Rudy Pankow’s JJ Maybank is not only one of the most popular Outer Banks characters, but he’s also an integral part of the show and season 4’s big plot twist storyline. But is he actually leaving the show at the end of season 4? Let’s break it all down…

Outer Banks season 4 is now finally out on Netflix, and the series finale packs a huge punch for the Pogues and the viewers at home. It also sets up a tense and high-stakes final showdown for the recently renewed Outer Banks season 5.

Prior to the final five episodes airing, the fandom was speculating about Rudy’s departure from the series thanks to his own Instagram stories, rumours about what happens to JJ at the end of season 4 and Rudy’s previous interviews.

Now the episodes are here, we finally have our answer. Will Rudy Pankow be in Outer Banks season 5?

Does JJ die in Outer Banks season 4? Picture: Netflix

Is Rudy Pankow leaving Outer Banks?

Yes, Rudy Pankow is leaving Outer Banks after his character JJ was killed in the final episode of season 4.

Rumours about Rudy leaving the show started circulating a while back but his August 2024 interview with Backstage sparked new speculation and concern.

“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,” he said of working on Outer Banks. “I’m capable of trusting that it’s gonna be OK no matter how busy I am, or how not busy I am.”

Rudy then went on open up about being able to move on to new opportunities once a job ends, saying: “And the focus on when something’s over? That’s just as much of an opportunity. It’s the classic [idea of]: When one door closes, what then opens? That next door should always, always be what fascinates you with your craft. Ask yourself: What kind of person am I now? What stories do I want to tell? I think [figuring that out] is the duty of any artist. That’s the stuff that you should be focusing on, whenever you get a job and whenever a job ends.”

Rudy did not directly talk about the show – or his time on the show – ending anytime soon but it lead to fans worrying that his time on the show was coming to an end. Turns out, they were right.

One of Rudy’s Instagram posts following the release of Outer Banks season 4 Part 1 also sparked a huge wave of speculation about his departure.

While expressing his gratitude on Instagram amid the release, Rudy wrote: “This show has given me such an amazing opportunity to express my craft in so many different ways and it has been an honor playing JJ.”

Some fans thought the message sounding incredibly ‘final’, as if he was saying goodbye to the entire series.

“This show has given me such an amazing oppurunity to express my craft in so many different ways and it has been an honor playing JJ”

Rudy Pankow via instagram | #outerbanks pic.twitter.com/bRr1khTibk

— OuterBanksUpdates (@obxupdatesss) October 14, 2024

Fans have also been theorising about the alleged ‘drama’ between Rudy and co-star Madison Bailey as a reason for Rudy leaving the series.

It’s no secret that both Madison and Rudy have grown frustrated with the comments from invasive fans about their friendship, their respective partners, and people shipping them IRL. Both actors have called it out on social media in the past, too.

Rudy has also hinted that he stepped back from sharing a lot of his personal life online as a result. That would likely explain why he doesn’t appear in many behind-the-scenes videos with the rest of the cast.

In a final interview with Tudum about JJ’s final episode, it was confirmed that Rudy had officially “wrapped on the series”. That likely means that he will not return in season 5 for any flashbacks.

“His death really does set up the future of OBX with the question, what is worth it? And when someone that close to you is gone, how do you navigate that?” Rudy said, before sharing a sweet thank you message.

“I want to leave the cast and crew with the biggest thank-you. It’s been such a pleasure to come to work,” he continued. “This is by far the biggest thing I’ve ever done in [my] experience, and to have this as my start is a start of a lifetime. I’m going to miss it. Thank you for so many fun memories I’ll have the rest of my life.”

He added: “To all the fans that show so much support and love for JJ, I just want to say thank you. It really did make an impact on me, playing him. It’s been an honor to bring him to life for you guys, and it’s been a joy to play him. And P4L!”