The sun is setting on Kildare Island, but not before one last treasure-hunting thrill ride with the Pogues. Outer Banks, Netflix’s beloved teen drama, has captivated audiences since its 2020 debut with its blend of high-stakes adventure, romance, and class warfare between the working-class Pogues and the wealthy Kooks. After a heart-wrenching Season 4 finale, fans are eager for details about the fifth and final season. From filming schedules to cast updates and plot speculations, here’s everything we know about Outer Banks Season 5 as the Pogues prepare for their last paddle out to the surf break.

A Bittersweet Announcement: Season 5 Is the Final Chapter

In November 2024, Netflix confirmed that Outer Banks would return for a fifth season, but with a poignant twist: it will be the show’s last. The announcement came just before the release of Season 4, Part 2, on November 7, 2024, stirring a mix of excitement and sadness among fans. The show’s creators—Josh Pate, Jonas Pate, and Shannon Burke—have long envisioned a five-season arc, inspired by a 2017 photograph of teenagers on a beach during a power outage. This image sparked a story of friendship, adventure, and treasure hunting that has unfolded over four seasons, with Season 5 set to deliver the conclusion they planned from the start.

The creators have expressed confidence that the final season will be their best yet, promising to bring the Pogues’ journey full circle. For fans, this means one last chance to join John B, Sarah, Kiara, Pope, and Cleo as they navigate danger, loss, and the pursuit of treasure. But when will we see this epic finale, and what can we expect?

Filming Schedule: Production Begins in Summer 2025

Production for Outer Banks Season 5 is gearing up, with filming set to commence in June 2025. Initial reports suggested a spring 2025 start, with some sources pointing to April or May, but more recent updates indicate June 16, 2025, as the likely kickoff date in Charleston, South Carolina, where the series has been filmed since its inception. This shift from earlier estimates may be due to scheduling adjustments or the creators’ new projects, such as Jonas Pate’s upcoming film Driver’s Ed, set to wrap before Outer Banks begins.

Filming is expected to run through the end of 2025, likely concluding in November or December. Based on previous seasons, production typically takes six to twelve months, followed by post-production and localization. For instance, Season 4 began filming in June 2023, was interrupted by the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, and wrapped in June 2024, with episodes releasing in October and November 2024. Without similar disruptions, Season 5’s timeline suggests a release in mid-to-late 2026, aligning with the creators’ focus on delivering a polished final chapter.

Release Window: Expect Season 5 in 2026

While Netflix hasn’t announced an official premiere date, the filming schedule and historical release patterns point to a 2026 debut. Previous seasons have taken roughly 11 to 19 months from filming start to release, with delays from strikes or global events like the pandemic affecting Seasons 3 and 4. If filming begins in June 2025 and wraps by December, post-production could take six to nine months, placing the premiere between June and September 2026.

There’s also speculation about whether Season 5 will follow the split-release model used for Season 4, where Part 1 dropped on October 10, 2024, and Part 2 on November 7, 2024. This approach, seen in other Netflix hits like Stranger Things and Bridgerton, keeps audiences engaged over weeks. Given its success, Season 5 might release in two parts, potentially with five episodes each, to maximize anticipation for the finale. Fans should prepare for a wait, but the promise of a feature-length Season 4 finale setting the stage for an “epic” Season 5 suggests it will be worth it.

Returning Cast: Who’s Back for the Final Ride?

The core Pogues are expected to return, though one major absence will loom large. Chase Stokes will reprise his role as John B Routledge, the charismatic leader navigating fatherhood after Season 4’s revelation that Sarah is pregnant. Madelyn Cline returns as Sarah Cameron, whose Kook-to-Pogue journey and impending motherhood will likely shape her arc. Madison Bailey is back as Kiara Carrera, grappling with a devastating loss from Season 4. Jonathan Daviss will play Pope Heyward, whose future may involve college and a life with Cleo, played by Carlacia Grant, who remains a fierce addition to the group.

Supporting cast members Drew Starkey as Rafe Cameron and Austin North as Topper Thornton are also likely to return, continuing their complex roles in the Kook-Pogue rivalry. Newer characters from Season 4, such as J. Anthony Crane as Chandler Groff, Pollyanna McIntosh as Dalia, and Mia Challis as Ruthie, may reappear, depending on their Season 5 storylines. There’s also potential for familiar faces from earlier seasons to make cameo appearances, given the final season’s significance.

Notably, Rudy Pankow will not return as JJ Maybank, whose shocking death in Season 4—stabbed by his biological father, Chandler Groff—left fans reeling. Pankow confirmed his exit, expressing gratitude for the role and the memories. However, some speculate JJ could appear in flashbacks or visions, especially as the Pogues seek to avenge his death, though no official confirmation exists.

Plot Speculations: Revenge, Redemption, and the Blue Crown

While Netflix hasn’t released an official synopsis, Season 4’s cliffhanger provides clues about Season 5’s direction. The Season 4 finale saw the Pogues in Morocco, chasing the Blue Crown, a treasure tied to the infamous pirate Blackbeard. The mission took a tragic turn with JJ’s death, leaving the Pogues vowing revenge against Chandler Groff, who now possesses the crown. The creators have hinted that the Blue Crown hunt will carry through to the end, serving as the central treasure quest for Season 5.

Beyond treasure, Season 5 will likely explore themes of redemption and friendship, honoring JJ’s legacy. Kiara, devastated by JJ’s death, may lead the charge for vengeance, potentially clashing with her friends’ goals. John B and Sarah’s impending parenthood will shift their priorities, possibly pushing them toward stability over adventure. Pope, on the run from the law, faces an uncertain future, while Cleo’s loyalty to the Pogues will be tested. The creators have emphasized that JJ’s death was a planned part of the story, setting up a season that embodies the group’s bond.

The showrunners have also teased a long-planned final scene, envisioned since the series began. While details remain secret, they’ve described it as a fitting conclusion to the Pogues’ journey, likely blending emotional closure with the high-octane action fans love. The season may revisit Kildare Island, contrasting the global scope of Season 4’s Morocco adventure with the Pogues’ roots in North Carolina. There’s also buzz about a potential prequel series, Kildare, exploring the origins of the Kook-Pogue divide, which could tie into Season 5’s narrative.

Why Season 5 Matters: The Pogues’ Legacy

Outer Banks has been a cultural phenomenon, blending teen drama with action-packed treasure hunts. Its success—evidenced by Season 4’s No. 1 global ranking and 27 weeks in Netflix’s Top 10 English TV List—stems from its relatable characters, escapist adventures, and themes of loyalty and rebellion. Season 5 is poised to cement this legacy, delivering closure for fans who’ve followed the Pogues since 2020.

The creators’ commitment to their original vision ensures Season 5 won’t overstay its welcome, unlike some series that linger past their prime. With filming set to begin in June 2025 and a 2026 release on the horizon, fans have time to rewatch Seasons 1–4 on Netflix and speculate about the Pogues’ final adventure. Whether it’s avenging JJ, securing the Blue Crown, or finding peace, Season 5 promises to be a heartfelt farewell to Kildare Island.

So, grab your bandana and hop in the Twinkie—one last Pogue adventure awaits in 2026. P4L!