The sun-soaked, treasure-hunting saga of Outer Banks is gearing up for its fifth and final season, set to premiere on Netflix in 2026. After the gut-punch finale of Season 4, which left fans reeling with the death of beloved Pogue JJ Maybank (Rudy Pankow), speculation about his potential return has ignited across social media and fan forums. While the showrunners have confirmed JJ’s death as a pivotal plot point, cryptic comments, fan theories, and the magical allure of the Blue Crown have fueled hope that JJ could make a dramatic comeback in Season 5. Drawing from interviews, creator insights, and buzz on platforms like X, here’s an exploration of how Outer Banks might bring JJ back and why his return could redefine the Pogues’ final adventure.
The Heartbreaking Exit of JJ Maybank
In the Season 4 finale, JJ’s story came to a devastating close when he was fatally stabbed by his biological father, Chandler Groff (J. Anthony Crane), during a tense confrontation in Morocco. After securing Blackbeard’s Blue Crown, JJ traded the treasure to save his girlfriend Kiara (Madison Bailey), only to be betrayed by Groff’s brutal attack. As JJ bled out in Kiara’s arms, his final words—“Take care of the others”—cemented his legacy as the loyal, reckless heart of the Pogues. The Pogues buried his body in Morocco, and a montage of JJ’s most iconic moments served as a tearful farewell, leaving viewers devastated.
Showrunners Jonas Pate, Josh Pate, and Shannon Burke have emphasized that JJ’s death was planned from the series’ early stages, designed to raise the stakes and propel the Pogues into a revenge-driven Season 5. “We thought it was going to be JJ all along,” Burke told Teen Vogue, noting that his sacrifice embodied his “loyal to a fault” nature. Yet, despite the finality of his on-screen death, the creators have left the door slightly ajar for JJ’s return, sparking intense speculation.
Why JJ’s Return Makes Sense
JJ Maybank, the quintessential Pogue, has been a fan favorite since Outer Banks debuted in 2020. His devil-may-care attitude, witty one-liners, and unwavering loyalty made him the emotional glue of the group. His death not only shattered the Pogues but also sparked a massive fan backlash, with some taking extreme measures—like funding a Times Square billboard—to plead for his return. Posts on X reveal a fervent fanbase unwilling to accept JJ’s exit, with theories ranging from supernatural revivals to clever plot twists. This outpouring of support underscores JJ’s irreplaceable role in the series’ dynamic.
From a narrative perspective, JJ’s absence creates a void that Season 5 must address. The Pogues’ vow to avenge his death by hunting Groff sets the stage for an emotionally charged finale, but JJ’s spirit is expected to loom large. Showrunner Josh Pate told Tudum that JJ’s death “sets the stage for an epic fifth and final season,” hinting at a story of redemption and friendship. However, the creators’ reluctance to definitively rule out Pankow’s return—coupled with the show’s history of surprising resurrections, like Ward Cameron’s in Season 3—suggests that JJ’s story may not be over.
How JJ Could Return
While JJ’s death was depicted unequivocally, Outer Banks has several narrative tools at its disposal to bring him back. Here are the most plausible scenarios, based on the show’s established patterns and fan-driven theories:
1. Flashbacks and Visions
The most likely avenue for JJ’s return is through flashbacks or visions, a storytelling device Outer Banks has used before. Co-creator Shannon Burke, when asked by Entertainment Weekly about Pankow’s potential return, responded, “Maybe? I wouldn’t put it out of the realm of possibility.” Similarly, Jonas Pate told Cosmopolitan, “Never say never,” leaving room for JJ to appear in reflective or hallucinatory sequences. These could serve to honor JJ’s legacy while providing closure for the Pogues, particularly Kiara, who is poised to lead the revenge against Groff. A flashback revisiting JJ’s pivotal moments—or a vision guiding the Pogues in a critical decision—would keep Rudy Pankow in the fold without undermining the stakes of his death.
J. Anthony Crane, who plays Groff, echoed this sentiment in an interview with The Direct, suggesting that a “memory or something that needs to be needed at the time” could bring JJ back. Given the emotional weight of JJ’s death, a well-placed flashback could deepen the Pogues’ resolve, especially as they grapple with grief and the moral cost of their treasure-hunting lifestyle.
2. The Blue Crown’s Mystical Power
A more speculative but tantalizing possibility involves the Blue Crown, the Season 4 treasure rumored to grant wishes. While Outer Banks has largely stayed grounded in reality, the crown’s lore introduces a hint of the supernatural, as seen in Season 3 when Carla Limbrey mysteriously regained her ability to walk. Fans on X have latched onto this idea, theorizing that the Pogues could use the crown to wish JJ back to life if they reclaim it from Groff. Though showrunners have downplayed a full resurrection, a dream sequence or alternate reality where JJ is alive could offer a poignant “what if” moment, allowing Pankow to return briefly.
This approach would align with the series’ emotional core, posing the question Rudy Pankow himself raised in a Tudum interview: “What is worth it?” A vision of JJ restored could force the Pogues to confront whether their quest for revenge honors his memory or betrays his selfless spirit. However, a permanent resurrection seems unlikely, as it risks cheapening the impact of his sacrifice.
3. A Shocking Twist: JJ Survived?
The least probable but most dramatic scenario is that JJ somehow survived his stabbing. Fans have pointed out that Outer Banks never showed JJ’s body after his burial, leaving a sliver of ambiguity. Could the Pogues have faked his death to throw Groff off their trail? While this theory stretches credibility—given the on-screen clarity of JJ’s demise and the Pogues’ mourning—it’s not entirely outside the show’s penchant for bold twists. A post on X even claimed a leaked Season 5 script suggested JJ’s survival, though no credible evidence supports this. Given the showrunners’ insistence that JJ’s death is permanent, this scenario remains a long shot.
The Emotional and Narrative Impact
Whether through flashbacks, visions, or a miraculous twist, JJ’s return would carry profound implications for Season 5. His death has already transformed the Pogues, with Kiara emerging as a hardened leader driven by vengeance. Burke told Entertainment Weekly that Kiara’s arc will see her shed her “save the turtles” persona, becoming a force to be reckoned with. JJ’s presence, even in memory, will shape this evolution, challenging the Pogues to balance grief with their thirst for justice.
Moreover, JJ’s return could tie into other Season 5 threads, such as John B. and Sarah’s pregnancy. JJ, named the godfather of their unborn child, suggested his name as a gender-neutral option, leading fans to speculate that the baby might be named in his honor. A flashback or vision of JJ could underscore this legacy, offering a bittersweet nod to his enduring influence.
Fan Power and Production Context
The fan campaign to bring JJ back is unprecedented, with efforts like the Times Square billboard highlighting the character’s cultural impact. This pressure may influence the writers, who are currently scripting Season 5, with production slated to begin in spring 2025. While Pankow has expressed gratitude for his Outer Banks journey, noting in a November 2024 Instagram post that it was “the biggest thing I’ve ever done,” he hasn’t ruled out a cameo. The show’s history of responding to fan feedback—such as expanding Cleo’s role—suggests that JJ’s return, even in a limited capacity, could be a nod to the Pogue faithful.
A Pogue Forever
As Outer Banks prepares to sail into its final season, JJ Maybank’s shadow will loom large, whether he appears on-screen or lives through the Pogues’ memories. His potential return, likely through flashbacks or visions, offers a chance to honor his spirit while delivering the closure fans crave. While a full resurrection seems improbable, the creators’ ambiguous comments and the Blue Crown’s mystique keep the door open for surprises. As the Pogues chase revenge and redemption in 2026, one thing is certain: JJ’s legacy will define their final adventure, proving that a true Pogue never truly leaves the fight.
