The sun sets over the windswept shores of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, but for the tight-knit group of treasure-hunting teens known as the Pogues, the horizon is darkened by loss, vengeance, and the weight of an uncertain future. As Outer Banks, Netflix’s action-packed teen drama, gears up for its fifth and final season, fans are bracing for an emotional rollercoaster that will tie up the series’ sprawling narrative of friendship, betrayal, and mythical treasures. The stakes have never been higher, with the Pogues reeling from a devastating tragedy, a new life on the way, and a legendary artifact still out of reach. This season, set to premiere in 2026, promises to honor the spirit of a fallen friend while delivering the redemption and closure the Pogues—and their fans—deserve.
At the heart of Outer Banks Season 5 is the Pogues’ quest for justice following the brutal death of Jackson “JJ” Maybank, the reckless, loyal, and fiercely beloved member of their crew. In the Season 4 finale, JJ, played by Rudy Pankow, met a gut-wrenching end in Morocco at the hands of his biological father, Chandler Groff. The shocking moment came after JJ heroically secured Blackbeard’s Blue Crown, a treasure rumored to grant wishes, only to trade it to save his girlfriend, Kiara Carrera, from Groff’s knife. In a cruel twist, Groff stabbed JJ anyway, leaving him to die in Kiara’s arms as he whispered his love for her and his chosen family. The Pogues buried JJ in the Moroccan desert, but his death has lit a fire under the group, transforming their latest treasure hunt into a deeply personal mission for revenge.
The series’ creators—Josh Pate, Jonas Pate, and Shannon Burke—have emphasized that JJ’s death, though heartbreaking, was a deliberate and necessary part of the story’s architecture. They’ve promised to honor JJ’s legacy in Season 5, ensuring his spirit permeates the Pogues’ actions. JJ, often described as the “king of friendship,” embodied the Pogue ethos of loyalty and living life to the fullest. His arc in Season 4 was a turbulent one: from squandering the group’s El Dorado gold to discovering his Kook heritage, JJ’s journey was marked by chaos and redemption. His final act of selflessness—saving Kiara and declaring he already had everything he wanted—cemented his place as the heart of the Pogues. Season 5 will see the group channel their grief into a relentless pursuit of Groff, who fled with the Blue Crown, setting the stage for an epic showdown.
The Blue Crown, a mythical artifact tied to the legend of Blackbeard, remains central to the narrative. In Season 4, the Pogues ventured to Morocco to retrieve it, hoping to sell it to save their home, Poguelandia 2.0. The crown’s rumored powers of invincibility and wish-granting have sparked fan theories about its role in the final season. Some speculate the Pogues might use the crown to wish JJ back to life, though the creators have steered clear of confirming supernatural elements. Instead, the hunt for the Blue Crown will likely intertwine with the Pogues’ quest for vengeance, as they track Groff to Portugal, where he plans to sell the artifact. The treasure, once a symbol of financial salvation, now represents closure—a way to honor JJ’s sacrifice and reclaim what was stolen from them.
Amid the chaos of revenge and treasure hunting, Outer Banks Season 5 will also explore new beginnings, particularly for John B. Routledge and Sarah Cameron. The couple, played by Chase Stokes and Madelyn Cline, discovered in Season 4 that Sarah is pregnant with their first child, a development that adds a layer of hope and complexity to their story. The baby, dubbed the “first Pogue-let,” represents a future beyond the dangerous adventures that have defined their lives. JJ, named the child’s godfather before his death, even suggested his name as a gender-neutral option, hinting that the baby might be named in his honor. As Sarah’s pregnancy progresses, the Pogues will face new challenges in balancing their high-stakes mission with protecting their growing family. Sarah, who has narrowly escaped death multiple times, will likely be more cautious, forcing John B to grapple with his role as a soon-to-be father and the group’s leader.
The dynamic among the remaining Pogues—John B, Sarah, Kiara (Madison Bailey), Pope Heyward (Jonathan Daviss), and Cleo (Carlacia Grant)—will be tested as they navigate grief and purpose. Kiara, devastated by JJ’s death, is consumed by a desire for revenge, her intensity driving the group forward. Pope, who faced legal troubles in Season 4, will continue to anchor the team with his intellect, while Cleo’s fierce loyalty strengthens their resolve. Surprisingly, Rafe Cameron (Drew Starkey), Sarah’s brother and a former antagonist, has aligned with the Pogues, motivated by his own betrayal by Groff. Rafe’s suggestion to pursue Groff in the Season 4 finale hints at a redemption arc, adding an unpredictable ally to the mix. The creators have teased that Season 5 will be deeply personal, with the Pogues fighting not just for treasure but for solace and peace.
The backdrop of Outer Banks has always been its vivid setting, from the sun-soaked beaches of North Carolina to the exotic locales of Morocco. Season 5, which began filming in June 2025 in Charleston, South Carolina, and other locations, will likely return to the Outer Banks while incorporating scenes in Portugal, where the Blue Crown’s trail leads. The series’ signature blend of high-octane action, romance, and class divides—Pogues versus Kooks—will continue to drive the story. The Pogues’ fight to preserve Poguelandia, their hard-won home, remains a symbol of their resilience, especially now that they’re fighting in JJ’s memory.
Fan reactions to JJ’s death have been intense, with social media buzzing about the emotional weight of the Season 4 finale. Some hold out hope for a twist, pointing to the Blue Crown’s wish-granting lore, but the creators’ commitment to a grounded narrative suggests JJ’s death is permanent. Instead, his influence will live on through the Pogues’ actions and the potential naming of John B and Sarah’s child. The show’s exploration of mortality, a recurring theme since John B’s voiceovers in Season 1, underscores the urgency of living fully—a lesson JJ embodied.
As Outer Banks approaches its conclusion, the creators have promised a satisfying end that ties up loose ends, from the fates of secondary characters like Sofia and Topper to the resolution of the Blue Crown’s mystery. The series, which began in 2020, has captivated audiences with its blend of adventure, heart, and rebellion. Season 5 will be a testament to the Pogues’ enduring bond, forged through loss and love. For fans, it’s a bittersweet farewell to a group of teens who’ve fought against the odds, chased impossible dreams, and held each other together through it all.
In the end, Outer Banks Season 5 is poised to deliver an unforgettable finale—one that honors JJ’s legacy, celebrates new life, and brings the Pogues’ journey full circle. As they set sail for one last adventure, the question remains: will they find the redemption they seek, or will the cost of vengeance prove too high? Only time, and the tides of the Outer Banks, will tell.
