Outer Banks Season 5: Key Insights Following JJ’s Shocking Death

Outer Banks’ fifth and concluding season has hit some bumps after the divisive choice to eliminate the beloved character JJ Maybank.

This popular Netflix series, which first premiered in 2020, portrays the rivalry between two teenage groups in a North Carolina coastal town. The Kooks, the affluent locals, stand in stark contrast to the Pogues, the working class. Their quest for lost treasure further exacerbates their conflicts, while a tight-knit friendship evolves among the main characters.

In November 2024, it was announced that the series would conclude the storylines of John B (Chase Stokes), Sarah (Madelyn Cline), Kiara (Madison Bailey), Pope (Jonathan Daviss), JJ (Rudy Pankow), and Cleo (Carlacia Grant) in season 5. While fans were eager for one last adventure with the Pogues, their anticipation turned sour with the season 4 finale revealing JJ’s unexpected demise.

Despite some viewers critiquing the seemingly out-of-the-blue decision to remove a core character, executive producer Jonas Pate asserted that JJ’s death had been part of the plan all along.

“It’s been kind of lurking in his DNA from the beginning. He’s really a tragic figure, and the idea of mortality and the finite nature of time is a recurring theme,” Pate explained to The Hollywood Reporter in November 2024. “Believe it or not, this has always been part of the plan, and we aimed to convey the story in the most engaging way possible.”

Pankow expressed his thoughts on the unexpected narrative twist as well, stating to Netflix’s Tudum, “When I first learned JJ would risk everything and ultimately not survive, it made sense. The stakes were continually heightened. His death really sets the tone for the future of OBX, asking the question: what is truly worth it? When someone so close is lost, how does one move forward?”

The fifth season will delve into Kiara’s pursuit of revenge following her boyfriend’s passing. Outer Banks will also explore whether the Pogues can successfully conclude their final treasure hunt while striving for a lasting future.

Stay tuned for all the latest updates regarding season 5 of Outer Banks:

When Will Netflix Release ‘Outer Banks’ Season 5?

In November 2024, executive producers Jonas, Josh Pate, and Shannon Burke revealed that they were in the process of scripting the final season. A tentative production start date is set for spring 2025, suggesting that season 5 may premiere in 2026.

Who Is Returning — And Who Is Joining — The Final Season?

Stokes, Cline, Bailey, Daviss, Grant, Drew Starkey, and Austin North are anticipated to return. The executive producers also confirmed that Dalia’s (played by Pollyanna McIntosh) storyline isn’t finished yet as she seeks to reclaim the crown from Chandler Groff (J. Anthony Crane).

Season 5 will provide updates on Sarah and Rafe’s stepmother, Rose (Caroline Arapoglou), and their sister, Wheezie (Julia Antonelli), who were both absent following Ward’s (Charles Esten) demise. The fate of Rafe (Starkey) and Sofia’s (Fiona Palomo) engagement will also be addressed after her betrayal.

Crane and Cullen Moss have been elevated to series regulars for season 5.

Where Does the Story Pick Up?

The fourth season concluded with the Pogues—and Rafe—laying JJ to rest in Morocco after he was stabbed by his biological father, Chandler. Chandler fled with the blue crown, leaving the treasure still unclaimed. However, Kiara and the others are primarily motivated by a desire for revenge against Chandler for JJ’s murder.

Outer Banks also disclosed that Sarah is expecting a child with John B. Meanwhile, Pope has run away from home after vowing to enlist in the military, and Rafe has been cheated out of money by Chandler.

Will More Pogues Die?

During a November 2024 interview with Deadline, the show’s creators discussed the choice to eliminate a Pogue.

“The overarching vision was to begin with a group of kids just wanting to have fun and then take them on this extensive journey,” Burke reflected. “One of them was destined to die, and early on, we determined it would be JJ, given his reckless nature. He’s beloved, incredibly giving, and willing to take risks. This would be JJ’s season.”

He continued, “The characters are growing up. We aimed to start in a place of innocence and shift to a darker moment for them, ultimately allowing them to overcome it. That has always been the plan for Outer Banks. It was always meant to be JJ; we just didn’t know how.”

The trio did not specify whether any other members of that friend group would be at risk of being killed off before the series finale of Outer Banks.

Who Is the Season 5 Villain?

Outer Banks will continue to delve into the character of Chandler, who murdered his own son.

“You’re correct to suggest it seems overly cruel; part of the work in season 5 will involve revisiting his motivations,” Burke shared with Deadline. “The story is ongoing, and we are only partway through it. There’s significant potential for development in season 5, particularly regarding his reasoning.”

Will Kiara Get Revenge After JJ’s Death?

The question of whether Kiara will follow through on her vow for revenge remains uncertain.

“That’s where we begin, but I expect it will evolve through various phases,” Jonas hinted to Deadline. “If you look at The Count of Monte Cristo, a classic tale of revenge starts with vengeance but transitions into themes of understanding and forgiveness. So while we kick off with revenge, the journey will take different directions.”

Season 5 will center on Kiara’s path, with Josh adding, “Kiara will be a significant focus, but we also want to allocate more time to Cleo. Balancing all these stories is challenging, but we aim to honor her character.”

Jonas continued, “Kiara will be the backbone of this season, similar to how JJ was in the previous one. It’s the final season, and we hope to bring all narratives to a satisfying conclusion, despite the inherent bandwidth challenges.”

Could Rudy Return?

“That’s an excellent question—perhaps? I wouldn’t dismiss the possibility,” Burke hinted to Entertainment Weekly in November 2024. “While I wouldn’t confirm it, I also wouldn’t be shocked if it occurred.”

Regardless of Pankow’s possible return, JJ’s death will become a central driving force for the fifth and final season.

“This will be the primary narrative for the remainder of season 5—an emotional core that isn’t resolved quickly,” Burke elaborated. “It will profoundly influence the characters and become the emotional center of the series. Mourning will be merely one aspect, but they will all grapple with how this loss reshapes their friendships.”

What Will Happen to Sarah as She Navigates Pregnancy?

According to Josh, Outer Banks intentionally wrote Sarah’s pregnancy storyline after she had expressed hesitance toward motherhood.

“That was why we decided to go in that direction,” he told Cosmopolitan in November 2024, with Jonas adding, “It felt organic and was consistent with our broader vision for the series.”

The trio was queried about the consideration of showing Sarah exploring her options during the pregnancy, to which Jonas replied, “We certainly discussed various potential outcomes for that story early on, but as Shannon mentioned, they are committed to each other—they’re married within their unique circumstances. It felt authentic to their storyline.”

He concluded, “There was no overarching message we were considering outside of these two characters’ journey. Audience interpretations may vary, but that wasn’t our intention.”

Will There Be Spinoffs?

“We’re thrilled about season 5 and are eager for other stories within this universe in the future,” Jonas, Josh, and Burke shared with Deadline regarding Outer Banks. While they refrained from revealing specifics about future projects, reports indicate that while no offshoots are in development, they are under consideration.

North later shared with Us Weekly his enthusiasm for exploring a spinoff centered around his character.

“This show is truly special, and I’m grateful to be a part of it. It’d be exciting to see where these characters go, so a spinoff would be fantastic,” he stated in November 2024. “I would be very open to that. It would be a lot of fun, and I could pursue other projects simultaneously.”

Could Topper Join the Pogues in Season 5?

“There’s potential for redemption for Topper. Ultimately, I believe he’s a good person,” North hinted to Us. “You witness glimpses of his better nature, and I could envision him becoming more aligned with the Pogues in season 5. Maybe he could empathize with their struggles, accept their diverse backgrounds, and bond with them.”

The actor added, “At the end of the day, I’m confident in the creative team’s vision. I’m committed to my role and aim to bring my best performance. Wherever the story leads, I will follow.”