenge, as hinted by showrunners Jonas Pate, Josh Pate, and Shannon Burke. Burke told Us Weekly, “It’s something that is going to affect them and it’s going to be the emotional center of the rest of the series.” How will Kiara (Madison Bailey), JJ’s romantic partner, cope with her loss? Will the Pogues seek justice against Chandler Groff, the new character who killed his own son? This emotional arc will drive the narrative, shaping the group’s final adventure.

2. Sarah’s Pregnancy and the Pogues’ Future

Another major twist in Season 4 was Sarah Cameron’s (Madelyn Cline) pregnancy, revealed after she expressed reluctance about motherhood. This development adds new stakes for Sarah and John B, who have weathered countless storms together. Showrunner Josh Pate explained to Us Weekly that the pregnancy was intentional, setting up a storyline about their transition into adulthood. Season 5 will likely explore how the couple balances impending parenthood with their dangerous lifestyle. Will they settle down in the Outer Banks, or will the lure of one last treasure hunt pull them back? This arc promises to ground the series’ high-octane action with personal growth.

3. The Pogues’ Revenge and the Blue Crown

The Season 4 finale saw the Pogues finally secure the Blue Crown, only to lose JJ in the process. The showrunners have teased that Season 5 will revolve around revenge, with the Pogues potentially targeting those responsible for their loss. Additionally, the treasure-hunting aspect remains central, as the group may uncover new mysteries tied to the Blue Crown or other artifacts. With filming delayed until June 2025 and a likely release in late 2026, fans are eager to see how the Pogues’ final mission unfolds. Will they honor JJ’s memory by completing their quest, or will revenge consume them?

4. Kiara and Cleo’s Underutilized Roles

Fan criticism of Season 4 included the limited screen time for Kiara and Cleo (Carlacia Grant), two pivotal Pogues. Kiara’s arc was overshadowed by JJ’s storyline, while Cleo’s integration into the group felt underdeveloped. Season 5 offers a chance to rectify this, giving both characters more prominent roles. With JJ gone, Kiara’s journey through grief could take center stage, while Cleo’s backstory as a newcomer might be explored further. Fans are hopeful for a return to the show’s roots, emphasizing the Pogues’ friendship and individual growth.

What to Expect from Season 5

While Netflix hasn’t announced an exact premiere date, production is set to begin in June 2025, pointing to a late 2026 release. The core cast—Chase Stokes, Madelyn Cline, Madison Bailey, Jonathan Daviss (Pope), and Carlacia Grant—is expected to return, though Rudy Pankow’s absence will be deeply felt. Chase Stokes shared with ScreenRant that filming without Pankow will be “sad” but that the final season aims for a “bittersweet” conclusion. New cast members from Season 4, like J. Anthony Crane and Pollyanna McIntosh, may also return to tie up loose ends.

The showrunners have promised “an epic fifth and final season,” with scripts already in development. The narrative will likely return to the Outer Banks setting, grounding the global adventures of Season 4 in the familiar coastal town. Themes of mourning, revenge, and new beginnings will dominate, with the Pogues facing their toughest challenges yet. The cancellation of the Outer Banks Netflix Stories game sequel won’t impact the show, ensuring the focus remains on delivering a satisfying finale.

The Legacy of Outer Banks

Outer Banks has carved out a unique space in the teen drama genre, blending adventure, romance, and social commentary. Its diverse cast and engaging storylines have earned it multiple People’s Choice and MTV Movie & TV Awards, with Season 4 ranking No. 2 on Nielsen’s streaming Top 10. As the series prepares to wrap up, fans are both excited and emotional about bidding farewell to the Pogues. Posts on X reflect this sentiment, with @NetflixBrasil announcing the renewal with “POGUES PRA SEMPRE!” and fans buzzing about the final season.

For now, fans can rewatch Seasons 1–4 on Netflix to relive the Pogues’ wild journey. As we await Season 5, the promise of resolving JJ’s death, Sarah’s pregnancy, the revenge plot, and the Pogues’ friendships ensures that Outer Banks will go out with a bang. Get ready for one last paddle to the surf break!