The sun-soaked shores of North Carolina’s Outer Banks are calling fans back for one last adventure. Outer Banks, the hit Netflix series that blends treasure-hunting thrills with teen drama, is gearing up for its fifth and final season. Since its debut in 2020, the show has captivated audiences with its tale of the Pogues, a tight-knit group of working-class teens chasing gold, glory, and answers to life-altering mysteries. With Season 4’s explosive finale leaving fans reeling, anticipation for Season 5 is at an all-time high. Here’s everything we know so far about the filming start date, release timeline, cast, plot, and what lies ahead for the Pogues as they paddle out for their final ride.

Filming Start Date: When the Cameras Roll

Production for Outer Banks Season 5 is set to begin in June 2025, a slight delay from earlier expectations of a spring start. Filming is expected to kick off on June 16, 2025, primarily in Charleston, South Carolina, which has served as the show’s stand-in for the Outer Banks since its inception. There’s also buzz about potential filming in Croatia, possibly Dubrovnik, a location known for hosting major productions like Game of Thrones and Star Wars: The Last Jedi. This international shoot could add a new dimension to the Pogues’ global treasure hunt.

The production timeline is projected to run through the end of 2025, likely wrapping by December. This schedule aligns with previous seasons, which typically required seven to eight months of filming. However, the delay from spring to June has sparked speculation about logistical challenges, such as coordinating the cast’s increasingly busy schedules or accommodating the show’s ambitious scope. Despite the pushback, the creators are committed to delivering a visually stunning finale, with Charleston’s coastal charm and potential Croatian backdrops promising a feast for the eyes.

Release Timeline: When Will Season 5 Hit Netflix?

Fans hoping for a 2025 release may be disappointed, as the extended filming schedule points to a 2026 premiere. Based on the production timelines of past seasons, Outer Banks typically requires about 10 to 16 months from the start of filming to release. Season 4, for example, began filming in June 2023 and wrapped in June 2024, with Part 1 debuting in October 2024 and Part 2 in November 2024. The 2023 writers’ and actors’ strikes contributed to that 16-month gap, but without similar disruptions, Season 5 could aim for a tighter turnaround.

A spring 2026 release is a reasonable estimate, potentially in April or May, though Netflix’s packed 2025 slate—including heavyweights like Stranger Things, Wednesday, and Squid Game—may push Outer Banks to mid-2026 to avoid overcrowding. The final season is expected to follow the show’s tradition of 10 episodes, possibly split into two parts, as seen with Season 4’s release strategy. This staggered approach allows Netflix to build anticipation and keep the show in the global conversation longer, especially after Season 4’s strong performance, which saw it dominate the Top 10 English TV List in 74 countries.

The Plot: A Personal and Vengeful Finale

Season 4 ended with a gut-punch for fans, setting the stage for an emotionally charged Season 5. The Pogues’ hunt for Blackbeard’s treasure, specifically the elusive Blue Crown, took them to Morocco, where betrayal and tragedy struck. The loss of a beloved character has shifted the group’s focus from treasure to something far more personal: revenge. The creators have hinted that the Blue Crown storyline will carry through to the series’ end, but the narrative will pivot toward the Pogues grappling with grief, seeking justice, and finding closure.

The story will likely center on John B. Routledge, the Pogues’ fearless leader, as he navigates impending fatherhood and the weight of loss. His relationship with Sarah Cameron, who is pregnant, will explore themes of family and responsibility, complicated by her fractured ties to her Kook lineage. Kiara Carrera, reeling from personal tragedy, will wrestle with her future and her strained relationship with her parents. Pope Heyward’s arc may address his uncertain fate, while Cleo, the group’s newest member, will continue to prove her loyalty. The creators have emphasized that the season will remain grounded, balancing high-stakes action with the intimate, character-driven moments that have defined the show.

New antagonists and unresolved threads will keep the tension high. The enigmatic Chandler Groff, who played a pivotal role in Season 4’s climax, is set to return, with his backstory shedding light on his motivations. The Pogues’ quest for vengeance may lead them to confront Groff and other dangerous foes, possibly taking them beyond the familiar shores of the Outer Banks to exotic locales like Croatia. The creators have long known the show’s final scene, a vision they’ve held since 2017, promising a conclusion that feels both surprising and inevitable.

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

The core Pogues are expected to return, led by Chase Stokes as John B. and Madelyn Cline as Sarah Cameron. Madison Bailey (Kiara), Jonathan Daviss (Pope), and Carlacia Grant (Cleo) are also likely to reprise their roles, bringing the group’s dynamic chemistry to the forefront. Drew Starkey’s Rafe Cameron, Sarah’s troubled brother, will continue his complex journey, joined by Fiona Palomo as Sofia, his former fiancée, and Pollyanna McIntosh as the ruthless Dalia. Supporting players like Austin North (Topper Thornton), J. Anthony Crane (Chandler Groff), and possibly Caroline Arapoglou (Rose Cameron) and Julia Antonelli (Wheezie Cameron) are expected to appear, adding depth to the Kook-Pogue conflict.

Notably, Rudy Pankow will not return as JJ Maybank in a regular capacity due to his character’s fate in Season 4. However, fans speculate he could appear in flashbacks or dream sequences, given the creators’ tendency to experiment with alternate endings and nonlinear storytelling. Pankow’s emotional farewell to the show underscored the impact of his role, and his absence will loom large over the Pogues’ final chapter.

The Creators’ Vision: A Five-Season Journey

From the outset, creators Jonas Pate, Josh Pate, and Shannon Burke envisioned Outer Banks as a five-season saga. Inspired by a 2017 photo of teens on a beach during a power outage, they crafted a story about friendship, adventure, and the pursuit of freedom against a backdrop of class divides. The show’s blend of campy thrills and heartfelt moments has resonated with audiences, earning it critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase. Season 5 is poised to be the creators’ most ambitious yet, with a feature-length finale episode designed to deliver a powerful, satisfying end.

The creators have teased that the season will explore the Pogues’ growth from reckless teens to young adults facing adult challenges. Themes of mortality, loyalty, and redemption will take center stage, reflecting the show’s evolution from a lighthearted treasure hunt to a darker, more introspective drama. The decision to end after five seasons ensures the story remains fresh, avoiding the risk of overstaying its welcome as the cast ages.

What Fans Can Expect

As Outer Banks prepares for its final season, fans can anticipate a rollercoaster of emotions. The Pogues’ journey has always been about more than gold—it’s about the bonds that hold them together in the face of impossible odds. Season 5 will test those bonds like never before, with high-stakes action, heart-wrenching drama, and moments of levity that capture the spirit of “Pogues 4 Life.” The potential Croatian shoot hints at a grander scale, while the focus on revenge and closure promises a deeply personal story.

The wait until 2026 may feel long, but the creators’ track record suggests it will be worth it. With scripts in development and filming set to begin, the Pogues are ready to paddle out one last time. Whether they find treasure, peace, or something else entirely, their final adventure is sure to leave a lasting mark.

Looking Ahead: The Legacy of Outer Banks

As Outer Banks approaches its conclusion, its impact on pop culture is undeniable. The show has launched its cast into stardom, with stars like Madelyn Cline and Chase Stokes taking on major film roles. It’s also inspired a passionate fan community, from cosplay events to “Poguelandia” fan gatherings. Rumors of a prequel series, Kildare, suggest the Outer Banks universe may live on, but for now, Season 5 is the Pogues’ swan song.

So, grab your surfboard and get ready for one last ride with John B., Sarah, Kiara, Pope, and Cleo. The treasure hunt isn’t over yet, and the Pogues are going out with a bang. Stay tuned for more updates as production ramps up, and prepare to say goodbye to the Outer Banks in style.